Managing a short-term rental in Utah can be incredibly lucrative during peak seasons. Whether it’s ski season in Park City, summer festivals in Salt Lake City, or the red rock adventures of Moab, there’s no shortage of high-traffic periods that keep your calendar full and your nightly rates high.
But what happens when the crowds fade and the demand slows down?
For many hosts, the off-peak seasons—like mud season in the spring or the lull between summer and winter tourism—can lead to decreased bookings and lower profits. Fortunately, with the right strategy, you don’t have to let slow months eat into your revenue.
Here’s how to keep your Utah short-term rental profitable year-round, even during the slowest seasons.
1. Implement Dynamic Pricing to Stay Competitive
One of the biggest mistakes hosts make is using static pricing year-round. During off-peak seasons, traveler demand drops, and sticking to high-season rates can push your property out of consideration for cost-conscious guests.
Solution: Use dynamic pricing tools like Pricelabs, Beyond Pricing, or Airbnb’s built-in Smart Pricing. These tools analyze local data in real time—such as supply and demand, local events, seasonality trends, and competitor pricing—and automatically adjust your nightly rates to stay competitive.
Tactical Tip:
Don’t just lower prices blindly—strategically reduce them for weekdays while maintaining higher pricing for weekends, holidays, or local event dates. Consider also setting minimum and maximum price caps to protect your margins while staying flexible.
2. Offer Long-Term Stay Discounts to Attract Remote Workers
Since 2020, there’s been a permanent shift in how people travel. Many remote workers now seek long-term rentals in scenic, peaceful destinations where they can work and recharge.
Utah is perfect for this. From quiet mountain towns like Heber City to off-the-beaten-path destinations like Escalante or Cedar City, there are countless places remote workers can escape to for a working vacation.
Strategies to Consider:
- Offer weekly or monthly discounts (Airbnb allows you to set both).
- Include remote work-friendly amenities, such as:
- High-speed Wi-Fi
- Desk or ergonomic workspace
- Monitor or keyboard upon request
- Coffee and tea station
- Quiet surroundings
- High-speed Wi-Fi
Pro Tip:
In your listing title and description, use keywords like “remote work retreat,” “long-term stay,” or “perfect for digital nomads.” These are searchable phrases and can help increase your visibility on platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, or even Google.
3. Promote Local Experiences and Off-Season Activities
Even in the slowest months, there are always reasons to visit Utah—guests just might not know them yet. You can be the one to show them.
Ideas to Highlight:
- Fall: Leaf-peeping drives in Provo Canyon, local harvest festivals, hiking in cooler temps
- Winter (off-peak dates): Snowshoeing, ice fishing, cozy cabin getaways, hot spring soaking
- Spring: Waterfall hikes, fewer crowds at Zion or Bryce Canyon, scenic biking trails
Partnership Tip:
Reach out to local businesses—outfitters, guides, or cafes—and create small partnerships. Offer guests a discount on snowshoe rentals or a voucher for coffee at a nearby shop in exchange for a shoutout in your welcome guide.
Marketing Tip:
Use Instagram Reels or TikToks to showcase these experiences. “Hidden Gems Near My Airbnb in Utah” or “What to Do in Moab in March” are content ideas that can go viral and drive bookings.
4. Refresh Your Listing with Seasonal Visuals and Copy
A picture is worth a thousand bookings. OK, not always—but great photos and descriptions do convert better.
What to Update:
- Photos: Add new images showing your property in seasonal settings—fall leaves, cozy winter scenes, spring blossoms, etc.
- Description: Adjust your listing to include relevant seasonal details. Mention fire pits, warm blankets, proximity to fall hikes, or how your hot tub is perfect after a snowy adventure.
- Headline: Rotate your title to reflect the season. For example:
- “Winter Wonderland Cabin | Near Snowbasin”
- “Fall Escape | Minutes from Zion | Fire Pit & Views”
- “Remote Work Oasis | Fast Wi-Fi | Month-Long Discount”
- “Winter Wonderland Cabin | Near Snowbasin”
Pro Tip:
Invest in professional photography at least once a year and supplement with seasonal phone photos in between.
5. Add Value with Thoughtful Amenities
In slower seasons, guests are making more careful decisions. Adding a few thoughtful touches can be the deciding factor between you and another listing.
Suggested Amenities:
- For colder months:
- Electric blankets
- Heated mattress pads
- A fireplace or space heater
- S’mores kits for fire pits
- Electric blankets
- For long-term guests:
- Washer and dryer
- Cleaning supplies
- Fully stocked kitchen with coffee, tea, oil, and spices
- Washer and dryer
- For adventurers:
- Gear rentals (snowshoes, hiking poles, backpacks)
- Maps or curated local guides
- Day pack or cooler available
- Gear rentals (snowshoes, hiking poles, backpacks)
These small perks go a long way in your reviews—and positive reviews lead to more bookings.
6. Adjust Your Marketing Strategy for the Season
Your Airbnb listing isn’t the only place people find you. Off-peak success often depends on proactive marketing.
Tactics to Try:
- Run seasonal Facebook or Instagram ads targeting nearby metro areas (like Salt Lake City, Denver, or Vegas).
- Build a local SEO presence with a direct booking site or blog about “Things to Do in Utah in November.”
- Join travel Facebook groups and share value-based posts (not salesy pitches).
- List on additional channels like Furnished Finder (for remote workers) or Outdoorsy-like glamping platforms if your property fits.
Advanced Tip:
Create a Google Business Profile for your Airbnb or direct booking site. It boosts your visibility in local search results, especially for guests looking for unique stays in Utah.
7. Target Specific Guest Segments and Cater to Them
During off-peak months, general marketing may fall flat. Targeting specific guest types can help you stay booked.
Key Segments:
- Remote Workers: Offer long-term discounts, ergonomic setups, and quiet environments.
- Couples: Market your place as a romantic getaway with wine, candles, or bath salts.
- Budget-Conscious Families: Offer mid-week discounts or free add-ons like board games, coloring books, and snacks.
- Adventure Seekers: Curate an itinerary with nearby trails, gear, and your personal recommendations.
Bundle Ideas:
Create “Stay & Play” packages with early check-in, activity suggestions, and perks like local coffee beans or trail snacks.
8. Communicate Like a Pro
The more responsive and helpful you are, the more bookings you’ll secure—even in slower seasons.
Best Practices:
- Respond to inquiries within 30 minutes
- Use automated messaging tools (like Hospitable or Smartbnb)
- Personalize your pre-stay communication with activity suggestions and weather tips
- Make guests feel taken care of before they even arrive
Bonus:
Use a digital guidebook (like Hostfully or Touch Stay) to impress guests and boost reviews.
Final Thoughts: Slow Season, Smart Strategy
Off-peak seasons in Utah don’t have to mean empty calendars and low profits. In fact, they can be a great time to build loyalty, attract long-term stays, and stand out while competitors go dormant.
By:
- Adjusting pricing strategically
- Highlighting seasonal activities
- Upgrading your amenities
- Communicating proactively
…you can keep your rental earning strong year-round.
How We Can Help
At Outland Short-Term Rental, we help hosts maximize their income in every season. From dynamic pricing and professional marketing to remote work optimization and local partnerships, we handle the details so you can sit back and profit.
Want to increase revenue even during slow months?
Need help standing out from other listings?
Interested in offering a better guest experience without more work?
We’re here to help.Visit our Website to explore how we support Utah Airbnb hosts.