March occupancy rates in the mountains leaped an amazing 9.6% year over year. A great sign that the mountain economies are in comback mode; this is the third month in a row showing year over year increases and should mean this ski season will be up overall from the 2008-2009 season. The Travel Price Index was up 0.6% in February meaning that people are willing to pay more for their vacations. Reservations through March for the May through August time period are up 20% over where they were in 2009.

An additional sign that things will continue to improve was The Consumer Confidence Index rose five points in April to its highest level in a year and a half. The index climbed from 52.3 in March to 57.9 in April - its highest mark since a reading of 61.4 in September 2008 (1985=100). The Present Situation Index increased to 28.6 from 25.2, while the Expectations Index improved to 77.4 from 70.4.