Vrbo Releases New Ski Season Data

Vrbo’s new Key to Ski report shows this winter season is being defined by earlier bookings, concentrated demand in major mountain destinations, and noticeable growth in several emerging ski regions. The data shows that travelers are securing vacation rentals sooner than in previous years as lift-ticket pricing becomes more dynamic and high-amenity homes are getting booked earlier in the season.

Colorado continues to dominate Vrbo’s winter search activity, with Breckenridge, Vail, Beaver Creek, and Steamboat Springs leading the list of most searched destinations on the platform. Palisades Tahoe and Park City continue to draw heavy interest as well. The biggest movement comes from Big Sky, Montana, which posted a 20% year-over-year increase in vacation rental demand, making it the fastest-growing ski market on Vrbo.

The report shows guests are booking further ahead than in previous years, partly due to dynamic lift-ticket pricing that rewards early buyers. Vrbo says the most desirable homes, especially those with ski-in/ski-out access, gear storage, hot tubs, or close resort proximity, are typically secured two months or more in advance. The early surge is especially visible in Colorado, where half the homes near Breckenridge, Vail, and Beaver Creek are already booked for Christmas week.

The data also highlights the rising popularity of spring skiing. Travelers are gravitating toward March and April dates to take advantage of cheaper lift tickets, smaller crowds, and warmer conditions, extending the effective booking season beyond the traditional winter peak.

And interest is spreading beyond the major Western resorts. Vrbo notes increased demand in smaller and lesser-known ski regions across North Carolina, Utah, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Oregon, where lower nightly rates and lift costs appeal to price-sensitive travelers. According to the company’s analysis, the average winter sports traveler spent $2,888 last year on lodging, transportation, gear, and lessons, underscoring ongoing cost pressures that are shaping destination decisions.