Your Guide to a Cozy Cabin Getaway This Winter

Let me be honest: I used to dread winter. 

Long, dark, gloomy nights. Feeling cold all the time. Ughhh…

When will it be over?

That’s all I used to think.

That was until I decided to go on a cabin getaway.

It’s the best way to slow down, have long, quiet mornings, and enjoy coffee, looking at snowy mountains, feeling warm and cozy by the fireplace.

Whether you like adventures or someone who just likes to slow down and enjoy winter at its your own pace, a cabin getaway is just the thing for you.

That’s why I wrote this article. Whether you enjoy adventure or seek peace, this article helps you to plan your cozy cabin getaway according to your preference. 

From where to go, what to bring, and how to make the most of those quiet winter days, this article has it all.

Why choose a cabin getaway in winter

Winter is a long and draining season, but that’s what makes it special for a cabin getaway.

When nights get long and cold, the cabin inside becomes warmer, cozier and feels like such a wonderful retreat to have.

You can also create a perfect balance of adventure and calm in winter with hiking, skiing, and mountaineering during the days and coming back to your cabin to feel warm and cozy.

The U.S. Forest Service reports that forest environments help reduce stress, lower cortisol levels and improve mood and sleep.

If you’ve ever felt winter draining your energy, this kind of getaway can flip the script.

With that being said, let’s now look at different places where you can find the perfect cabin this winter.

Where to find the perfect cabin this winter

Choosing the perfect cabin is very important in making your cabin getaway a memorable trip. Here are some of the most amazing cabin destinations that I like, and some that are popular across the world:

1. USA Mountain Escapes

From the Rocky Mountains to the Smoky Mountains, the USA has some of the best cabin getaways. 

From our own experience and from popular sources, here are our favorite picks for winter cabins in the USA:

Take Lake Tahoe for example — the travel editors at Travel + Leisure highlight it as a top winter destination with ski slopes, cabins and lakeside retreats all wrapped in snow.

If you prefer something wilder, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, offers powdery slopes and easy access to Grand Teton National Park. It’s where you can spot elk wandering across white fields while your cabin fireplace crackles in the background.

2. Hidden Gems with fewer crowds

If you’re into peaceful retreats, these are our picks for you:

• Cloudcroft, New Mexico – Cloudcroft is a small village in NM and offers a beautiful view of the White Sands National Park in the background.
• Minocqua, Wisconsin – It’s located in the northern part of the state and is perfect for people who want a romantic getaway in nature. Bonus: You get to enjoy the sights of the beautiful Minocqua Lake.

3. New England Area & Midwest Winter Cabins

How can you keep New England away from things when it comes to escapes and getaways?

Check out cabins in:

• Maine or Vermont in New England – Longfellow Mountains and Mousehead Lake are the perfect winter cabin places in New England.  Going there will never not be amazing.
• Eagle River in Wisconsin – if you want something different and fun, book your cabin here on the third weekend of January to catch the World Championship Snowmobile Derby, which brings in 40,000+ fans. Its kinda like the Indy 500 of snowmobile racing.

What to pack for your winter cabin getaway

I want to be honest with you: Packing for a winter cabin getaway isn’t easy. 

You’ll need lots of warm clothes, sometimes layers, and whatnot. 

Here are just some of my go-to lists, which I never skip when going on a cabin trip:

Must have cozy clothing

• Wools, socks and slippers. Let me tell you the worst feeling in the world; it’s having a cold feet on a getaway. I hate it.
• Thermal layers to keep you warm outdoors without needing to wear clothes in bulk
• Chunky sweaters to keep you warm near a fireplace. You can keep hoodies if you don’t like chunky sweaters (I don’t like hoodies)
• Beanies, gloves & scarves to keep you warm when you step outside is a must.

Outdoor clothes

• Snow boots that don’t feel like so heavy that it feels like you’re climbing a mountain
• Weatherproof jacket, trust me you don’t want to get wet. 
• Snow pants if you’re going to do skiing or sledding.

Comfortable items for the cabin

• Extra blankets, especially for long nights
• Hot cocoa or tea supplies. Literally one of my favorite activities is drinking tea during long winter nights in cabin.
• Books, board games or cards. Please, don’t be stuck in your cell phone here.

Kitchen items must-haves

• Coffee and travel mugs (lol, can’t believe I need to write this)
• Spices & seasonings. Please note: cabins often only have basic salts)
• Easy to make meals like chilli, pasta, etc.

Safety items to always keep 

• Flashlight with extra batteries, because trust me, power outages is a very common thing
• First aid kit
• Fire starters & matches will be very handy especially with fireplaces
• Portable charger or power bank as cabin outlets are mostly limited

According to Ready.gov, winter storms often cause temporary power loss in rural areas, so having backup lighting and emergency gear is smart

Quick tips to make your cabin feel extra cozy

Cabin getaways in winter can get pretty cold, and we don’t want that.

So here are some quick tips to give you that extra layer of coziness so you’re always covered and enjoying your getaway with peace of mind.

1. Layer with blankets 

Even if your cabin is warm and there is a fireplace and all. But having a cozy knit throw is always a great way to get that extra coziness oozing in.

2. Play with lighting (if you can)

Remove harsh white lights with warm soft lights or candles. Warm lighting sets the mood for quiet nights and makes the cabin glow in a way that feels magical against the snow outside.

As the Spruce says, “Warm lighting (2700 K–3000 K) creates a softer glow”  ideal for cozy cabins.

3. Warm drinks and comfort food

Tea lover? Great. Coffee lover? Awesome. 

I will say this again, drinking tea in a cold cabin is one of my favorite time. It’s just so awesome to be sitting by a fireplace in your cozy warm knit blanket drinking your favorite tea.

Final Thoughts

A winter cabin getaway is not just a vacation, it’s your golden opportunity to slow down, reflect at life and just enjoy nature as it is. 

Whether you’re watching snow fall outside your window, sipping hot cocoa by the fireplace, or exploring trails in the crisp air, cabins offer the perfect mix of comfort and adventure.

The key is simple: pick the right spot, pack smart, and make your cabin feel warm and inviting. 

At the end of the day, winter doesn’t have to feel long or gloomy. With the right cabin getaway, it becomes a season worth celebrating — one cozy, quiet morning at a time.

Now I would like to ask you – Which of these cabins have you tried or would like to try? Please comment below and let us know as well.