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Snow-covered Tahoe cabin - Winterization Guide
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Property Care•November 20, 2024•7 min read

Winterizing Your Tahoe Vacation Rental: Complete Checklist

Michael Lawton
Michael Lawton
Founder, Duvoire

Tahoe winters are beautiful—and brutal. Protecting your vacation rental from winter damage is essential for avoiding costly repairs and keeping guests happy. Here's our comprehensive winterization checklist.

Timing Matters

Complete winterization by late October. First significant snowfall can arrive as early as Halloween in the Tahoe region.

Exterior Winterization

Roof Inspection: Check for damaged shingles, clear debris, and ensure proper drainage. Snow loads in Tahoe can exceed 100 lbs/sq ft.
Gutter Cleaning: Clear all gutters and downspouts. Install gutter guards if not present. Ice dams cause significant damage.
Exterior Pipes: Drain and disconnect all outdoor hoses. Shut off exterior water supply lines and insulate exposed pipes.
Deck & Patio: Store or cover outdoor furniture. Remove cushions and store indoors. Inspect deck for needed repairs.
Hot Tub Prep: If winterizing: drain completely and blow out lines. If operating: ensure proper chemical balance and heater function.
Snow Removal Plan: Confirm snow removal service. Mark property boundaries and any obstacles that will be buried.

Heating System

HVAC Service: Schedule professional inspection. Replace filters. Clean ducts if needed.
Fireplace/Wood Stove: Chimney inspection and cleaning. Stock firewood (if wood-burning). Test ignition systems.
Space Heaters: Test all supplemental heaters. Replace batteries in smart thermostats. Program temperature schedules.
Propane: Schedule propane delivery. Ensure tank is at least 50% full before winter. Clear snow access path.

Critical: Freeze Protection

Never let interior temperatures drop below 55°F. A single pipe burst can cause $50,000+ in damage. Use smart thermostats with low-temp alerts.

Plumbing Winterization

Know Your Shut-Offs: Locate and label main water shut-off. Ensure all family members or managers know location.
Pipe Insulation: Add insulation to pipes in unheated spaces: crawlspaces, garages, exterior walls.
Cabinet Doors: Keep cabinet doors under sinks open during cold snaps to allow warm air circulation.
Drip Faucets: During extreme cold (-10°F or below), let faucets drip slowly to prevent freezing.

Safety Equipment

Smoke Detectors: Test all units. Replace batteries. Add interconnected alarms if not present.
CO Detectors: Essential with any gas or wood heating. Test and replace batteries.
Fire Extinguishers: Check expiration dates. Ensure one near kitchen and one near any fireplace/stove.
Emergency Kit: Stock flashlights, batteries, blankets, non-perishable food for power outages.

Guest Preparation

Tire Chains: Provide or require 4WD/AWD. Stock chains and instructions. Mark chain-up area location.
Welcome Guide Update: Include winter driving tips, road closure info, emergency contacts.
Snow Removal Tools: Provide quality snow shovel, ice melt, and broom for car clearing.
Boot Tray & Rack: Set up entry area for wet gear. Provide boot dryer if possible.

“We've seen properties lose entire ski seasons to preventable winter damage. A $500 winterization investment prevents $50,000+ disasters. It's not optional in the Sierras—it's essential.”

— Michael Lawton, Founder

Need Help Winterizing?

Our team handles complete winterization for all properties we manage.

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