When winter rolls in, many people face a seasonal slowdown—whether it’s in their main job, outdoor work, or personal motivation. But for those who know where to look, winter also brings a flurry of opportunities to earn extra income. Whether you're saving for the holidays, catching up on bills, or just looking to stay productive during longer nights, winter hustles offer a flexible and often profitable way to make the most of the cold-weather season.
From cozy side gigs you can do from your couch to winter-specific services with serious earning potential, we’re breaking down the best winter hustles you can start right now.
One of the most obvious—but still under-tapped—winter hustles is snow removal. In many parts of the U.S. and Canada, homeowners and small businesses need reliable help to keep sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots clear.
You can advertise on local Facebook groups, Nextdoor, or sign up through platforms like TaskRabbit, which lets users find snow shoveling gigs in their area.
During the holiday season, many families travel and need someone to care for their pets. Winter is a peak time for pet sitting, and apps like Rover or Wag! make it easy to get started.
The surge in online shopping during the holidays leads to a big demand for delivery drivers. Companies like Amazon Flex, UPS, FedEx, and Instacart hire thousands of seasonal drivers and shoppers.
Many drivers report earning between $18–$25 an hour, with peak holiday weeks offering even more through surge pricing and tips.
If you’re the creative type, winter is the perfect season to turn your hobby into profit. Items like candles, ornaments, knitwear, or personalized holiday gifts are in high demand on platforms like Etsy and Facebook Marketplace.
According to Statista, Etsy sellers made over $3 billion in sales during Q4 of 2023 alone—largely due to holiday gift shopping.
Cold winter nights are perfect for staying indoors and putting your writing skills to work. Freelance writing and editing continue to be high-demand skills in areas like content marketing, blogging, technical documentation, and more.
You can find work on:
Beginner writers can earn $25–$75 per article, while experienced freelancers often charge $100+ for short-form blog content.
Have extra skis, snowboards, sleds, or snowshoes collecting dust? Rent them out for a side income. With platforms like Fat Llama or even local Facebook groups, you can connect with people looking for short-term winter gear rentals.
This is especially valuable in tourist towns, near ski resorts, or city parks.
People love the look of twinkling lights—but not everyone has the time (or ladder) to hang them. That’s why holiday decorating is one of the most fun and festive winter hustles out there.
You can offer:
Experienced decorators charge between $200 and $1,500 depending on the size of the job, according to Thumbtack.
Parents want to prevent "holiday brain drain," and high school or college students want to prep for spring tests. That’s where online tutoring shines.
Sites like Wyzant, Tutor.com, and Varsity Tutors make it simple to connect with students.
Tutors typically earn $20–$50/hour depending on subject matter and experience.
Got an extra room, basement, or vacation cabin? Winter travel season means higher demand in snowy areas. Ski resorts, national parks, and remote getaways are especially popular from November to March.
According to AirDNA, hosts in top winter markets can earn over 2x their average nightly rates during peak months.
Not up for hosting guests directly? Consider renting out parking spots or garage space for snowmobiles or ski gear on platforms like Spacer.
Many people clear out their closets in January—but you can get ahead of the trend by selling warm clothes and boots before the post-holiday rush. Brands like Patagonia, North Face, and Columbia hold their resale value extremely well.
Check out:
Top sellers recommend photographing items in natural light, writing accurate descriptions, and offering bundle deals.
Turn your skills into income by hosting online workshops. Whether it's baking sourdough bread, painting snow scenes, or offering mindfulness classes to fight winter blues, there’s an audience for everything.
You can host on:
Charge per class or create a downloadable course. According to Thinkific, course creators earn anywhere from a few hundred to thousands per month depending on topic and reach.
In snowy tourist destinations, winter tours are in high demand—think snowshoeing, scenic photography walks, or food tastings. You can also offer virtual tours through sites like Airbnb Experiences.
Unique ideas:
Some hosts earn $1,000–$5,000/month depending on bookings and reviews.
Whether you’re hustling to pay off debt, saving for spring travel, or simply keeping your productivity high, winter offers no shortage of income opportunities. The key is to lean into what you enjoy, use what you already have, and stay consistent.
Don’t let the season slow you down—embrace the chill and hustle smarter, not harder.
