Philipsburg, Montana, a picturesque town nestled in the Rocky Mountains, is a hidden gem for travelers looking for outdoor adventures, history, and natural beauty. As a short-term rental (STR) owner and for Pintler Cabins as the property manager, understanding the seasonality of tourism in Philipsburg is crucial for optimizing your bookings and revenue throughout the year. Utilizing reliable data sources like AirDNA, Transparent, and AllTheRooms, we can get a clearer picture of how the market behaves during different times of the year.
The Philipsburg short term rental market is considered to have high seasonality, according to AirDNA, meaning the majority of bookings happen during specific times of the year-usually related to outdoor activities. Let's take a look at the different seasons during the year.
Peak Seasons: Summer and Winter
According to AirDNA, the most lucrative times for short-term rentals in Philipsburg are during the summer (June-August) and winter (December-February). These periods coincide with peak tourism seasons driven by outdoor activities and holiday travel.
Summer (June-August):
Outdoor Activities: Summer in Philipsburg is all about hiking, fishing, and enjoying the numerous lakes, like Georgetown Lake, and trails in the surrounding areas. Tourists flock to the region to experience the Montana wilderness.
High Occupancy: AirDNA reports that the average occupancy rate during summer reaches 80% or more, with July being the busiest month. Many travelers book cabins or short-term rentals to have closer access to nature.
Higher Average Daily Rate (ADR): As demand increases, the ADR also peaks, sometimes 20-30% higher than the annual average. Listings with amenities such as lake access or mountain views tend to perform particularly well.
Winter (December-February):
Skiing and Winter Sports: Discovery Ski Area, located just outside Philipsburg, draws snow enthusiasts throughout the winter. This influx of visitors boosts the occupancy rate for short-term rentals.
Holiday Travel: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s bring an additional surge in bookings as families look for cozy cabins to spend the holidays. This period sees similar occupancy rates to summer, often around 75-80%.
Winter Premium Pricing: Like the summer months, winter also brings higher-than-average daily rates, especially around holidays, when guests are willing to pay a premium for a festive retreat.
Shoulder Seasons: Fall and Spring
While Philipsburg sees its highest visitor numbers in summer and winter, fall (September-November) and spring (March-May) offer more moderate but still profitable opportunities for short-term rental owners.
Fall (September-November):
Quieter: After Labor Day, the tourist crowds start to thin, but Philipsburg continues to attract some visitors looking for a quieter experience. Fall is a prime season for activities like fishing, hunting, and enjoying the stunning autumn foliage.
Occupancy Trends: AirDNA shows that occupancy rates dip to around 50-60% during these months, but fall can still be a profitable time due to a mix of local events and travelers seeking off-season deals. November is historically the slowest month of the Fall season.
Stable ADR: While prices aren’t as high as in summer, fall daily rates remain stable, offering a good balance between occupancy and revenue.
Spring (March-May):
Mud Season: In many mountain towns, spring is considered the “mud season,” where melting snow makes outdoor activities less appealing. However, Philipsburg’s charming downtown and mining history still draw a steady stream of visitors.
Lower Occupancy but Opportunity: During this period, occupancy can drop to as low as 40-50%, according to data from Transparent. April is historically the slowest month of the Spring season. However, strategic pricing and marketing can still attract guests looking for peaceful getaways.
Competitive Pricing: Offering discounted rates in the spring can help capture budget-conscious travelers, especially those looking for deals before the summer rush. Emphasizing your rental's unique features, such as proximity to town or a private hot tub, can make your listing stand out.
How to utilize the shoulder seasons to your advatange? Take this time to schedule things like deep cleans and property maintenance, or consider using some of the revenue from the peak season to do some property or amenity upgrades. All of these things will help you to ensure 5 star reviews and more visibility to guests on the rental sites.
Maximizing Revenue Throughout the Year
To take advantage of Philipsburg’s seasonality, it’s important to adjust your strategy depending on the time of year. Here are a few tips based on AllTheRooms and AirDNA data:
Dynamic Pricing: We utilize PriceLabs to automatically adjust your rates based on demand and occupancy trends. Dynamic pricing allows us to maximize revenue during peak seasons while offering competitive rates during slower periods.
Off-Season Promotions: We are currently working on ways to attract guests in shoulder seasons by offering deals such as discounted weekly rates or package deals that include local experiences like brewery tours or discounted ski passes.
Optimize Your Listing: Professional photos, a well-crafted description, and glowing reviews are always important but become even more critical during shoulder seasons. We recognize the importance of highlighting unique amenities like outdoor fire pits, proximity to Discovery Ski Area, or being walking distance to Philipsburg’s historic downtown.
Cater to Different Guest Types: In peak seasons, we focus on adventure travelers, families, and holidaymakers. During shoulder seasons, we seek to attract couples, retirees, or solo travelers looking for a quiet, scenic retreat.
Market to Returning Guests: Encourage your guests to return by offering them exclusive discounts or early access to summer and winter bookings. Direct booking strategies, like the ones we use at Pintler Cabins, can help you bypass booking platform fees and foster loyalty.
Seasonality plays a huge role in shaping the short-term rental market in Philipsburg, Montana. With careful planning and strategic pricing, we can help you maximize your rental income during peak times while keeping your property occupied during quieter months. By using data from sources like AirDNA, we gain valuable insights into when and how to market your property most effectively.
For more information on how to optimize your Philipsburg short-term rental throughout the year, reach out to us here. We specialize in helping owners make the most of their vacation properties, no matter the season.
Comments