How are Telluride lodging bookings recovering after the recent strike?

Bookings are pacing 28% behind last year but have improved 28 points from the lowest impact point and 6 points week-over-week, showing encouraging momentum. February is tracking at 48% total occupancy (7 points behind 2025), while March is holding at 40% (5 points behind), with positive trends beginning in mid-February.

What are current air travel trends to Telluride?

Bookings have returned to regular levels this week. January is down 20% overall, while February and March are tracking 7% down. Next week's passenger totals are expected to be off 15%+, improving toward President's Week.

How do Telluride's lodging and air travel trends affect the real estate market?

Travel and lodging metrics are confidence indicators in a second-home market—they influence how often owners use their properties, short-term rental performance, and how buyers evaluate accessibility. When air and lodging stabilize, it supports buyer demand and keeps the Telluride lifestyle economy strong.

What is the occupancy outlook for Presidents' Week?

Presidents' Week is currently pacing 10% (5 points) behind 2025, with total occupancy at 53% compared to 58% last year.

Telluride Air & Lodging Update (Jan 22–28): Signs of Recovery, Smart Marketing Moves & What It Means for Winter

By Anne-Britt OstlundJanuary 23, 20263 min read

Lifetelluride

Via Telluride Tourism Board

Telluride is officially in its “okay, let’s get back to it” era.

With the strike behind us and the ski resort opening more terrain, the Telluride Tourism Board (TTB) is watching lodging and air travel trends closely for signs of recovery—and we’re finally seeing some encouraging movement. Overall occupancy hasn’t made a dramatic leap yet, but year-over-year bookings are starting to rebound, which is exactly the kind of leading indicator we want as momentum rebuilds.

At Mountain Rose Realty, we pay attention to these signals because the Telluride lifestyle economy directly influences the broader Telluride Real Estate conversation—buyer confidence, seller timing, second-home utilization, and how quickly the market absorbs inventory. (Translation: this isn’t just tourism trivia, it’s market context.) If you’re tracking telluride real estate, watching telluride homes for sale, or considering a move within homes for sale telluride co, this week’s numbers are worth knowing. And yes—Anne-Britt Ostlund is absolutely the person who will translate what this means for your specific plan.

LODGING UPDATE

With the strike behind us, and the ski resort opening more terrain, the TTB is monitoring lodging metrics closely for signs of recovery. While overall occupancy has not yet seen significant movement, YOY bookings are starting to rebound, which is an encouraging indicator as we move forward. Bookings are currently pacing 28% behind last year, but have improved by 28 points from the lowest point of impact, and by 6 points week-over-week.

In an effort to move the needle, the TTB has implemented immediate marketing efforts focused on amplifying the ski resort reopening message and driving near-term bookings.

January continues to experience the largest decline, pacing 22% behind YOY, which is expected given the timing of the disruption. February and March, however, are holding relatively steady. February is currently pacing at 48% total occupancy, 7 points behind last year, while March is tracking 5 points behind 2025 at 40%.

Total occupancy over the next two weeks is pacing 16% behind YOY (42% vs. 50%). Trends begin shifting in a more positive direction in mid-February, with some days now tracking ahead YOY. Presidents’ Week is currently pacing 10% / 5 points behind 2025 in total occupancy, 53% vs. 58%.

Stay tuned for more updates, and think snow!

AIR UPDATE

Bookings returned to regular levels this week, a positive trend. The missed bookings, particularly for January, are not likely to be recovered, while Feb and Mar have held closer to normal averages. Next week’s passenger totals are off 15+ percent, the following week 8-10%, and then improving toward President’s. January is down 20% total, and February and March are tracking 7% down. Let’s hope for a little snow this weekend, while we are still in better shape than some other resorts!

Why This Matters for Telluride Real Estate

In a second-home market, travel and lodging trends aren’t just operational metrics—they’re confidence indicators. They influence how often owners use their homes, how STR performance feels month to month, and how buyers evaluate the “easy button” of getting in and out of town. When air steadies and lodging starts to rebound, it supports demand—and keeps the Telluride lifestyle flywheel turning.

At Mountain Rose Realty, we keep our finger on these dynamics so you can make smarter decisions about timing, pricing, and opportunity in telluride real estate—whether you’re buying, selling, or simply watching the market with a glass of red and a spreadsheet open (no judgment).

👉 Want to explore your options or get a personalized market update?

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Frequently Asked Questions

👉 Want to explore your options or get a personalized market update?: Let’s talk. Schedule your private consultation today - 📲 Stay connected and get the latest Telluride real estate insights—follow us on social! https://www.mountainroserealty.co/contact/https://www.facebook.com/theMountainRosehttps://www.instagram.com/themountainrose/
How are Telluride lodging bookings recovering after the recent strike?: Bookings are pacing 28% behind last year but have improved 28 points from the lowest impact point and 6 points week-over-week, showing encouraging momentum. February is tracking at 48% total occupancy (7 points behind 2025), while March is holding at 40% (5 points behind), with positive trends beginning in mid-February.
What are current air travel trends to Telluride?: Bookings have returned to regular levels this week. January is down 20% overall, while February and March are tracking 7% down. Next week's passenger totals are expected to be off 15%+, improving toward President's Week.
How do Telluride's lodging and air travel trends affect the real estate market?: Travel and lodging metrics are confidence indicators in a second-home market—they influence how often owners use their properties, short-term rental performance, and how buyers evaluate accessibility. When air and lodging stabilize, it supports buyer demand and keeps the Telluride lifestyle economy strong.
What is the occupancy outlook for Presidents' Week?: Presidents' Week is currently pacing 10% (5 points) behind 2025, with total occupancy at 53% compared to 58% last year.