As summer ends and the next ski season approaches, outdoor recreation and tourism industry officials are taking stock of lodging statistics across the Mountain West.  A recent report from Inntopia detailed the occupancy rates of several mountain towns, including Park City, from May through Augu st and gave projections for fall and winter months. “Summer in mountain resorts was really positive in general,” said Tom Foley, author of the study. “Rates were up, occupancy up a little bit, and revenue is going to finish up really strong in September and October. The fall months are looking really good as well.”  Park City Chamber/Bureau President and CEO Jennifer Wesselhoff said this year, May lodging increased by 23% compared to 2025, but total occupancy was only at a quarter of capacity across town. May, historically, sees fewer bookings from year to year. Part of the summer success, though, is due to the low revenue over the winter months. Foley explained that regular Park City visitors booked trips in summer months rather than ski trips in February or March.  Visitors also stayed longer because lodging rates are lower in the summer months, generating more revenue around other parts of town. The Chamber/Bureau reported tax revenue was up from general sales tax, restaurants, and recreation, arts and parks.  Looking ahead to winter, Foley predicted a few things that will impact visitorship this year. First, he said an overall lack of consumer confidence and high cost of travel are going to affect winter travel.  When consumer confidence is lower, like it is now, Foley said people are typically less willing to spend money on what he called “discretionary spending.” Travel, especially luxury travel, is included in that category.  “Mountain travel … has been increasingly luxury-based and exclusive as far as pricing goes,” Foley said. “It fills town coffers, and that’s a good thing, but it narrows the audience it’s able to attract.” Foley also cited the increased price of gasoline as a major deterrent to travelers. As close as Park City is to the Salt Lake Airport, flights are more expensive than last year, and many travelers still need to rent a car. “All of a sudden, something’s gotta give,” Foley said. “Either you’re going to go out less often, stay in a less expensive resort, or you’re going to stay fewer nights.” In addition to impacts on the general economy, Foley raised the issue of a “snow hangover,” meaning the snow conditions from the previous season will affect how people plan their ski trips for the next season.  “When you have a bad winter, it has an impact and people are a little bit more hesitant,” Foley said. “When you have the worst snow season in 40 years, as we had last year, it becomes a whole different story.” Foley said their reports indicate a significant decrease in winter bookings compared to this time in previous years.  Wesselhoff said the Chamber/Bureau is extremely mindful of the importance of snow conditions after last year and is focusing on building up off-mountain activities that can be enjoyed all year. “It’s really important to us as we think about how we’re positioning Park City and Summit County for those visitor stays,” Wesselhoff said. “We’re really lucky when we look at our other competitive set; there are a lot of destinations out there that don’t have a lot of other things to do when the skiing might not be ideal.” The Chamber/Bureau expects to feel the loss of Sundance, which ended its decades-long run in Park City earlier this year. However, the World Cup will return to Deer Valley, and the new Snow League competition will be held around the same time as Sundance. Both are anticipated to generate interest. The post Lodging report shows successful summer, uncertain predictions for winter appeared first on Park Record. ...read more read less