Bring on the Snow! Winter Cabin Rentals to Book Now

Let it snow! Winter is almost here and the magic of the season beckons. The Pacific Northwest is a snowflake playground waiting for you to plan your family’s icicle dreams, snowball fights and downhill sledding adventures with a winter cabin rental. Now is the time to book a cabin vacation rental that’s close to Seattle and perfect for snow-filled days and cozy nights.

Forest Fantasies & Skiing at Mount Baker

Hygge Hus
Get hygge with it! Whisk your family into a magazine spread for Architectural Digest. Hygge Hus is a newly restored design masterpiece on stilts. Don’t worry, the décor is all hygge cozy and welcomes quiet times on the couch by the fireplace with kids cuddled up close. Soft pillows, textile art and warm wood accents are lovely touches, while the floor to ceiling windows bring the forest into the house. Splash or soak in the four-foot-deep cedar hot tub or sit outside under the covered deck for fresh air and winter warmer sipping. Get the wiggles out with access to the Snowline neighborhood amenities: fishpond, rec center, outdoor pool and playground. Don't forget your mittens!

Magic Nearby
Mount Baker is the snowiest resort in the country. Beyond skiing and snowboarding, tubing, sledding and cross-country opportunities abound. With so much snow Mt. Baker Ski Area normally has the longest ski season in the state (it usually goes into March). In 2020 it was voted as one of the top 10 destinations in the US for skiing according to the American Ski Index. Is anyone else thinking mid-winter break trip?

Sleeps: 4
Cost: $379/night
Online: airbnb.com/rooms/47977619

Snowy Staycation in Snoqualmie

Holiday Chalet on the Slopes
Who says you must drive for hours to find your snowy mountain getaway? Just a quick trip from Seattle, this ski-in-ski-out log home is perfect for a low stress getaway. This duplex unit log cabin is all about comfort and chill time—from the hot tub on the deck, to the garage where you can store your ski gear, to the private covered walkway that drops you and your little ski bums at Summit West slopes. There's plenty of space for everyone in your ski crew to après together around the stone fireplace while playing games and sipping cocoa after a blissful day of snow-flurry fun.

Magic Nearby
The Summit at Snoqualmie features awesome steeps, back bowls, terrain parks, a Nordic center and a tubing park. What more do you need? Tiny skiers can start their love of the mountain on the learning terrain, while parents show off on nearby runs. Open seven days and six nights a week, there is lots of powder time available for all levels. Check out the Remedy Pass which is a deal for those mountain lovers who can enjoy the slopes off-peak days and nights. 

Sleeps: 4
Cost: $223/night
Online: airbnb.com/rooms/45972883

Schussing in Spokane

Riverfront Park & Historic Davenport Hotel
If you haven’t made it to Riverfront Park Spokane yet, the Numerica Skate Ribbon is a reason to head east and lace up those skates. The rink mirrors a frozen lazy river and consists of a 16-foot-wide pathway that is 650-feet long. Skaters glide by lighted holiday trees and decorations, enjoying gentle slopes as they make their way around large, cozy fire pits for après-skate cocoa sipping. The on-site Sky Ribbon Café offers a variety of snacks to quell growling little tummies and offers adult libations too. Numerica Skate Ribbon is scheduled to open November 20, 2021. This year there is another reason to make Spokane a holiday destination–Christmas Tree Elegance is back on after a hiatus last year. Free to the public and set in the gorgeous lobby of the Historic Davenport Hotel, holiday dreams come to life for young and old. Fireplaces roar and the elaborately decorated trees are raffled off to lucky winners. Tickets for the raffle are one dollar and this glittering event starts November 30 through December 12, 2021. A stay at the Historic Davenport Hotel transports budding sugar plum fairies into a Christmas wonderland.

Tiny House
For a more modern, eco-vibe try the Tiny House by BlockHouse. Small footprint vacations are popular with growing environmental concerns and this new property will give your family a unique experience while making a difference.  All the spaces are focused on eco-friendly design with a ‘Net-Zero’ living experience. Whether it be through forest restoration, recycled materials, or utilizing solar energy, your stay’s carbon footprint is minimized.

Magic Nearby
Schussing time! Skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and moguls await. Choose from one of these five ski resorts near Spokane: Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park, Silver Mountain Resort, 49 Degrees North Mountain Resort, Lookout Pass Ski and Recreation Area or Schweitzer Ski Resort. Play all day at one place or snow hop to explore them all.

Davenport Hotel
Sleeps: 4
Cost: starting at $194/night
Online: davenporthotelcollection.com

Tiny House
Sleeps: 2-3
Cost: $136/night
Online: airbnb.com/rooms/44667273

Storm Watching & Sunshine on the Olympic Peninsula

Kalaloch Lodge
Ready for some serious weather? Cue Washington’s stormy, majestic coast replete with lighthouses and driftwood. Kalaloch Lodge’s cabins overlook the crashing ocean from atop a cliff and the view makes guests feel they are the only people around. Fully stocked kitchenettes make dinner time an easy family affair and the rooms are small but perfect for hunkering down. Don't forget to pack your favorite board games. Coastal activities offer more quiet amusement than on the mountain this time of year. Long beach walks and storm watching should be on your daily agenda. Also, it's prime season for clamming. Washington is one of the premier places in the country to dig for razor clams. Your kiddos will be occupied for hours digging the wily little critters out of the sand. Then enjoy dinner over a bonfire on the beach. Slurp, lick, yum!

Holiday Home
Sequim boasts the best weather in Washington with low rainfall, matching Los Angeles’ climate and sunny days. If your family wants a drier December vacay but still wants Washington’s iconic blustery seascapes, stay at Serene Country View Holiday Home in Sequim. Grab your cousins! This is a spacious place where large groups can gather around the breakfast bar, the BBQ outdoors and the puzzle table for game nights. A fully-equipped kitchen and a lovely view of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Canada round out the experience. There’s a fire pit for roasting those quintessential s’mores or staying warm while winter stargazing.

Magic Nearby
The Olympic Peninsula is a natural cold weather playground, and families looking for traditional winter sports will find plenty of steep and deep at Hurricane Ridge Ski & Snowboard Area. The mountain has tubing and sledding options as well, with epic views of the Olympic Mountains and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Kalaloch Lodge 
Sleeps: 2-8
Cost: starting at $172/night
Online: thekalalochlodge.com

Holiday Home
Sleeps: 8
Cost: $149/night
Online: airbnb.com/rooms/50797153

Cross Country Skiing in Winthrop

Sun Mountain Lodge
Sun Mountain Lodge is open again and renovated, so grab a Nordic Ski fan and head to Winthrop. The Lodge is the largest cross-country skiing resort in the country, with 60 kilometers of meticulously groomed trails available from your resort room door. Strap on those skinny skis (rentals available on-site) and get out there! Those amazing trails aren’t going to ski themselves. After the snow angels are made, grab some hot cocoa and plan the day. Choose from snowshoeing, sledding, on-site sleigh rides and downhill skiing at Loup Loup Ski Bowl (opening December 2021, snow permitting). Curious about Alti Hok backcountry ski shoes? We are too! Imported from Northwest China by Cascades locals, hoks are a cross between snowshoes and short, fat downhill skis. Inquire at the activities desk on how to get started. Don’t forget to check for Sun Mountain Lodge’s possible upcoming kids shows with Santa appearances and story time.

Magic Nearby
What’s better than ice skating during the winter? Ice skating outdoors with stunning views of Mount Gardiner in the distance. Winthrop Ice Rink is an NHL regulation ice facility and hosts a variety of events—like free skate, figure skating and hockey—and the 6,000-square-foot changing room has rentals, hot showers and even ping pong tables. Consider visiting Winthrop on November 27, 2021 for the Old-Fashioned Cowboy Christmas Kick-Off Party. Holiday lights, specials and fireworks are on the agenda.

Sleeps: 2-12
Cost: starting at $185/night
Online: sunmountainlodge.com

Winter Wine Tasting in Walla Walla

Casa Grosgrain
Sip wine among the sunny vineyards or ski in the high-desert Blue Mountains. Walla Walla provides a sophisticated holiday escape for families looking for some elegance with a snow-fueled adrenaline rush. Stay at Casa Grosgrain, a four-bedroom, four-bath house reminiscent of Southern France manors. This modern, newly remodeled residence has a full kitchen and outdoor patios with views of the vineyards, pond and the Blue Mountains. It’s location is perfect-near many Southside Walla Walla wineries and just a short drive to all the foodie faves downtown. Sipping vino is easy. Grosgrain Vineyards is open on-site Tuesday through Thursday by appointment and Friday through Sunday by appointment, plus walk-ins are welcome with availability.

Magic Nearby
High up in the beautiful Blue Mountains, Ski Bluewood has the second highest base elevation in the state at 4,450 feet. With its dry high-desert climate and annual snowfall of over 300 inches, Bluewood is renowned for having some of the best snow around. Ski or snowboard until tummies growl, then head into charming Dayton for pizza and beer at Chief Springs Brew Pub or Pizzeria.

Sleeps: 8
Cost: $750/night
Online: airbnb.com/rooms/32865204

Winter Wonderland in North Country

Canyon Creek Cabins
Located in Seattle North Country, Canyon Creek Cabins are another option for an enchanting winter escape. A modern take on the A-frame, every detail is a design-fanatics dream. Gorgeous wood furniture, fireplace, hot tub, indoor hammock, sleek bathroom and family-size dining table on the deck by the roaring creek. This cabin is great for larger groups as well as four-legged canine friends.

Magic Nearby
Skiing and boarding at Stevens Pass is the epic snow play families can look forward to. Whether you're a beginner (they've got lessons for every level and age) or you've been skiing for as long as you can remember, these slopes are tons of fun to carve. Stevens Pass plans to open December 3, 2021. The good news? They have reduced all the pass prices by 20% so more people can shoosh and play!

Sleeps: 6
Cost: $314/night
Online: airbnb.com/rooms/30109719

Build a Snowman in Skykomish

Tye Haus
Bring board games and unplug at this picturesque A-frame just off of US 2. Its simple design will charm the kids, like a good storybook cabin should. Parents can take the Queen bed up in the loft while the kids can bunk side by side downstairs. Enjoy the fireplace alongside hot cocoa after a brisk day of exploring, or relax in the bubbly deck hot tub once the kiddos are asleep. It's the winter escape you've been looking for.

Sleeps: 4
Cost: $324/night
Online: airbnb.com/rooms/1974939

Village of Lights in Leavenworth

Hansel Creek Tree House
This winter escape to the trees and watch the snowfall from life among the branches. Hansel Creek Tree House was lovingly built from salvaged timber found on the property. Rustic, chic and very comfy, the cabin sleeps two adults in a King size memory foam bed in the loft, and two tinies downstairs on an air mattress (request in advance). Enjoy the rushing water and serenity of the creek while relaxing on the deck or barbecuing for dinner. Leavenworth local art is on display in the space as well as hand-crafted log furniture. Enjoy the propane firepit year-round and bring snowshoes, skis, mountain bikes or hiking boots to explore the area. Get ready for little jaws to drop when you tell them about genuine gold panning in Hansel Creek. Try your luck! Gold pans provided by host.

Magic Nearby
This December, midweek and on weekends, Leavenworth is rolling out the holiday magic in a massive way. Besides their renowned display of over half a million lights plus music & entertainment, they have non-stop amusement. This season, bring your group to meet holiday characters, strolling carolers and Santa. There will be plenty of kids’ activities, roasting chestnuts, a Gingerbread house exhibit and more. Grab a hot mug of mulled wine from Patterson Cellars Tasting Room and sit outdoors under the heat lamp to watch the dusk bring on the twinkling tree lights. Everyone appreciates a good sleigh ride. The folks at Icicle Outfitters will hook you up with a cozy 30-minute ride, warm blankets and cozy wood-burning stove—the hot toddies are up to you. We highly recommend Leavenworth Reindeer Farm for animal lovers of any age. This family-run enterprise is the only reindeer farm open year-round in the lower 48 and you can't go wrong feeding reindeer by hand on a snowy day.

Sleeps: 3-4 people
Cost: $230/night
Online: airbnb.com/rooms/43533040

—Natalie Compagno

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