The Essential Winter Amenities Travelers Look For in Mountain Vacation Rentals
If you’re preparing your mountain vacation rental for ski season, the right amenities can make or break a guest’s experience — and your winter booking rate. To help you understand what travelers actually search for and ask about, we gathered info on the top winter amenities requested by travelers booking ski homes, cabins, and other mountain getaways.
Below are expert answers to questions about the most in-demand mountain rental amenities, based on insights we’ve gathered from everyday conversations with guests.
In This Article:
Do Ski Travelers Expect Snow Removal?
What Kitchen Essentials Should a Mountain Rental Have?
What Mountain Access Information Do Guests Need?
What Mountain Access Information Do Guests Need?
Should You Add Holiday Decorations?
Do Mountain Rentals Need WiFi and Cable?
Do Ski Travelers Expect Snow Removal?
Yes — snow removal is one of the top amenities winter guests ask about.
Travelers want to enjoy their vacation, not shovel their way to the front door. Offering professional snow removal for driveways and walkways:
- Eliminates guest stress
- Improves safety
- Removes friction at check-in
- Boosts reviews and competitiveness against resorts
💡If you’re in a high-snow region, highlight “snow removal included” clearly in your listing.
What Kitchen Essentials Should a Mountain Rental Have?
Ski season overlaps with major holidays, meaning families often cook large meals at your property. To meet expectations (and show up in “fully stocked kitchen for holiday cooking” searches), be sure to provide:
- Full cookware and bakeware
- Sharp knives
- Roasting pans
- A slow cooker or Instant Pot
- Ample dishes and utensils
- Basic spices and cooking oils
💡Call out these details in your listing. A well-equipped kitchen is a major booking driver for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and long winter weekends.
What Mountain Access Information Do Guests Need?
Your guests are likely unfamiliar with the area and may not know how to get to popular destinations, what transportation options are available, or how to access ski lifts and rent equipment.
Help them by providing:
Distances to ski resorts and town centers
Transportation options and shuttle info
Equipment rental locations
Ski school details
Driving/traffic tips
Best times to hit the slopes
💡Compile all these details in a pre-stay email and include them in a Welcome Book at your property so your guests feel like insiders.
Is Garage Parking Important for Winter Rentals?
Absolutely. Parking questions are among the most common traveler inquiries for any property.
Garage parking is especially valuable in snowy climates because it eliminates the need for brushing or scraping and protects travelers who may not be used to winter driving.
Guests want to know:
Is parking available on-site?
Is covered parking included?
💡If you don’t offer covered parking, give guests a list of nearby affordable options.
Should You Add Holiday Decorations?
Surprisingly, yes — guests frequently ask about holiday lights and décor.
Keep it simple and universal:
- White exterior lights
- Neutral winter décor
- A tasteful wreath for the door (optional)
These features add charm without alienating guests with specific holiday preferences.
Do Mountain Rentals Need WiFi and Cable?
Reliable WiFi is one of the top guest concerns in mountain markets. Since many mountain towns have spotty cell service, guests want reassurance before booking.
You should provide:
- High-speed WiFi
- Reliable cable or streaming access
- A note on which wireless carriers get the best reception in the area
Going the extra mile to make sure guests know they won’t be forced off-grid during their vacation instantly reduces anxiety and boosts booking confidence.
Are Fireplaces or Fire Pits Expected?
Yes. “Cabin with fireplace” is a highly searched term in major mountain and ski markets, and some travelers refuse to book a cabin without the amenity.
If you have a fireplace, make it a star feature in your listing and showcase it in your lead photo.
💡If not, an outdoor fire pit is an easy upgrade that adds extra coziness and attracts guests looking for après-ski ambiance.
What Extra Winter Amenities Do Guests Love Most?
Small comforts go a long way. Popular bonus amenities include:
- Sleds and snow tubes
- Cozy throw blankets
- Hot cocoa supplies
- Board games
- Holiday movies
- Boot warmers (a big crowd-pleaser!)
💡Simple touches can turn a stay into a memorable experience — and often into a repeat booking.
How to Prepare Your Mountain Rental for Winter Success
The owners who get the best reviews are the ones who anticipate what out-of-towners need most. As you get ready for peak season, think about the services, supplies, and small comfort upgrades that help guests feel at home in an unfamiliar environment.
You can even welcome travelers with a small gift. For ideas, explore our guest gifting guide to elevate their stay from the moment they arrive.
At Evolve, we help owners increase revenue while delivering the five-star experience guests expect. Fill out the form below to see if your property qualifies and learn how our team of experts can support your vacation rental goals during the winter season.