At SpaceJump™, we know a backyard trampoline becomes part of the family for years to come, and the last thing you want is for a rough winter to cut that short. Cold, damp weather can be tough on frames, springs, and safety nets if you're not prepared for it. Here's exactly what to do to protect your setup and keep it ready for spring.
Quick answer:
Most trampolines can stay outside through winter if you clean them, remove loose accessories, anchor the frame, and clear snow regularly. In areas with heavy snow, ice storms, or high winds, it's safer to disassemble the mat and net and store them indoors until spring.
| Winter Prep Checklist | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Clean the mat, frame, and net | Removes moisture and debris that speed up rust and wear |
| Remove accessories | Prevents cracking in freezing temperatures |
| Check for damage | Catches small issues before winter makes them worse |
| Anchor or weigh down | Keeps the frame steady in high winds |
| Clear snow after storms | Stops the mat and springs from sagging under weight |
Does Your Trampoline Need to Come Down for Winter?
Not always. Many families leave their trampolines up year-round, especially in milder climates where snow and ice are rare. What matters most is your local weather, not the calendar.
If you get regular heavy snowfall, strong winter winds, or ice storms, taking the mat and safety enclosure down for a few months is the safer bet. If your winters are mild and mostly dry, a good cleaning, a secure anchor, and regular snow checks can be enough to get your trampoline through the season outside.
Can Trampolines Break in the Cold?
Yes, cold weather can damage a trampoline if it's left unprotected. Materials like plastic and rubber stiffen as temperatures drop, and stiff materials are more prone to cracking under pressure than flexible ones.
That's why jumping on a frozen trampoline mat is a bad idea, and why springs and padding left wet through freeze-thaw cycles wear out faster. The frame itself is more resilient. Our ThrusterSprings™ use zinc-galvanised, high-tensile steel built to hold up against everyday outdoor conditions, but the mat, padding, and netting benefit from extra care once temperatures drop.
How to Prepare Your Trampoline for Winter
A little prep goes a long way. Work through these steps before the first hard freeze hits.
Clean the Trampoline Thoroughly
Sweep off leaves, dirt, and standing water before the cold sets in. Damp debris trapped against the mat or frame can freeze, and freezing moisture is one of the fastest ways to wear down padding and stitching over a winter.
Use a soft brush and mild soap and water on the mat and safety enclosure, then let everything dry completely before moving to the next step. A trampoline put away wet is a trampoline asking for mould and rust.
Remove and Store Accessories
Take down anything that isn't built to handle freezing temperatures. Store your AstroJam™ basketball hoop, MeteorShower™ mister, and Eclipse™ Sun Shade somewhere dry, such as a garage or shed, until the warmer weather returns.
Check for Damage
Walk the full perimeter and look closely at the frame, springs, and safety enclosure. Small issues like a loose bolt, a frayed net thread, or a thinning spring cover are much easier to fix now than after a season of snow and wind have made them worse.
If a rough winter has you eyeing an upgrade, it's worth comparing features to find the best trampoline for every backyard before you buy.
Anchor or Weigh It Down
Wind is one of the biggest winter risks, especially once the mat and enclosure are exposed to gusts without kids' weight to hold things steady. Our Gravity Anchor Kit uses heavy-duty ground screws to keep the frame from shifting or tipping through winter storms.
This step matters even more if your trampoline sits above ground rather than in a sunken setup, since in-ground and above-ground trampolines handle wind and weather differently.
Cover or Wrap Exposed Parts
A breathable, weatherproof cover protects the mat and padding from snow, ice, and UV exposure without trapping moisture underneath. Avoid tightly sealed tarps that don't let air circulate. Trapped condensation causes more damage over a winter than open air ever will.
Managing Snow and Ice on Your Trampoline
Clear snow off the mat after every storm, and do it as soon as you safely can. Wet, heavy snow sitting on a trampoline mat puts constant strain on the springs and frame, and that strain adds up over weeks of freeze-thaw cycles.
| Snow Depth | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Light dusting (under 1 inch) | Leave it, or brush off gently with a soft broom |
| Moderate (1–4 inches) | Clear promptly with a soft broom or leaf blower |
| Heavy (4+ inches) | Clear immediately; avoid piling snow onto the mat |
| Ice buildup | Never chip or scrape ice off the mat directly |
Never use a metal shovel or sharp tool to clear snow or ice off the mat. It's an easy way to tear the material. A soft-bristled broom or a leaf blower on a low setting works best. If ice has formed, let it melt naturally rather than trying to break it free, since chipping at ice can gouge the mat underneath.
When to Disassemble and Store Your Trampoline
Take the trampoline down fully if your area sees frequent heavy snow, strong winter storms, or extended freezing stretches. Full disassembly protects the mat, net, and padding from the kind of prolonged exposure that shortens their lifespan.
Start by removing the safety enclosure and padding, then take the mat off the frame, and finally disassemble the frame itself if you're storing it indoors. Keep all the hardware together in a labelled bag, so reassembly in spring is simple.
Moving or relocating the frame during this process is easier than it looks, especially once you know how to move a trampoline without bending or damaging the frame.
You can find out more information about how to take down your trampoline in our assembly guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Use a Trampoline in Winter?
Yes, you can use a trampoline in winter as long as it's dry, free of snow and ice, and the temperature isn't extreme. Jumping on a wet or frozen mat is slippery and puts unnecessary stress on the material, so always check conditions first and skip it after fresh snowfall or a hard freeze.
How Cold Is Too Cold To Jump on a Trampoline?
Once temperatures drop near or below freezing, it's best to hold off. Cold makes the mat, springs, and padding stiffer and less forgiving, which increases the chance of tearing or cracking, and it makes for a much harder landing besides.
How Much Snow Is Too Much for a Trampoline?
Anything beyond a light dusting is worth clearing. A few inches of wet snow add real weight, and that weight stresses the springs and frame the longer it sits. Clear it promptly with a soft broom rather than letting it pile up over multiple storms.
Protect Your Trampoline During Winter, Enjoy It All Spring and Summer
A little seasonal care makes a big difference. Clean it thoroughly, store any loose accessories, anchor the frame, stay ahead of snow and ice, and your trampoline will come through winter ready for its next launch.
Thinking about upgrading before the season turns, or replacing a setup that's had a rough few winters? Take a look at our full range of trampolines and find one built to handle whatever the seasons bring.