Summer has officially arrived in Eagle County. Patios will soon be buzzing, trailheads will be busy, event calendars are full, and our mountain towns are gearing up for the warm-weather season that’s become every bit as vital to our economy as winter.

While the sun might be shining, the outlook for our local business community this summer is, frankly, complex and even murky.

We continue to operate within a dynamic global economy shaped by factors far beyond our valley floor. Macroeconomic conditions (including geopolitical tensions, inflationary pressures due to trade policies, and eroding consumer sentiment) are influencing how visitors choose to travel. While inflation fell to 2.4% in March (its lowest level in four years), monthly price increases and trade policy shifts are keeping markets unsettled, and consumer confidence has dropped to its lowest point since 2020.

Despite these economic headwinds, travel intent remains strong. National research shows that 94% of Americans plan to take a trip in the next six months — and Western travelers, in particular, are comparatively optimistic. With above-average travel budgets and a strong preference for leisure travel, they continue to prioritize experiences, even amid economic uncertainty.

For mountain destinations like ours, that means visitors will still come, but they’ll expect more value, authenticity, and high-quality service. Industry-wide, booking windows are shortening, and stays are becoming slightly shorter. In Vail specifically, we’re pacing slightly ahead of industry benchmarks, though our destination also faces sustainability challenges as inflation may outpace revenue growth. Lodging data suggests steady occupancy, but rate sensitivity may force some properties to adjust prices or risk-suppressed bookings.

This shift presents both a challenge and an opportunity for local businesses. Those who differentiate through service, local connection, and memorable experiences will have a clear advantage.

Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) remains a vital asset. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the EGE Air Alliance and our partners, we offer strong summer air service with direct flights from Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Chicago, and Houston. While the national airline industry is navigating increased costs and operational constraints, our continued investment in air service gives Eagle County a competitive edge.

Closer to home, Eagle County’s summer economy is driven by marquee events like the GoPro Mountain Games, Bravo! Vail, and Vail Dance Festival. These not only enhance our cultural vibrancy, but they also provide tangible economic impact. Our outdoor recreation, youth sports tournaments, and mountain hospitality continue to attract both returning guests and new visitors alike.

To bolster early summer visitation, Vail and Beaver Creek are running targeted summer specials to attract visitors and promote our destination. EGE Air Alliance, with support from the Eagle County Lodging Sales Tax Committee, is promoting our non-stop flights. These are smart examples of how local stakeholders are responding proactively to evolving travel patterns.

Of course, external variables remain. Wildfire risk, shifting consumer sentiment, and broader economic uncertainty could influence traveler behavior with little notice. Still, the Western U.S. travel segment, which includes many of our most loyal visitors, remains relatively resilient and continues to prioritize travel.

As we look to Summer 2025, there are reasons for opportunity amid the uncertainty. Eagle County is well-positioned to capitalize on strong travel intent, but success will favor those who remain nimble, responsive, and relentlessly focused on guest experience.

Let’s welcome our summer guests with the warmth, hospitality, and authenticity that sets our community apart. Let’s celebrate the season together - on the trails, at our events, and across our local businesses - knowing that a thriving summer economy benefits us all.

Chris Romer is president & CEO of Vail Valley Partnership, 3-time national chamber of the year. Learn more at VailValleyPartnership.com