The Ultimate Guide to Prepping Your Airbnb for Winter Travelers
Winter travel is one of the most underrated but high-earning seasons for short-term rental hosts. Guests are looking for cozy escapes, festive getaways, and warm, memorable experiences — and your Airbnb can stand out by delivering exactly that.
Whether you host in a snowy town, a chilly coastal area, or a mild winter region, this guide covers everything you need to attract guests, earn great reviews, and boost your winter occupancy.
❄️ 1. Focus on Winter Comfort & Warmth
Winter travelers crave comfort. Make your space feel warm, inviting, and “worth staying in.”
✔ Add layers of warmth:
Thick, hotel-grade blankets
Fluffy comforters or duvets
Extra pillows in various firmness options
Throw blankets on sofas and chairs
✔ Improve heating:
Check heating systems before peak season
Provide space heaters (with safety instructions)
Seal drafty windows or add weather stripping
Offer heated mattress pads or heated blankets (guest favorite)
🔥 2. Create a Cozy, Inviting Ambiance
Small touches dramatically change a guest’s winter experience.
✔ Atmosphere boosters:
Soft, warm lighting (lamps > overhead lights)
Flameless candles
Area rugs for warmth and soundproofing
A reading nook with a throw blanket
✔ Bonus comfort items:
A small electric fireplace (huge guest favorite!)
Hot chocolate / tea station
Essential oil diffuser with winter scents (pine, cinnamon, vanilla)
🧳 3. Winter Essentials Guests Expect
Different seasons come with different needs — and winter travelers appreciate hosts who think ahead.
Provide:
Snow shovels
Ice melt
Umbrellas
Slippers or indoor socks (cheap but impressive)
Boot trays
Coat hangers or a dedicated coat rack
Extra doormats to reduce water and snow mess
If your area gets snow, also offer:
Car ice scraper
Note about road conditions
Local emergency numbers
🌨️ 4. Safety First: Winter-Proof Your Listing
Winter can introduce hazards that hosts must stay ahead of.
✔ Indoors:
Check smoke & carbon monoxide detectors
Ensure heaters and fireplaces are functioning safely
Install night lights in hallways during darker days
Keep walkways slip-resistant
✔ Outdoors:
Clear snow before guest arrival
Salt pathways and stairs
Add motion lights outside
Make sure house numbers are visible at night
Safety is not only essential — it reduces liability and improves guest confidence.
📸 5. Update Your Listing Photos for Winter
Guests book what they see.
Winter photo ideas:
A cozy living room with soft lighting
The home’s exterior during winter season (if snowy, even better)
Hot chocolate or coffee bar setup
Fireplace or seating area with warm blankets
Seasonal relevance increases listing CTR (click-through rate).
🎄 6. Add Simple Seasonal Décor (But Don’t Overdo It)
Decorate for winter, not for one specific holiday — keep it inclusive.
Perfect winter décor:
Neutral wreaths
Pinecones, winter greenery
Warm-toned throw pillows
Minimal string lights
A small tabletop tree (optional, and non-religious)
Keep it cozy, classy, and clutter-free.
🧼 7. Winter Turnover Tips to Keep Your Space Pristine
Winter can mean mud, water, and salt getting tracked inside.
Here’s how to stay ahead:
Add extra entryway mats
Increase mop + vacuum frequency
Provide washable slippers
Stock more towels (guests tend to use more)
Use waterproof mattress protectors
Better turnover practices = fewer complaints.
🗺️ 8. Help Guests Plan Their Winter Stay
Guests appreciate local insight — and it helps reduce questions.
Provide:
A winter-specific digital guidebook
List of indoor attractions (museums, cafés, galleries)
Best spots for winter activities (sledding, skiing, hot springs)
Recommended restaurants with warm, cozy atmospheres
Winter road safety reminders
This boosts guest satisfaction and helps you stand out in crowded markets.
🌟 9. Offer Winter-Friendly Amenities That Impress
These little upgrades can help justify higher winter pricing:
High-impact winter amenities:
Smart thermostat
Heated bathroom floors
Electric kettle
Soup mixes or ramen welcome treats
Board games / movie list
Hulu/Netflix/Disney+ access
Humidifier (winter air is dry!)
Amenities = higher reviews = higher ranking.
💬 10. Communicate Clearly About Winter Expectations
Manage expectations upfront.
Include in your listing:
Realistic notes about road conditions
Information about parking in snow
How often snow removal happens
Instructions for heaters, fireplaces, thermostats
Prevent confusion + reduce support messages.
❄️ Final Thoughts
Prepping your Airbnb for winter travelers isn’t just about blankets and hot chocolate — it’s about creating a warm, safe, memorable experience that stands out from the competition.
With the right atmosphere, amenities, and communication, winter can become one of your most profitable seasons of the year.
If you want to boost your property’s performance for the holidays and elevate your guest experience, reach out to us—we’re here to help you maximize your STR for the season and beyond. 🧡🏡