We get one every year.

These little cold snaps that remind us the seasons of change are right around the corner. Just like all of nature our human nature begins preparing for fall and beyond. For an avid winter warrior like myself this snap is music to my ears. Even though my love for winter is solid I have to say September is my favorite month of the year. The shorter days, the excitement of change and the thinning crowds of summer tourists all play into the cooler days perfect for activities like biking and hiking. As an oil landscape artist the mid summer sun’s light in July - August is harsh. In September the sun’s track gets lower the golden light of Tahoe begins to shine. The sunsets have more clouds of many colors to paint the sky, and the mornings are clear, contrast heavy with a hint of orange against the blue in the Tahoe vistas.

Ahhh.. September

Late summer is also a time of transition. Laying plans, harvesting summer’s bounty and planting a cool crop. Let’s start with breaking down the demographics and how you can transition your marketing in the months ahead.

Understanding Tahoe Truckee's High-Season Tourists

• Demographic: The typical high-season tourists—families, adventure seekers, and summer vacationers. Most of these Tahoe travelers are on the traditional school year schedule. Family focused and the new less experienced mountain explorer.

Transition to September Demographic: Older, Crowd-Adverse, Athletic, Retired, Empty Nesters

• Demographic: September, with a focus on older, athletic, retired individuals or couples seeking quieter, less crowded experiences. More experienced mountaineers and biking enthusiasts can handle the shoulder season extreme weather fluctuations and prefer the cool weather for the longer more challenging excursions.
• Content Strategies: highlighting serene landscapes, wellness retreats, and high-impact outdoor activities like biking, hiking, couple retreats, and backpacking. This is prime time for discounts and specials. Think value.

Focusing on October's Local Demographic

• Demographic: Shift focus to the local residents of Tahoe Truckee who become the primary audience in October.
• Content Strategies: Engage with locals, emphasizing community events, local business spotlights, and seasonal changes. Highlight content that appeals to a sense of community pride and local identity. Time for those end of summer employee appreciation parties.

November is November here., as far as marketing is has always been a time to just slow down and take a breath. It’s  a time for gratitude, reflection, and the last of the Winter prepping.  Beyond that it’s a good time to travel out of the area, for us locals to get that last bit of sand, . By transiting your marketing for the seasons and being aware of the demographic shifts you can capture what business there is during the shoulder season.

If there is a topic you’d like to hear more about by all means comment below or direct message and I’ll do my best.

Nothing better than a good question to jump into.

Reach out for a talk over coffee or a hike I give information freely. I only ask to be paid when I do the work. tgold@bigwaterci.com

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Trina Gold

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