New hotel inventory means lower occupancy but more rooms sold in Aspen, Snowmass
Candice Girgis/The Aspen Times
Occupancy rates in Aspen and Snowmass in December were largely on par with the previous year’s rates, but an increase in lodging for visitors is causing a slight downturn in occupancy.
Aspen and Snowmass had a combined occupancy of 55.2% in the month of December, according to the most recent occupancy report. It decreased slightly from December 2022, which saw a 55.7% occupancy rate. But with 6.3% new inventory in the market for lodging, Aspen Snowmass sold 5.2% more rooms in December 2023 than in the previous year.
Aspen recorded a 63.5% occupancy, the highest of all resorts who report to Destimetrics, and Snowmass recorded a 47.3% occupancy, ranking seven out of 14 resorts.
December also had nearly no canceled flights during the peak two-week holiday window; the Aspen Airport reported a 95.8% completion factor for the month of December.
January 2023 is currently pacing behind January 2022 in recorded occupancy and total room nights booked. Aspen’s occupancy for January is currently 61.5% and Snowmass’ is 66.7%, a combined 65% occupancy. Events in the latter half of January like Wintersköl, Gay Ski Week, and X Games may contribute to a higher occupancy for the month.
The winter season as a whole is down 3.6% from last winter. But with the new inventory affecting the amount of available rooms, Aspen Snowmass has sold 1.2% more room nights this winter compared to last winter.
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