There’s nothing quite like fall in Lake Geneva. The maples along the shore path turn gold and crimson, the crowds thin out, and the lake takes on that quiet, glassy calm before winter sets in. But before you close up the cottage for the winter or settle in for the season, now is the time to get your home ready — especially with this year’s forecast in the mix.
What This Winter Actually Looks Like
Forecasters are calling for a strong — potentially “super” — El Niño pattern this winter, and it’s already shaping the outlook for southern Wisconsin. Historically, our area tends to run milder and drier during strong El Niño winters, with above-normal temperatures and below-average snowfall being the more common pattern. That said, every El Niño winter behaves a little differently, and “milder on average” doesn’t mean “storm-free.” We can still expect brief stretches of real cold, gusty wind events, and the occasional heavy snow or ice event even in an otherwise mild season.
The takeaway for homeowners: don’t skip your usual prep just because the season is forecast to be gentler. A quieter winter is still a Wisconsin winter, and the properties that come through unscathed are the ones that were ready for whatever showed up.
Your Fall Prep Checklist
1. Clean and inspect the gutters
Falling leaves clog gutters fast, and clogged gutters are one of the top causes of ice dams and water intrusion once temperatures swing below freezing. Have gutters cleared, downspouts checked for proper drainage away from the foundation, and any loose fasteners or sagging sections repaired now, before the first freeze.
Clearing gutters before the first hard freeze prevents ice dams later in the season.
2. Winterize outdoor plumbing
Shut off and drain exterior hose bibs, blow out irrigation lines, and disconnect garden hoses. For vacation homes that will sit empty for stretches, this is also the time to have your heating system serviced and confirm your smart thermostat or freeze-alarm system is working, so a cold snap doesn’t catch an unoccupied property off guard.
3. Seal, caulk, and weatherstrip
Even a mild winter brings plenty of cold nights off the water. Check window and door seals, re-caulk gaps, and add weatherstripping where needed. This keeps heating costs down and protects pipes near exterior walls during the cold snaps that show up even in a warmer-than-average season.
4. Service the furnace and chimney
Schedule a furnace tune-up and, if you have a fireplace or wood stove, a chimney inspection and sweep. A mild winter still means plenty of nights you’ll want the heat running reliably.
5. Trim trees and secure the yard
Winter wind can be intense, and a milder, more variable winter often brings more freeze-thaw cycles, which stress tree limbs and branches. Trim anything overhanging the roof or power lines, and store or secure outdoor furniture and other loose items before you head out for the season.
6. Prep for snow — even if it’s a “light” winter
Reduced average snowfall doesn’t mean zero snow events. Stock up on ice melt, have snow removal equipment serviced, and if you rely on a plow service, confirm your contract for the season now, before the rush.
7. Have a plan for the empty house
For seasonal and vacation properties, an El Niño winter’s swings between mild spells and sudden cold snaps make routine check-ins more important, not less. Regular property visits, water leak sensors, and a reliable local property manager are the best insurance against a small issue — a frozen pipe, a failed sump pump — becoming a very expensive one.
The Bottom Line
This year’s forecast points to a milder, drier winter for southern Wisconsin overall — good news if you’re dreading another brutal season. But “milder on average” is a seasonal trend, not a guarantee for any single week. The homes that sail through winter without issues are the ones prepped as if a hard winter were coming, regardless of what the long-range outlook says.
If you’d rather not manage this checklist yourself, that’s exactly what RTH Property Management is here for. So sit back, relax, and enjoy this fall season. When it comes to your home and winter…we’ll take care of everything.
Have questions about preparing your Lake Geneva home or vacation property for winter? Contact us today — we handle everything from gutter cleaning to full seasonal watch programs for homes that sit empty part of the year.