ASPEN — A signal of the recession’s end could be taking shape in Aspen, as ski trips and prices reflect growth, officials said.
“Every measure we’re looking at is headed in the right direction, post-recession,” said Bill Tomcich, president of Stay Aspen Snowmass, a central reservations agency.
Combined, Aspen and Snowmass Village are “slightly ahead” of last season in occupancy at the halfway point of the season.
The Aspen Skiing Co.’s skier visits were up 7 percent through Dec. 31 over the start of the prior season, but business faded a bit last month, said spokesman Jeff Hanle.
The average daily rate for accommodations in Aspen rose from $420 per night last year to $430 this year, according to Denver-based Mountain Research Travel Program.
Snowmass Village occupancy was up sharply through January at 7.7 percent. The average daily rate there increased from $316 per night during the first half of last season to $344 so far this season, according to analysts.
