Winter cabins represent one of the most profitable opportunities in the short-term rental market. Guests seek cozy retreats where they can escape the hustle of everyday life, curl up by a fireplace, and experience the magic of snow-covered landscapes. As a host, positioning your winter cabins on Airbnb for success requires strategic planning, thoughtful amenities, and seamless operations.
The winter rental market offers unique advantages that savvy hosts can capitalize on. Peak winter months often command premium rates, especially near ski resorts, winter recreation areas, or destinations known for holiday celebrations.
However, success isn’t guaranteed. It requires understanding what winter travelers want and delivering an experience that exceeds their expectations. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about hosting winter cabins on Airbnb, from essential preparations to advanced strategies that maximize bookings and revenue.
Host Tools provides an automated, unified calendar for short-term rental hosts, allowing you to seamlessly list on all major channels. Start your free trial today!
Why host winter cabins on Airbnb?
Winter cabin rentals tap into a fundamental human desire for warmth, comfort, and connection during the colder months. Unlike summer properties that compete with numerous outdoor activities, winter cabins become the focal point of the entire vacation experience.
The seasonal nature of winter vacation rentals creates natural scarcity, driving up demand and allowing hosts to charge premium rates. Many winter destinations see occupancy rates spike during peak months, with some hosts earning the majority of their annual revenue during the winter season alone.
Winter guests also tend to stay longer than summer travelers. Multi-night stays are common as guests settle in to enjoy extended periods of relaxation, reducing turnover costs and increasing overall profitability per booking.
How to prepare your cabin
Let’s break down the basics.
Heating systems and backup plans
You’re hosting in the winter, you need a solid heating system. Plain and simple. Whatever system you choose, ensure that it can maintain comfortable temperatures on the inside of the cabin even when it gets crazy cold outside. If possible, have smart thermostats on the inside that you can either control remotely or allow your guests to adjust based on the extreme weather conditions. Furthermore, always have backup heating options on hand. This is something like portable heaters, wood-burning fireplaces, emergency generators, etc. It’s more than comfort in these scenarios; it’s about safety.
Insulation and energy efficiency
Check that your windows and doors are well insulated. Be sure to seal any gaps and check for drafts. Depending on where your home is located, upgrading to a double-pane window might be necessary.
Water system protection
The last call you want to receive is about frozen pipes. It’s a terrible experience for the guest and is going to cost you. Be sure to insulate all exposed pipes, especially if they’re in an unheated area like a crawl space. Additionally, it’s good practice to keep the cabinet doors open that cover sinks during extreme weather. This can help heat reach these spots and continue to circulate. Be sure to clearly communicate these instructions to guests who may be visiting during extreme weather,
Tips for creating the perfect winter vibe
Time to set the vibe of your winter cabin Airbnb.
Fireplaces
Nothing says “cozy winter cabin” like a crackling fireplace. If your property has a wood-burning fireplace, stock plenty of seasoned firewood and provide easy step-by-step instructions for how to use it. Some rentals even include a binder with photos to show guests exactly how to do this. It may seem simple, but this little bit of guidance can install confidence in a guest who maybe has never it a fire before. Include fire starters, matches, and basic fireplace tools. Instructions for a gas and electric fireplaces are also recommended.
Furnishings
Everyone loves a cozy throw blanket. Fleece, wood, and faux fur typically look great with the winter theme while still keeping guests nice and warm. Consider upgrading your bedding with flannel sheets, down comforters, and extra pillows. Lastly, a little winter-themed decor can go a long way. Think natural elements like pine cones, evergreen branches, and rustic wood pieces that add a little seasonal charm without being too cheesy.
Hot tub
If possible, a hot tub is a great touch to a winter cabin. It’s a way for guests to spend some time outside without sacrificing their comfort. Plus, a hot tub lets you charge a higher nightly rate. A cedar wood-barrel sauna could be a nice touch as well.
Indoor entertainment options
Winter weather is the perfect time to cozy up and watch a holiday film or play some board games. Have a few games on hand, access to streaming services, a few books and magazines, etc. Plus, it’s always important to have reliable Wi-Fi in locations where the weather can get extreme and potentially snow you in.
Kitchen must-haves
When it’s winter, people don’t feel enthusiastic about going out to restaurants. In fact, most people choose a short-term rental over a hotel because they want the ability to use a kitchen. Have kitchen essentials on hand and even stock up some cozy favorites like hot chocolate, coffee, tea, and maybe even some soup mixes. It is the little details like these that set rentals apart from the sea of competition.
Recreation equipment
A small detail that goes a long way is having some snow equipment on hand. Think sleds and snowshoes. If you’re located near a ski resort or Nordic trails, consider adding boot dryers, coat racks, and other designated ski and snowboard storage areas. This makes things easy for guests and keeps them from dragging their wet equipment through your home.
Things to consider when hosting a winter cabin on Airbnb
Maintenance
Winter weather creates particular maintenance challenges that warm-weather homes don’t have. Intentionally create a relationship with reliable contractors who can respond quickly to a heating, plumbing, or roof issue in the case of an emergency during a guest’s stay. Additionally, it’s important to keep driveways and any walkways clear of snow and ice. That may mean you need to hire a snow removal service. At the end of the day, keeping your guests from slipping is protecting you from a liability issue. Let guests know about these snow removal services as well.
Emergency preparedness
Have emergency essentials on hand. These are items like flashlights, batteries, battery-powered radios, and a basic first aid kit. In your welcome note, be sure to include emergency contact information (and have it displayed in a physical location within the home as well).
How to market your winter cabin
Photography that sells
Have professional photos taken that really capture the essence of your property. The Airbnb Pro Photography Program is the perfect way to get great photos without a lot of cost. Take photos of the fire crackling, the luxurious winter bedding, and the outside covered in snow (build a snowman, maybe?).
Write a quality description
Get romantic here. Think about that Hallmark holiday movie you love and write a description that feels like a warm cup of cocoa. You want your guest to envision themselves sitting by the fire in your home from the moment they read about your listing. Plus, mention all your great amenities like the hot tub, sauna, boot warmers, etc.
Seasonal rate optimization
How you price your rental in the winter may look very different from how you price it in the summer. Research the going rate of your competitors and notice when there is the most and least demand in your area.
Tech support
Smart home integration
Smart thermostats allow you to monitor and adjust temperatures remotely, ensuring guest comfort while managing energy costs. Some systems send alerts if temperatures drop too low, helping prevent pipe freezing.
Smart locks eliminate the challenges of key exchanges during winter weather while providing guests with easy access. Remote monitoring capabilities let you track property conditions even when you can’t physically visit.
Property management software
Managing winter cabin bookings requires robust systems for handling seasonal pricing, guest communications, and maintenance scheduling. Property management platforms like Host Tools can automate many routine tasks, from guest messaging to calendar synchronization across multiple booking platforms. Automated messaging systems can send weather updates, arrival instructions, and helpful tips about winter cabin stays without requiring constant manual attention.
Tips for building your business
Guest experience
Exceptional guest experiences drive repeat bookings and positive reviews that attract new guests. Focus on exceeding expectations rather than simply meeting basic requirements. Personal touches like welcome baskets with hot chocolate supplies, local winter activity guides, or handwritten notes create memorable experiences that guests share with friends and family.
Revenue diversification
Consider offering add-on services like grocery pre-stocking, firewood delivery, or equipment rentals. These services provide additional revenue streams while enhancing guest convenience. Partner with local businesses to offer discounts on winter activities, restaurants, or shopping. These partnerships can provide commission income while adding value for guests. These partnerships can provide commission income while adding value for guests.
Final thoughts
The market for winter cabins on Airbnb is strong and competitive. To stand out from the crowd, you’re going to need to pay attention to the little details and always have a solid plan in place in case of inclement weather. Additionally, think about what makes a place cozy. It’s the details of little winter-themed throw blankets and decor that go a long way. Perhaps even adding those boot warmers for your visiting skiers. Start making your plan before winter arrives so that you’re set and ready to go by the first snow of the season.
Host Tools provides an automated, unified calendar for short-term rental hosts, allowing you to seamlessly list on all major channels. Start your free trial today!
