Whether you enjoy skiing, snowboarding, or ice skating, winter is a fantastic time of year to participate in a variety of snow sports. If you’re thinking of setting up a cabin near your favorite resort, it’s a good idea to ensure you have everything you need in storage and decorating. Snowbirds from all over thoroughly enjoy getting outdoors, and having a winter cabin makes it easier to be near all the things you love. This guide provides you with some tips for decorating your winter cabin, as well as a beginner’s guide to snow sports and storing all of your gear.

How to get started building a cabin

Before you work on your snow sports techniques, you’ll want to consider building your winter cabin. Here are a few basics to help you get started.

  • Choose a location for your cabin. If you’re building it from scratch, you’ll need to purchase some land first.
  • Look into the local rules and regulations regarding new construction, so you’re prepared for things like getting permits and dealing with the final inspection.
  • Shop around to find reputable cabin builders in your area, so you have a construction company you trust to build it right.
  • Talk to an architect and go over a few different plans, including the size, structure, and floor plan.

Once you’re ready to start building, remember that patience is key. It’s best to start your build in the spring and summer to finish and have it ready to enjoy by winter.

Winter cabin/lodge decor tips and inspiration

Make your cabin or winter lodge beautiful and cozy with these décor tips and inspirational ideas.

Wood: Incorporate lots of wood in your cabin. You can install wood paneling or flat log beams for the walls and use large wooden beams on the ceiling. Choose a beautiful finish for the wood, such as soft whitewash or natural color. Wood furniture can also help you create a cozy woodland feel for your cabin.

Fireplace: Every cabin needs a fireplace, so make sure you have one installed or bring in a freestanding wood-burning fireplace. Add some detail by tiling the mantel or using large rocks with mortar to give the fireplace a bold, rustic feel. Don’t forget to add an outdoor firepit or a fireplace to the patio area or backyard, too.

Use natural materials and warm colors: The best rustic décor uses warm, rich colors in earthy tones for wall color, flooring, furniture, and decorations. Look for various shades, including terra cotta, sage green, and dark brown or beige. Add furniture and decorative items made of natural materials. A wool rug, a large basket made of woven seagrass, and solid hardwood furniture are just a few of the things you can bring into your cabin to make it look and feel organic.

Hardwood floors: Real hardwood floors will make your winter cabin feel warm and cozy. You can also install engineered hardwood if you’re doing everything on a budget. Luxury vinyl plank floors also mimic the look of natural hardwood. Ensure the same flooring flows throughout your cabin to give it a cohesive theme and vibe.

Western features: The rugged design of the West is a beautiful motif for winter cabin decor. Incorporate items like southwestern-patterned area rugs, deer skulls, and potted cactuses. Use furniture that combines wood and metal to give your winter cabin a homely, rugged Western-inspired touch.

Add antiques and thrift items: Bring in a few pieces of antique furniture and décor to make your winter cabin feel cozy and lived in. Visit local antique shops or head to the local thrift store to see what you can find. Mixing antique and vintage items with new ones will help to give your cabin a laid-back, well-traveled look.

Heavy quilts and warm rugs: Since you’ll be spending time in your cabin during the winter, make sure you pile on the heavy quilts and throw blankets. Anything from a faux fur throw to a classic quilt will do nicely, and you can do the same with decorative throw pillows. Use warm, thick area rugs with a high pile to add a soft, plush, warm feeling to your floors.

Guide to Snow Sports

Here are some tips for beginners to help you get ready for your snow sports adventure.

Skiing: Skiing is one of the most popular snow sports, so look for a fun, reputable ski area near you. Make sure you have all of the proper safety gear with you, including a helmet, gloves, ski boots, and goggles. If you’re new to skiing, sign up for a few lessons before you hit the slopes on your own.

Snowboarding: This wild winter sport is a great way to get outdoors and explore. Invest in a good pair of snow boots and a quality snowboard along with the proper safety gear. Practice on your snowboard a few times before hitting the slopes, making sure you’re confident about standing up, sliding, and going up and downhill.

Sledding and tubing: These fun sports are great for all ages, and most ski slopes have areas designated just for sledding and tubing. Make sure you use a durable sled or inner tube or rent them from the resort. Start sledding and tubing down smaller hills, then work your way toward taller ones as you go.

Ski biking: The sport of ski biking combines a bike with skis to allow for effortless gliding up and down the hill. It takes a bit of practice, but ski biking is a great winter sport for those who prefer to ride a bike over sliding down the slopes on skis or a snowboard. Many ski resorts now offer ski biking lessons—find out if one near you has them so you can learn the ropes.

Ice skating: This graceful winter sport is tons of fun for the entire family. Grab a pair of ice skates and hit the ice rink as you glide along the frozen surface. Many community centers and ice rinks offer ice skating lessons to help you get started.

Ice hockey: If you already know how to ice skate, ice hockey can be an awesome winter sport to try. This competitive sport involves two teams trying to get the hockey puck into the net for the highest score. Sign up for a local ice hockey team or hit the rink with a few buddies and compete.

Start with lessons: Even if you’ve never tried these snow sports, it’s never too late to learn something new. Sign up for skiing, snowboarding, or ice-skating lessons, so you’re confident and ready to go. A few lessons should be enough to teach you how to participate in these sports safely for a good time.

Family-friendly activities: Sports like ice hockey may not be family-friendly for people with younger kids, but sledding, ice skating, and tubing are. Look into a few fun activities you can do together as a family. Little ones can hit the “bunny slopes” at the ski resort, and families can participate in a day of ice skating or snowshoeing together. Sign up for a fun day of dog sledding for a fun activity the whole family will enjoy.

Storing your winter sports gear

Keep your winter sports gear stored right with these helpful tips.

Skis and snowboards: Keep your skis and snowboard nice and dry and store them in an upright position. Avoid storing these items in bags since they could cause moisture to accumulate, resulting in damage. Make sure you wax your snow gear before putting it away, too. Keep everything together and label it, so it’s easy to find next season.

Boots: Dry the liners of winter boots before putting them away and buckle up your ski boots to help them hold their shape. Always store boots and shoes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and only when they’re completely dry.

Ski suits: Always make sure your ski suits and other clothing are completely dry inside and out before storing them. It’s best to wash them first, then put them on the tumble dry cycle. Hang ski suits up in a closet to keep them in shape and apply a water-repellant spray, so they’re ready for next year.

Ice skates: Clean off your ice skates and dry them using a soft towel or cloth. Avoid putting the protective cover on your blades, as it could create moisture that can cause rusting. Apply a bit of oil to the blades, then wrap the skates in a towel before storing them in a box or bag.

Hockey Sticks: The best way to store hockey sticks is to clean them, dry them off, and hang them up against a wall. This will prevent you from accidentally stepping on them or running them over if they’re in the garage. Make sure you store the sticks in a dry area where they won’t be exposed to moisture, which could cause them to rot or get soft.

Use racks: Racks are a perfect storage solution to hang wet winter sports gear. You can find wall-mounted hooks and racks at most hardware and home improvement stores. This is a good way to dry off wet gear, but it can also be a great option for off-season storage too.

Shelving solutions: Install shelving against the walls to hold your winter clothing and smaller sports gear like helmets and ice skates. A simple modular system with bins is a good choice, or you can install wood wall shelving to hold everything off the floor. Store items together, so it’s easy to find what you need next winter.

 

Elevate your winter experience with an unforgettable ski vacation by following these tips. From constructing your cozy winter cabin to honing your snow sports skills, embrace the joy of the season. Use these suggestions to help you discover all the fun that winter brings, and make sure you store your snow gear carefully to look forward to the next season.