Mountain Rose Realty — Telluride, Colorado
Telluride Lodging & Air Service Update: Fall Insights and Winter Outlook — featured image

Telluride Lodging & Air Service Update: Fall Insights and Winter Outlook

By 3 min read
Life @ Telluride

Via Telluride Tourism Board

As the golden glow of fall gives way to the first hints of winter, Telluride is transitioning from leaf-peeping season to ski season — and the latest lodging and air service numbers reveal a fascinating snapshot of the local economy.

At Mountain Rose Realty, we keep a close pulse on these trends because understanding Telluride’s visitor patterns and travel forecasts helps us anticipate how Telluride real estate will perform as we head into the snowy season.
LODGING UPDATE

With prime leaf peeping and wedding season in full swing over the past two weeks, total occupancy (paid & owner) closed ahead by 3% YOY at 54%. The pace starts to slow after Horror Fest weekend, from a peak occupancy of 47% on Friday to 24% on Monday, October 13. Total occupancy from October 9 – 19 is tracking 3% behind 2024 at 30%, and Average Daily Rate (ADR) has increased by 16%. 
 
The summer season (May 22 – Oct 19) is now 3% behind in occupancy, and ADRs are 3% ahead. May, June, and July were slower YOY, while August and September closed slightly ahead. October has lost traction over the past week, and is now pacing 6% behind 2024. 
 
Looking ahead to winter, destination total occupancy is pacing 3% higher YOY from December 1 – April 5, while ADR is tracking 1% ahead. All months are pacing ahead in total occupancy, with the exception of March which is now 3% behind. Paid occupancy bookings have slowed over the past few weeks, now pacing 5% behind YOY (16% vs. 17%). At two months out, it’s important to note that numbers are small and can shift at any time as the winter season approaches. 


AIR UPDATE
 
Summer bookings continue to hold flat to down 2% for the season. September will finish flat to just up, with October now up 5+ percent. Winter flights are live, with more than doubled LAX service, Houston capacity up by 17%, and added Saturday flights in March on Southwest from Nashville, one of their key hubs. Winter bookings have been softer since Labor Day, with the season down about 7% overall on early numbers. Trends show that the holidays will fall into a two-week pattern again this year, to note. Schedules and maps are available here.
COLORADO FLIGHTS ALLIANCE DELIVERS
  • According to the most recent RRC – CU Leeds School of Business Study, air service drives nearly 60% of the tourism economic activity in San Miguel County, and 50% of all economic activity.

  • Air service supports 62% of the tourism jobs in San Miguel County, and 50% of all jobs. The SMC Economy is estimated to be 80%+ Tourism-based.

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As air access expands and winter demand builds, Telluride continues to prove why it’s one of the most desirable mountain destinations — not just for visitors, but for homeowners and investors alike. Whether you’re tracking tourism trends or dreaming of a mountain retreat, Anne-Britt Ostlund and Mountain Rose Realty are here to guide you through every season of Telluride real estate. From cozy ski condos to luxury mountain estates, your perfect home in the San Juans awaits.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is Telluride lodging occupancy tracking for winter 2025–2026?
Destination total occupancy is pacing 3% higher year-over-year from December 1 through April 5, with Average Daily Rate (ADR) tracking 1% ahead. All months are showing gains in total occupancy except March, which is running 3% behind 2024.
What changes are happening with air service to Telluride this winter?
Winter air service has expanded significantly, including more than doubled LAX service, Houston capacity up 17%, and new Saturday Southwest flights from Nashville starting in March. However, winter bookings overall are down about 7% on early numbers since Labor Day.
How important is air service to Telluride's economy?
According to the RRC–CU Leeds School of Business study, air service drives nearly 60% of tourism economic activity in San Miguel County and supports 62% of all tourism jobs, underscoring its critical role in the region's 80%+ tourism-based economy.
What happened to Telluride occupancy after Horror Fest weekend in October?
Occupancy dropped sharply from a peak of 47% on Friday to 24% on Monday, October 13, as the fall leaf-peeping and wedding season wound down. October overall is now pacing 6% behind 2024.
How did Telluride's summer season (May–October) perform compared to 2024?
The summer season closed 3% behind in occupancy while Average Daily Rate increased 3%. May, June, and July were slower year-over-year, while August and September closed slightly ahead.