Top 5 Winter Care Solutions for Your Vacation Rental Property

With the winter solstice still a few weeks away, the start to the snowy season has not yetofficiallybegun. The only issue: Winter didn't seem to get the memo. Most of the continent has already started experiencing the cold realities of winter with places such as the Colorado Rockies achieving record snowfall *and amazing ski conditions*. 

Have no fear! Your SkyRun Local Touch is here! Keep scrolling for our top 5 ways to keep your property in the vacation rental game this winter. Or click here to quickly see our number one vacation rental winter care solution!

5. Heated Floor Mats for Outside Entry Ways

Icy walkways can be the difference between a merry holiday celebration and a ruined holiday season the Grinch himself could not accomplish. One million Americans are injured due to slips and falls each year, with drastic increases during the winter seasons.

Make sure your guests and employees do not fall victim to a literal winter slump, and line your entry walkways and stairs with
heated floor matsto melt away lurking ice.

4. Pipe Care

Damage done by frozen pipes can take a home out of service for an entire season. If not properly managed, homes can experience a lack of water flow and even pipe bursts that can cause thousands of dollars to repair and even more in overall damage. 

Whether you're in the mountains or on the beach, abnormally low temperatures can affect your pipes! Pipes that are exposed on the outside of the house are more susceptible to the elements. Tubular pipe sleeves or foil insulation wraps can help to mitigate changes in weather conditions. Inside the house, open cabinets in the kitchen and bathrooms to help increase the heat flow to the pipes, and leave your faucets on a low cold drip to ensure water is flowing. 

3. Relaxation Ready Fireplaces

Whether your fireplace is wood burning, gas, or electric - it is a winter season staple that your guests will want to take full advantage of. In order to keep your fireplace user friendly and guest-ready you will want to make sure the fireplace has been cleaned and swept at least once a year. This should be done by a professional and during the warmer months for optimal safety.

Additionally, keep animals from calling your chimney home by installing a cap/screen that blocks entry but allows for smoke ventilation. Finally, provide your guests with tools for inserting and removing logs, and make sure that any rug or carpet directly in front of the fireplace is flame retardant. These simple steps will help ensure your fireplaces continue to warm the hearts (and feet) of your guests night after night. 

2. Guest Extras

Weather conditions can change in the blink of an eye, and most property managers cannot magically appear at the twitch of a nose for fixes and remedies. 

Leave your guests extra snowmelt, shovels, and space heaters to ensure they have everything they need should conditions require a little extra home care during their stay. Leaving extra supplies is simple, easy, and out-of-town guests can get pretty excited at the chance of shoveling snow for the first time. This also ensures that if you're not there in a flash, your guests will be prepared.