Free template · updated November 3, 2026

Snow and ice instructions for guests (template)

Winter guests arrive in the dark, in a car they may not know, on a driveway they've never seen. What they need is a plain note on who clears the snow, where it's safe to walk and park, and what to do if a storm comes in.

This template covers your clearing plan, ice melt and shovels, parking for the plow, roof snow and icicles, keeping furnace and dryer vents clear, keeping the heat on, and storm contacts. Fill in your driveway, plow and road report details.

The template

Replace anything in [brackets] with your own details.

Who clears the snow

[Clearing plan, e.g. Our plow contractor clears the driveway after X cm of snow, usually by Time.]
If it snows during your stay and you need a path sooner, a shovel and ice melt are at [Shovel location]. That's up to you.

Walking safely

Paths and steps can be icy, especially in the morning. Please use the railings and wear boots with grip.
Ice melt or sand is in [Ice melt location] for icy spots.
[Steep or tricky spots, e.g. The back steps get icy; please use the front door.]

Parking and driving

Please park [Where to park] so the plow can get through.
[Driveway note, e.g. The driveway is steep. Back in, and leave it in low gear when you go down.]
Winter tires are strongly recommended here. Road reports: [Road conditions source].
If your car is buried, clear the tailpipe before starting it. A blocked pipe can push carbon monoxide into the car.

Around the house

Snow and ice can slide off the roof. Please stay clear of [Areas under the eaves].
Keep the furnace, water heater and dryer vents at [Vent locations] clear of snow. A blocked vent can send carbon monoxide inside. Let us know if one is covered.

Keeping warm

Please keep the heat at [Minimum temperature] or higher, even when you're out, so the pipes don't freeze.
If the power goes out, see our power outage page. Extra blankets are in [Blanket location].
Never bring a barbecue, camp stove or generator inside for heat.

Who to call

Plow contractor: [Plow contact]
Us: [Host name], [Host phone]
Emergency: [Emergency number]

Tips

Arrange snow clearing with a contractor before the season; it's not a job to hand to guests.
Mark the edges of the driveway with stakes so plows and guests can find them.
Mark exterior vents with a small sign or stake and check them after every big storm.
Leave good ice melt, sand and a sturdy shovel by the door, plus a scraper for car windows.
Tell guests in the listing if the driveway is steep or needs winter tires.

Put it on one guest page instead of a binder

Keegix turns your welcome book into one link and a QR sign by the door. Upload the binder you already have and AI drafts the page in about a minute, or paste this template in. Free forever for one property.

Upload my binder, free See a sample guest page

Questions

Who is responsible for clearing snow at a rental?

It's normally the host's job to arrange, through a contractor or yourself. Guests can be offered a shovel for convenience, but shouldn't be expected to clear the property.

Why should guests keep vents clear of snow?

Many furnaces, water heaters and dryers vent out through a side wall. If snow blocks the vent, exhaust gases including carbon monoxide can back up into the house.

What temperature should guests leave the heat at in winter?

Ask them to keep it at a safe minimum even when they're out, so pipes don't freeze. Write your chosen number into the instructions.

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https://keegix.com/house-manual/snow-and-ice/