I just spent three days in Promised Land getting Ferncrest ready for winter.
But this year felt different.
Instead of winterizing everything and shutting the property down like we’ve done in past years, this preparation was about staying open… about figuring out how to make Ferncrest a true year-round glampground.
And I’ll be honest: it feels like a big experiment.
We’ve never done this before. November is usually the month where bookings drop off and we lock the doors until spring. But this year, we decided to keep a smaller footprint open… and already, it’s proving to be worth it.
As of mid-November, we’ve brought in $25,000 in bookings and will easily surpass $30,000 by month’s end. That’s with just nine units open, compared to our usual 24. From December through March, we’ll scale down even further to six units, keeping things manageable but operational.
This decision wasn’t just about squeezing extra revenue out of the calendar. It came down to a few key factors that every glampground owner or aspiring glampreneur should consider before deciding whether to stay open or close for the winter.
Today, let’s explore these factors together:
1. Your Structures Determine Your Seasons
If your structures can’t handle winter, your season ends when the leaves fall.
Safari tents and wall tents look great on Instagram, but they struggle in cold climates. Between snow load and insulation, they’re simply not built for it. We learned this firsthand when heavy snow collapsed one of ours a few years ago.
Domes and cabins, on the other hand, can be insulated, heated, and sealed tight enough to create a cozy winter experience. If you’re planning your glampground from scratch, the right structures will give you the flexibility to stay open when others can’t.
2. Infrastructure & Accessibility
Year-round operations require infrastructure that’s built for winter:
- Water lines buried deep enough to prevent freezing
- Bathhouses that are heated and insulated
- Access roads that can be plowed and salted
It’s not just about guest comfort — it’s about making sure the property functions when temperatures drop. If your pipes burst or your guests can’t get to their unit, you won’t just lose bookings; you’ll lose reputation.
3. The Economics of Staying Open
Yes, operating in the winter will likely cost more.
You’ll use more electricity or propane for heating, and you’ll spend money on snow removal and general upkeep. But in glamping, the economics often still work in your favor.
At Ferncrest, our break-even point is under 20% occupancy. That means even if we’re only 20% full, we’re covering our costs and making a little profit. Anything above that is incremental gain… even in the dead of winter.
And sometimes, it’s not about making a huge profit at all. It’s about keeping your team working — your housekeepers, maintenance crew, and managers — so they stay engaged, employed, and loyal.
4. Visibility & Momentum
There’s another benefit most people overlook: momentum.
When you stay open (even partially) your property remains visible. You keep showing up in search results, guests keep posting photos, and your marketing engine keeps running.
If you completely close down for half the year, you’re starting from zero every spring. You lose SEO traction, social visibility, and guest familiarity. Staying open keeps the conversation going.
Our Plan for Ferncrest
So this winter, we’re keeping six of our most insulated, accessible, and guest-ready units open.
It’s not about record-breaking profits… it’s about testing, learning, and proving that a well-designed glampground can create magic even in the snow.
The goal is simple:
- Cover our costs
- Keep our team engaged
- Stay visible
- Deliver an exceptional guest experience year-round
This isn’t just about surviving the off-season. It’s about redefining what a four-season glamping business can look like.
So if you’re planning your own glampground, think beyond summer.
Ask yourself:
- Are my structures capable of year-round use?
- Is my infrastructure designed for cold weather?
- Can I operate profitably at 20% occupancy?
When you design for flexibility, you gain optionality… and optionality is everything in business.
Because sometimes, the smartest move isn’t to close when it gets cold. It’s to adapt, simplify, and keep the fire burning.
Happy Glamping!
Brian Linton
