As winter arrives and Whistler fills with skiers and snowboarders, a well-prepared home does two things: protects your finishes from salt, moisture, and grit; and delivers a frictionless guest experience. Use this 30‑day readiness plan and room-by-room checklists to get ahead of peak season.
30-Day Ski Season Readiness Plan
- Day 30–21: Schedule a whole‑home deep clean; book any trades; order consumables (salt-safe doormats, boot trays, microfiber sets, HEPA vacuum bags).
- Day 20–14: Protect and seal (hardwood recoat if due, reseal stone and grout, apply fabric protector to sofas, treat high-traffic rugs).
- Day 13–7: Stock and stage (linens, amenities, firewood, hot tub chemicals, humidifiers/dehumidifiers as needed).
- Day 6–1: Final pass (windows, fireplace, HVAC filters, checklists printed, labels placed).
The Mudroom Blueprint
This space carries the load. Build it to be self‑cleaning:
- Oversized boot trays with raised edges; add absorbent runner rated for snow melt.
- Wall hooks at 2 heights (adults + kids) and open cubbies for helmets and gloves.
- Dedicated gear towels, a small squeegee, and a ventilated bin for wet items.
- Boot dryer on a timer; place drip mat beneath.
- Weekly routine: disinfect trays, launder gear towels, vacuum salt with HEPA, mop with neutral cleaner.
Protecting Floors and Finishes
Salt and melted snow are the main threats.
- Hardwood: Entry mats inside and out; daily dry mop; weekly neutral cleaner; avoid steam. Consider a maintenance coat if traffic is heavy.
- Stone and tile: Reseal grout annually; place mats at all entries; use pH‑neutral cleaner only.
- Carpet and rugs: Pre‑season hot water extraction; runners in traffic lanes; spot clean with oxygen‑based products.
Kitchen and Dining Readiness
Design for heavy use and fast resets:
- Deep clean appliances; replace any worn bakeware; stock foil, wrap, and food containers.
- Label shelves so guests return items to logical spots.
- Stock par levels: 2× sets of linens, 2× dish pods per night booked, spare sponge per stay.
Bedrooms and Bathrooms
- Launder all bedding including protectors; add extra warmth layers in each closet.
- Bathrooms: descale shower heads, reseal stone, add non‑slip mats; stock body wash, shampoo, lotion minis.
Air Quality and Moisture Control
- Target humidity 35–45% to protect wood and reduce condensation.
- Use vent fans; crack windows briefly after hot tub or showers.
- Replace HVAC filters; vacuum with HEPA weekly.
Owner vs. Vacation Rental Priorities
- Owner‑occupied: Emphasize preservation (runners, coasters, felt pads, boot policies).
- Rental: Emphasize speed and consistency (labeling, laminated SOPs, consumable pars, inspection checklists).
Printable Turnover Checklist
- ☐ Mudroom emptied, trays sanitized, dryer off
- ☐ Floors vacuumed/mopped; runners reset
- ☐ Fireplace cleaned; kindling stocked
- ☐ Hot tub tested, balanced, covered
- ☐ Thermostats set; humidifiers filled
- ☐ Windows and sliders streak‑free
- ☐ Kitchen restocked to par
When to Bring in Professionals
- Initial deep clean and floor protection application
- Grout sealing, stone care, and high window cleaning
- Guaranteed same‑day turnovers during peak weeks
FAQ
How often should I reseal stone? High‑traffic kitchens and baths: every 6–12 months. Test with a water drop—if it darkens quickly, it’s time.
What’s the best salt strategy? Avoid tracking it in. Use outdoor mats + indoor rugs, vacuum daily, and mop with a neutral cleaner.
Want a done‑for‑you ski‑season setup? Our team can deep clean, stage, label, and create custom SOPs for your property. Request a quote.