Spring in the mountains. The snowbanks are melting, the trails are soft, and a quiet calm settles over the landscape before the rush of summer adventurers.
It’s what locals call mud season—the in-between time, when winter sports are winding down and summer hikes are still weeks away.
To many, it’s the slow season. But for savvy Airbnb hosts? It’s an opportunity.
I still remember my first experience of mud season in Vermont. It was the kind of weekend where boots were essential—but so was a good book and a cozy cabin.
Mornings were spent sipping coffee on the back porch, wrapped in a cozy, plush blanket, listening to the birds. In the afternoons, we roamed the backroads with no agenda, just letting the day unfold. We stumbled upon the sweetest little antique shop, the kind that smells like old stories and is packed with forgotten treasures. Tucked between old postcards, I found a small paperback Vermont maple cookbook—and at 50 cents, it was a steal we couldn’t pass up.
Instead of eating out, we headed back to the cabin and made a comfort food dinner—a hearty pot of chili with homemade cornbread, served with sharp Cabot cheese (bought at a farm stand) the boys helped shred themselves. It was simple, warm, and exactly what we needed.
It wasn’t a trip about rushing from one thing to the next—it was about rest, renewal, and savoring the quiet before the summer crowds rolled in. Just the way Vermont wants to be experienced.
Now’s the Time to Market Your Airbnb Differently—Here’s How.
Mud season might not come with beautiful blue skies or that sweet summer buzz, but it does offer something guests are craving right now: peace, coziness, and a slower pace.
So let’s lean into it.
1. Sell the Experience, Not Just the Stay
This time of year is all about transition and your listing should reflect that gentle shift.
Here’s a few ways you can highlight slow travel moments during mud season:
✔️ A weekend of books, board games, and bottomless popcorn
✔️ Mornings wrapped in a throw blanket with coffee on the porch
✔️ Scenic drives to spot maple tapping in action
✔️ Cozy cafés perfect for rainy-day lattes and pastries
✔️ A nearby spa or wellness studio for a post-winter reset
Want to take it up a notch? Set the scene with a movie night setup—think projector, snuggly blankets, and a snack bar your guests won’t forget.
🎬 Shop our favorite movie night essentials
Help your guests imagine the slower pace they’ve been craving.
2. Offer an Off-Season Perk
When the crowds thin out, the charm settles in, making itt the perfect time to partner with a local bakery, winery, or yoga studio.
A simple offer like:🧁 “Stay with us and enjoy 10% off at the local bakery” …can make your listing stand out and give guests that “insider” experience.
3. Embrace the Weather
Yes, it’s called mud season for a reason—but that doesn’t have to be a drawback.
Try captions like:
🌧️ Rainy days, slow drives, and a warm drink by the fire—this is the season for unplanned moments that turn into the best memories.
🥾 Yes, it’s muddy. That’s why we stocked the mudroom with boot trays, extra towels, and a map of our favorite backroad adventures.
🌧️ Give me the rainy days, quiet roads, and a cozy corner by the fire—this is my kind of season, where the best moments don’t need a plan.
🌧️ Let the day unfold slowly. This is the kind of weather that invites you to linger a little longer, cozy up, and just be
When you set the expectation and paint the picture, guests don’t just tolerate the off-season—they look forward to it.
(P.S. If you’re looking for more tips on how to level up your Instagram captions as an Airbnb host, read this blog post!)
4. Adjust Pricing & Stay Flexible
With slower travel months come slower bookings, but that doesn’t mean you can’t fill your calendar.
During mud season as an Airbnb host, try offering:
✔️ A “third night free” for long weekends
✔️ Midweek discounts for remote workers or creatives
✔️ A reduced cleaning fee for 2-night stays
These small tweaks can tip the scales in your favor when guests are comparing options.
5. Refresh Your Photos & Listing
If your Airbnb still has holiday lights in the listing photos, it’s time for an update.
Show off the in-between season charm with:
📸 Lazy mornings by the fire playing their favorite card game
📸 A porch shot with a cozy throw blanket and morning coffee
📸 A book, a glass of wine, a local-made charcuterie board and a rainy window view
📸 A local spring event or farm stand that’s just reopening
Your photos should reflect what guests will actually experience when they book in March, April, or early May.
If you're having a hard time capturing these types of cozy, seasonal moments with your iPhone, it might be time to schedule a session with me.
✨ I offer Airbnb lifestyle photography with flexible mini sessions that fit between guest bookings—no need to block off days or worry about turnaround time. You’ll receive 20+ high-quality photos that highlight the charm of your space, showcase seasonal details, and help your listing truly stand out.
Let’s make sure your photos reflect what guests will experience this spring.
📅 Book now or learn more by checking our ur website!
Mud season isn’t an afterthought—it’s a hidden gem. The guests who book now are looking for something different: a quiet, cozy, and slow-paced retreat.
By framing it as an experience worth savoring, rather than a season to just “get through”, you can turn your Airbnb into the place people want to escape to—muddy boots and all.
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