Preparing a holiday apartment for the winter season: checklist for owners in the Bernese Oberland

The winter season in the Bernese Oberland begins in Lenk, Gstaad and Adelboden in the first weeks of December and peaks over Christmas, New Year and the winter sports holidays. If you let a holiday apartment, November is the last quiet window to get it ready for guests. This checklist summarises what we go through before the season in the apartments we manage.

1. Technology and safety

• Heating and hot water: Check that they work, set thermostats to the base temperature, make sure the service has been done. In timber houses with a tiled stove or open fireplace: arrange cleaning and firewood, and leave instructions for guests.
• Smoke detectors and fire extinguishers: Test the batteries, check the inspection date.
• Water: Check drains, taps and silicone seals; after a longer vacancy, briefly flush the pipes.
• Access: Check smart locks and key safes for battery and function; set up winter access authorisations in the system.
• Wi-Fi and TV: Test the connection, update the access details in the guest folder or guest app.

2. Outdoor area and access road

• Who clears the snow and spreads grit? Clarify who is responsible (caretaker, owners' community, service provider) and tell the guests.
• Parking and garage space: put the number, access and winter rules (snow chains, note on winter tyres) in the arrival information.
• Winterise balcony and garden furniture, put away parasols and cushions.
• Ski and boot room: drying facilities, drip tray, enough space for ski boots.

3. Linen and consumables

• Bed linen and towels: Stock of at least two sets per bed, three for short stays. Replace worn items – more is washed in winter than in summer.
• Blankets and pillows: Additional woollen blankets for cold nights, anti-allergy pillows as an option.
• Consumables: Toilet paper, washing-up liquid, dishwasher tablets, the municipality's refuse bags, soap, basic coffee and tea supplies. Build up a stock for the whole peak season, because deliveries take longer over the holidays.

4. Inventory and equipment

• Count crockery, glasses and cutlery; replace anything missing (in chalets, often check fondue and raclette sets).
• Fix small defects: wobbly chairs, dripping taps, missing light bulbs.
• Thorough cleaning before the start of the season: windows, curtains, carpets, vacuum the mattresses, inside of the fridge and oven. There is no time for this in peak season.
• Winter photos for the listing once the first snow has fallen – they will be needed for next season's bookings.

5. Listings, prices and occupancy

• Set prices and minimum stays for peak season: in Lenk, Gstaad and Adelboden, the Christmas and winter sports holiday weeks are generally booked by the week, from Saturday to Saturday.
• Enter own use and blocked dates before the weeks go on sale.
• Synchronise the calendars of all platforms; adapt the description to winter offers (ski room, distance to the valley station, ski bus, guest card).
• Update the arrival information: check-in times, access in snow, emergency number.

6. Registration and guests

• Check the tourist tax regulations and the municipality's registration system; have the digital guest card ready.
• House rules and waste separation visible in the apartment, in several languages.
• Update partner offers (ski hire, half board, spa) if you provide any.

Who takes care of this?

For owners whose apartment we manage, this seasonal check is part of the service: inspection round, thorough cleaning, linen stock, access system, listings and prices are handled and reported by our team before the season. Those who let the apartment themselves can book the thorough cleaning and the changeover with us – [holiday apartment cleaning in Simmental](/ferienwohnungsreinigung-simmental), [in Saanenland](/ferienwohnungsreinigung-saanenland) and [in Adelboden-Kandersteg](/ferienwohnungsreinigung-adelboden-kandersteg).

Frequently asked questions

When should the apartment be winter-ready?

By the end of November. The first guests arrive when the ski areas open, and over the holidays tradespeople and suppliers are hard to reach.

How much linen do I need per bed?

At least two complete sets per bed, three for short stays. With a laundry service, double the stock is generally enough.

Who clears the snow in front of the holiday apartment?

This is regulated by the condominium owners' association or a caretaker appointed for the purpose. Clarify it before the season and let guests know what to expect.

Is a thorough clean before the season worthwhile?

Yes. Windows, curtains, carpets and mattresses are not cleaned during peak season; the condition at the start of the season shapes the reviews for the whole winter.

What belongs in the arrival information for winter guests?

Access in snow, parking, key or access code, check-in time, how to operate the heating, ski room, emergency number and the guest card.

*The checklist describes the practice of Picobello Reinigungen in managed holiday apartments in Lenk, in Saanenland and in Adelboden-Kandersteg.*