The Vacation Rental Boom: Why Winter 24/25 Saw Historic Demand

At InvitedHome, we specialize in premier ski vacation rentals across some of Colorado and Utah's most sought-after mountain destinations—including Telluride, Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Park City, Alta, and Deer Valley. The 2024/25 winter season has gone down as one of the busiest ever recorded for the U.S. ski industry, and it had a powerful impact on the vacation rental market.

According to the latest National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) data, the 2024/25 ski season tallied 61.5 million skier visits nationwide. This represents a 1.7% increase from the previous season and ranks as the second busiest ski season on record. The only season that surpassed it was the extraordinary post-COVID 2022/23 winter, which saw an unprecedented surge in ski tourism.

This steady growth in skier visits reflects a strong, healthy industry. While snowfall was below average in some regions, skier enthusiasm did not wane. Instead, increased capital investment in ski resort infrastructure—from new lifts and trail expansions to enhanced guest services—kept visitors excited and coming back for more.

For the vacation rental market, this translated into higher occupancy rates, earlier booking windows, and demand across various property types. From cozy mountain condos to luxury chalets with ski-in/ski-out access, guests were eager to secure their perfect home base for winter adventures.

• Season Pass Popularity: Nearly half (49%) of skier visits were made using season passes such as the Epic and Ikon passes, which offer access to multiple resorts across regions. These passes encourage repeat visits and longer stays, increasing rental demand.
• Infrastructure Investments: Resorts across the Rockies and Pacific Northwest reinvested roughly 28% of lift ticket revenue into infrastructure, improving lift capacity, snowmaking, and guest amenities. This enhances the overall experience, attracting more visitors.
• Outdoor Recreation Trends: The sustained interest in outdoor activities following the pandemic has kept winter sports in high demand. Skiing and snowboarding remain accessible, healthy ways to reconnect with nature and family.

The Rocky Mountain region, which includes Colorado, Utah, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, and New Mexico, accounted for 42.9% of all skier visits nationally and enjoyed its third busiest season in recorded history. Resorts in this region—such as Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Telluride, Park City, Deer Valley, and Alta—experienced exceptional visitor numbers.

At InvitedHome, we noticed a surge in bookings across all these markets, reflecting the broader industry trends. Many travelers prioritized vacation rentals that offer spacious, comfortable accommodations with easy access to the slopes and local amenities.

If you’re planning a ski getaway in the coming seasons, understanding these trends can help you secure the ideal vacation rental. With demand rising and ski resorts enhancing their offerings, it’s wise to book early and choose properties that align with your group’s needs—a family-friendly home near beginner slopes or a luxurious retreat with mountain views and upscale amenities.

Industry leaders anticipate that the 2024/25 season may set a new baseline for sustainable skiing and vacation rentals growth. While snow conditions vary year to year, investments in infrastructure, technology, and guest experience create a more resilient industry that can continue to thrive.

At InvitedHome, we remain committed to helping our guests find the perfect mountain getaway that balances adventure and comfort. Our curated portfolio of vacation homes in Colorado and Utah reflects the diversity of traveler preferences and has access to some of the best ski destinations in the country. Ready to experience the excitement of a record-setting ski season? Explore our handpicked vacation rentals and start planning your winter escape today.