Happy Opening Day to those who celebrate. As the 2024-25 ski season begins, the excitement in Eagle County is unmistakable as it is every year at this time. But there’s more than powder and bluebird days at stake. For our local economy, the ski season represents a significant boost, bringing a wave of visitors, job opportunities, and economic activity that supports businesses large and small. Here’s a look at what we might expect from the season ahead and the factors shaping the outlook for the season.

If the past few seasons have taught us anything, people are eager to travel and reconnect with the outdoors, and mountain travel has proven resilient. After a spike in occupancy coming out of the pandemic, things have normalized. According to early booking data and trends, demand for ski vacations remains strong for our destination, especially among affluent travelers and families prioritizing activity-driven vacations.

While demand looks promising, the flip side is that local businesses continue to grapple with a persistent labor shortage—a challenge that affects everything from customer service to operational capacity. Eagle County’s high cost of living and limited affordable housing options are key factors driving this issue.

Inflation and rising travel costs have had a ripple effect on consumer spending, and while Eagle County’s affluent visitors tend to be more resilient, the pinch can still be felt. According to recent surveys, travelers are increasingly budget-conscious, and many are opting for shorter stays or bundling activities and accommodations to get the most value. Ski vacations are a premium experience, and while demand remains high, visitors are looking to maximize their dollars. That said, we are fortunate to have added flight service from two low-cost carriers (Alaska Airlines and Frontier Airlines) to the Eagle County Regional Airport which should help diversify our guest base and provide additional access to our community.

One of the most important trends we’re seeing, especially among younger and international visitors, is a heightened focus on sustainable tourism and being good stewards. Eagle County’s natural beauty is a major draw, and travelers want to know that their presence here isn’t contributing to environmental degradation. Businesses that prioritize sustainable practices—such as using locally sourced ingredients, minimizing waste, or offering eco-friendly lodging options—are finding themselves more competitive.

Sustainability isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s quickly becoming a business imperative. Local organizations like Vail Resorts have already committed to achieving a zero-carbon footprint, and local businesses can build on this momentum by integrating sustainable practices into their operations using the Actively Green Certification program from Walking Mountains. Not only is this good for the environment, but it also appeals to the values of many modern travelers, creating a more loyal customer base and a brand identity that resonates in a positive way.

The bottom line is the 2024-25 ski season looks promising for Eagle County, but it’s also clear that success requires intentionality. Our loyal visitor demand provides an excellent foundation, new flights to Eagle County Regional Airport add reasons for optimism, yet labor challenges, inflation pressures, and environmental expectations mean that local businesses must be prepared to adjust on the fly.

This season promises to be a good one; while we may not be setting records, but we will continue to be a leader in the mountain travel landscape and should be optimistic for the season ahead. Here’s to a winter that brings our community together, supports our local economy, and keeps Eagle County at the forefront of unforgettable mountain experiences. Ski you on the slopes!

Chris Romer is president & CEO of Vail Valley Partnership, the regional chamber of commerce. Learn more at VailValleyPartnership.com