The beginning of another year makes a lot of people think about goals and resolutions, but before you charge into being a better you, you may need to recover from the craziness of the holidays. It seems that in January a lot of us crave a little peace and quiet, a time to focus on ourselves, which is what makes this a perfect time for the best winter cabin Airbnb retreat. A few days spent tucked away in a snug cabin in the forest or mountains will send you into February relaxed and rejuvenated. Chris and Pamela Daniele know this better than most folks. The husband and wife team are the visual masterminds behind the ultimate cabin stay guides Dirt and Glass and Cabinpedia, where they document some of the best cabin rentals around the U.S. Chris talked to Wide Open Roads about what makes cabin retreats so unique and fascinating, and why they truly love what they do. "These rentals aren't necessarily new cabins. They were actually built a long time ago for tourism or for hunting. A lot of them are hunting lodges and hunting A-frames. It's pretty neat. We love looking into the history of the area, what year the cabins were built, and what the area was like.
"We actually see a revival of cabins," he continued. "I'd say 95 percent of the cabin rentals available now were people seeing these old, dilapidated cabins and buying them cheap. They saw the potential in these and rehabbed or brought them back to life."
With so many options out there, finding the perfect cabin Airbnb to hunker down in isn't exactly the easiest. Daniele told Wide Open Roads, "You have to do a lot of digging, even in the Northeast... the areas that we personally used to love going to and still love to go to aren't necessarily the places that have all the cabins that are for rent on Airbnb or easily accessible." So where should you start looking for your winter cabin vacation?
"They're definitely more concentrated in areas like the Catskills, the Northeast, the West Coast like Big Bear, California... the Pacific Northwest has a couple of those pocket areas as well," Daniele explained. "If you visit in mid-January or February, you're going to have a nice, snowy time anywhere up in the Adirondack Mountains.] We do have people that have reached out to us about cabins throughout the Midwest, most of them in the northern Midwest like Michigan."
We decided to take another stressor off your plate and compile a list of some of the best Airbnb cabins in the U.S. to rent for your winter vacation. Find the one that speaks to you and make your escape.
The Best Winter Cabin Airbnbs to Run Away to
New York
Catskills
1. Catskill A-Frame
Up in the Catskill Mountains, this specific A-Frame cabin is worth highlighting for its modern structure, classy interior, incredible lake views, and easy forest access. The tranquil winter getaway was built in 1964 and has been fully restored with an additional retro fire pit. Although it might initially look small, it can actually comfortably house up to six guests within its three bedrooms and one and a half baths. It's also pet-friendly if you're planning to have your furry best friend tag along. For: A group of adults looking to take a weekend break from everyday life in a nice lakefront home
Adirondacks
2. Birch Falls Spa Cabin
Just as Daniele suggested, the magnificent Adirondack Mountains hold plenty of Airbnb cabins worth escaping to. This 784 square-foot space provides the ultimate romantic getaway with its intimate interior and contemporary-rustic features. Encapsulating a spa resort atmosphere, the property not only comes with the most amazing valley and mountain views, but also an 18-footindoor waterfall and daily massages! So you can count on this rental to be the best Airbnb to book if you're trying to wind down after all the holiday madness and family overload. Keep in mind that you'll have to drive or rent a 4WD to get to this cabin, especially since there won't be any taxi or ride-share services available. For: Couples looking for a romantic, spa retreat-style place to relax and rejuvenate in
3. Rustic Tiny Cabin
If you're really looking to get out into the wilderness, then check out this tiny house. This rustic cabin is made of hand split cedar shingles and locally harvested wood to form a studio that features an upstairs sleeping loft. It overlooks a large pond and sits underneath Scotch pines on a private property of 200+ acres. The vacation rental presents a camper's paradise with its wood-burning stove, antique propane cookstove, fire pit, and luxury outhouse. Although there is no power or running water, a five-gallon cooler of spring-fed drinking water will be provided. So make sure you bring your camping gear if this Airbnb is calling your name. For: Small families with older children or a small group of friends who are ready and equipped to camp
California
Lake Tahoe
4. Hygge Barn Modern Cabin
If you're headed to Lake Tahoe this winter to go skiing, then check out this modern, two-bedroom cabin. "Hygge" is a Danish word that is used to describe a warm, comfortable atmosphere, and you can count on finding that feeling in this Airbnb. The newly-renovated, cozy cabin offers contemporary furnishings and amenities along with the most beautiful forest and lake views, making this rental a great option to consider during the cold seasons. It features a fireplace in the living room, heated floors, hi-speed WiFi, a full kitchen, and so much more. You'll also be just minutes away from Tahoe City, where you can enjoy the local ski resorts, restaurants, boutiques, cafes, and bars. For: A family of four who is looking to go ski in the area
Big Bear
5. Treehaus Chalet
This Big Bear hideaway is the perfect treehouse to cozy up in. The trendy 1960s chalet is perched on a hillside and offers the most breathtaking views of the California mountains. Its vintage alpine decor provides a homey atmosphere, but the modern amenities keep all guests that stay here warm and comfortable. The large windows allow you to take in the gorgeous panoramic views from inside, but you should also step out onto the large deck at night to check ou the stars.. The high ceilings and open floor plan make hanging out inside breathable, offering plenty of room to lounge around. For: Small families with older children or small groups of friends looking to spend more time inside than outside
6. Whiskey Ridge Chalet
Another note-worthy A-Frame to consider while looking for cabins to retreat to this winter, the Whiskey Ridge Chalet presents everything you'll need for the perfect escape. Its dark wood paneling and large windows set a moody, toasty tone for your stay, with bohemian accents and decor for that homey feel. And while staying inside might suffice for your trip, you can still step out onto the deck and stay warm in the outdoor hot tub underneath the star-filled night sky. If you want to explore the gorgeous outdoors, there are plenty of hiking trails filled with spectacular vistas and towering pine trees just minutes away. For: Couples traveling with other couples for a fun, romantic getaway
North Carolina
7. Appalachian A-Frame (Modern Treehouse)
The East Coast offers plenty of cabins worth checking out during the winter season, and this rental in North Carolina is great to book for bigger parties. The Appalachian A-Frame was originally built in 1970 and recently renovated back in August 2019. The hosts modernized the cabin with contemporary amenities, but kept the original 70s charm that fills the space. With three open floors, the getaway can comfortably house up to eight guests whether they choose to spend their time indoors or explore the natural attractions outside. You'll be a short drive from Cherokee National Forest, where you can hike or go horseback riding, and Beach & Sugar Mountain, where you can go skiing and snow tubing. For: Large families with kids older than five years old or large groups of friends looking to stay active during their trip
Vermont
8. Converted Horse Run-In
As Daniele also mentioned, the Northeast is a great region to search for cabin getaways. This Vermont Airbnb is a converted horse shed and presents the coziest space for those looking for more of a camping-inspired trip. The interior is a studio made for two and also comes with not only an indoor shower, but also an outdoor shower. It features two hot tubs and a sauna that you can decompress in, making this rental the perfect place to disconnect and rejuvenate. And if you're looking for a quiet escape, then this hideaway is a great choice since you'll be surrounded by the mountains and wildlife. The rustic interior provides the ultimate homey atmosphere where you can warmly snuggle up with your loved one. For: Couples looking for a quiet and cozy mountain hideaway for a romantic retreat
9. Honeycrisp Cottage
This quaint and tiny cottage sits on nine acres of land that overlooks forested mountains and trails. The tiny home is the perfect place to book for a peaceful, New England getaway, where you and up to three others can retreat to if you're looking to unwind. Surrounded by gorgeous trees, you can enjoy the views by staying warm by the outdoor fire pit. And at night, lounge around on the outdoor chairs to marvel at all the stars that fill the dark skies. The interior is decorated simply for a nice, classy feel, where you can also enjoy the outdoor views from inside through the tall windows. For: A small group of friends looking for a calm, quiet retreat to unwind in Michigan
10. Little Cabin at Rocky Top Farms
This custom timber-frame cabin was built by the Airbnb hosts and sits in the middle of Rocky Top Farms, a cherry orchard in the northern part of the state. The small space is intimate, with a sleeping loft upstairs where you can gaze out the window at the stars at night. The front porch is also made for lounging around and marveling at the snowy wonderland that paints the view before you. Along with modern amenities to keep guests comfortable, the rental includes firewood for the indoor fireplace and a hot tub that is shared with the cabin neighbors next door. For: Couples looking for a tiny, intimate retreat sanctuary for a romantic getaway
Montana
11. Carriage House Cabin
Back in 2015, this carriage house was featured in Outside Magazine as one of the best Airbnb properties to hole up in. Just outside of Bozeman, Montana, and 60 miles away from Yellowstone National Park, the studio rental offers not only breathtaking views of the area but also contemporary-rustic amenities for all your comfort needs. You can choose to retreat in the rental and snuggle up by the fireplace while watching the sun set over the horizon, or explore outdoors on the nearby hiking trails. Less than an hour away is world class skiing at Big Sky or Bridger Bowl, and fishing the Gallatin and Madison Rivers are even closer. For: Couples looking to enjoy a romantic getaway with options to stay indoors or explore outdoors
Oregon
12. Historic Cedarwood Cabin
The Pacific Northwest is a magical place to find cabin Airbnbs, and this Cedarwood cabin in Oregon is the perfect place to slow down and relax. A wonderful example of what a good cabin stay looks like, this rental is charming and enchanting with its vintage, rustic decor. Originally hand-built back in 1922, the cabin has since then been restored with contemporary amenities for your comfort. It's the perfect place to book whether you want to stay inside the entire trip or go explore outside. Hiking and skiing are nearby if you're looking for activities to partake in outside, but inside the cabin holds cozy couches and interesting books to read. For: Small families or groups of friends up to four guests who are looking for a variety of activities to do during their vacation
Wisconsin
13. Woodland Doe Lodge
Located on the beautiful Lee Lake, this winter lodge can also house bigger parties of up to eight guests. The lakeside cabin is great for those looking for a more private rental that isn't too far away from the city. This Airbnb sits in the Black River Falls State Forest, so you can step out onto the front porch in the morning and enjoy your coffee among the pine trees. And if you're determined not to let the season keep you inside, there are plenty of ATV and snowmobiling trails nearby, as well as hiking and biking trails. For: Large families or a bigger group of friends who want a comfortable, inviting Airbnb to come home to after a long day of winter activities
Colorado
14. Log Cabin on the River
This Colorado log cabin has been considered by past guests as "magical" and an "incredible spot for a private romantic getaway." Emphasizing the essence of Colorado, this property is surrounded by mountains, trees, wildlife, and a rushing river, where you can admire how nature moves while you sit in quietness and stillness. Just 15 minutes away from Eldora Mountain Resort, you can also book this place if you're looking to ski during your trip. And even if you don't want to ski but still want to get out and about, you'll only be 10 minutes away from Nederland, where there are great local restaurants, breweries, and boutiques. For: Couples looking for an intimate time in the ultimate log cabin getaway
Wyoming
15. Bridger Teton-Wyoming Range Rustic Mountain Cabin
Sitting on 15 acres that overlooks the Wyoming Range, this rustic cabin is the perfect place to forget about life's everyday stresses and just enjoy all the surrounding nature. Furnished with beloved pieces hand-made by local artists, this space gives a warm Wyoming welcome to guests who come from all over. And while inside is a great place to hole up in during the winter, the season also brings snow that's good for snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and skiing. So whether you want to hide away in this cabin during the length of your stay or you want to get out and play in the snow, consider this Airbnb for the ultimate winter vacation. For: A small group of friends looking for a rural retreat with breathtaking views
Have you ever stayed in a cozy winter cabin Airbnb? Share your experience with us on our Wide Open Roads Facebook!
