10 Cabin Rental Basics for City Slickers

Over the holiday break I had the good fortune of spending some time in a mountain cabin enjoying skiing with my family. The mountains are a majestic place, and I always enjoy time in a cabin, away from the city, playing board games, reading and making soup. Staying in a cabin is quite fun, but there are things that city slickers (myself included) should know.

If you are considering spending time this winter either in a rented cabin or visiting family and friends in a snowy area, here are some basic pointers. If you are an old pro at cabin life and colder temperatures, I’d love to hear your cabin advice in the Comments.

Firewood. Make sure the cabin you will be staying in is stocked up on firewood for the winter.


Board games and recreation. As we saw during the record-breaking cold earlier this month,
the weather can get nasty. With snowstorms, wind or just plain old freezing temperatures, it’s better to stay inside. Bring board games or playing cards, or ask what type of recreation is available at the cabin that can be done indoors.

See how Houzzers coped with the polar vortex


Air quality. A fireplace in the bedroom can be divine, but be aware that dry air from the heat can makes noses and throats feel dehydrated. My family learned to bring a humidifier for cabin vacations; we turn them on while we’re sleeping. Drink extra water if you are in a higher altitude.


Internet speed. Internet connections tend to be slow in small mountain towns — if they’re even available — usually because there are a ton of people crammed in a small area trying to all get a connection. If you need to be online to check in with work or family, allow yourself extra time.


Blankets. Baby, it’s cold outside! I know this is one for the “duh” category, but make sure you know where the extra blankets are. Everyone has his or her own threshold for cold temperatures. If the cabin temperature is fixed, you may need extra blankets to get you through the night.


Fire-starting basics. Starting a fire inside a cabin fireplace is an everyday thing. Make sure you understand how the fireplace works. If there is no gas, it’s not as easy as you may think to start a fire. Find out if there are fire tools and kindling, and make sure the damper is open. Clean out the ashes after each use; make sure they’ve cooled down before you dump them in the trash.


Snow shedding. Understand the pitch of the roof and where the snow sheds. Keep children and pets away from shedding areas, as a snowpack from a roof is quite heavy and dangerous. Also, note where ice has formed on the ground — it’s slippery and dangerous.


Wildlife. Wildlife surrounds most cabins. Bears will be hibernating in winter, but be aware of other small furry creatures. Never leave children unattended or feed the animals. Discard your trash properly to avoid attracting animals to your cabin.


Cold feet. You will probably get cold, wet feet. I suggest bringing a pair of rain boots to keep by the door for running in and out of the snow. They’re easy to slip on and will protect your feet from icy, wet snow.


Water sources. Natural streams are so beautiful but can be nerve racking for families with pets or small children. Make sure you know all the water sources in the immediate area and ask if there are safety rails and locks on all doors.

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