The snow is gently falling over the trees, blanketing your lush surroundings in fluffy, white snow. The mountaintops are glittering, and the Smokies is transforming into a winter wonderland. It’s cold outside, but you’re cozied up in your private mountain cabin – now an oasis from the winter weather.
As the snow picks up, it becomes clear you’re not going anywhere soon. So how do you make the most of getting snowed in your cabin? Take the opportunity to spend some quality time with loved ones, play games, and enjoy a classic winter day in a Smoky Mountain cabin. We have some wonderful ideas to make your snow day simply magical, along with some tips to ensure you’re prepared and safe on a winter trip to the Smokies!
- Cozy up by the fire.
Whether you have a wood-burning, gas, or electric fireplace in your cabin, a snowy day is the perfect time to take advantage of it. As the fire crackles, curl up with a good book, your love, a glass of hot cider, or some cocoa with marshmallows. - Host family game night.
Be sure to pack your board games (or check to see if the cabin already has them stocked) and get ready for a fun family game night! What better way to connect – screen free – with family than playing games, snacking, and staying warm while the snow falls outside?! - Bake the day away.
Our cabins have fully equipped kitchens, meaning you can easily make snacks, drinks, and meals at the cabin – especially when you can’t get out. Spend the day baking your favorite cookies, holiday treats, casseroles, and more. Or you can sautee on the stovetop for a delicious winter meal. - Let’s go to the movies…in the cabin.
Bring (or rent ahead of time) some DVDs and Blu-ray players for movie night in the cabin. Watch holiday classics, favorite comedies, or a romantic movie when the kids head to bed! And with a fully equipped kitchen, it will be easy to pop some popcorn, whip up some snacks, and have an awesome movie night. Bonus points if you book a cabin with a theater! - Build a fort!
What kid doesn’t love gathering up sheets, blankets, and pillows for a day of playing in a fort?! Bring a flashlight and some snacks or fun books and enjoy a day warm and cozy in a playful fort. - Have a snowball fight.
Bundle up and head outside to have some fun with a snowball fight! It’s a classic snow day activity for kids and kids at heart. - Do you wanna build a snowman?
Yes! If you get enough snow at the cabin, go out and build your own snowman to greet guests at the cabin! Add some winter accessories for fun or forage around the cabin for pinecones, sticks, rocks, berries, and anything that would make your snowy friend extra special.
Snow Day Safety
Before you head to the mountains during winter, be sure your car is well-prepared. Ask your vacation specialist if you’ll need 4-wheel drive or chains for the cabin – and how steep the roads to your cabin are. Once you’re at the cabin, don’t attempt to drive out if the roads are unsafe! Ask if your cabin comes with firewood (for wood-burning fireplaces) and if you need to get propane for your gas grill ahead of time. And of course, be sure you have your cabin well stocked with food, drinks, any medicines you regularly need, baby supplies, and anything else you may not be able to get out and grab during inclement winter weather.
Cabin Must-Haves for Snow Day
Besides actual needs, we have some must-haves you’ll want in your cabin when you’re snowed in!
- Hot cocoa, coffee, tea, or cider
- Board games & decks of cards
- Puzzles, crosswords, or a good book
- Crafts for the kids
- DVDs or Blu-rays
- Sweet local treats & pancake/biscuit mixes from The Old Mill or AppleBarn
- Your favorite cozy blanket, slippers, or robe
- Plenty of ingredients for meals and snacks
- Movie-night popcorn and candy