Well, with the first ski hill in southern Alberta (you read that right, Nakiska opened this past weekend!), and Canmore and Calgary’s third snowfall of the season, winter is most definitely around the corner.   And with our unpredictable winters in Canmore and Banff, getting into a proper routine with snow removal can be tricky. Some days it’s heavy snowfall, followed by mild weather or freezing rain… or even more heavy snowfall.

When is the right time to shovel? What does this mean in terms of safety and liability for your Canmore property? We’ll explain why proper snow removal matters and share some tips to make it easier.

Snow removal tips and tricks

  • You’d be surprised how much having a snow-removal plan specific to your property will help. Map out where it’s best to dump excess snow (for larger properties especially) while being mindful to your surroundings. Think about garbage and recycling pick-up, or if you have to park multiple cars in the driveway. Keep your neighbours happy by not pushing your snow across the road onto their property.
  • To avoid making your job harder, it’s best to deal with snow as soon as possible. If you leave it for too long, it could melt and re-freeze as a layer of ice, turning your driveway into a skating rink.
  • We can’t have you sitting out of winter activities with a sore back, so always ensure you are properly lifting and shoveling snow. Bend at the knees, lift with your legs, and try to avoid twisting too much (your feet should be facing the direction you throw the snow in). Not only can wet snow be heavy, but constantly lifting and twisting your back can take a toll on your body – so take care of you first.
  • Bonus tip: If you find the snow is heavy and sticky (as in, it’s not sliding off of the shovel) try using something like vegetable oil or WD40 to coat the shovel. This should save you from shaking excess snow off in between shovels, and save you some time.
  • Once you’ve cleared your driveway and any walkways, salting your property will help with melting any built-up ice underneath the snow. Apply a thin, even layer to icy areas, and always wear gloves!

Snow removal equipment and tools

Salt

Believe it or not, there are actually different types of salt that work better for different situations. If you have a pet or want to protect your gardens, there are safer, milder options to melt ice. Depending on how cold it gets in your area, there are also “heavy duty” options. If you’re using salt for traction only, consider using sand or kitty litter as a safer option.

Ergonomic shovels

If shoveling sometimes causes discomfort, look for ergonomic shovels. They are specifically designed to help keep your body in alignment and reduce pressure on your joints by evenly distributing the weight of the snow.

Snowblower

Are they worth the investment? Again, this depends on your property and how much snow the area you live in receives. We’d recommend an electric snowblower if you have a smaller property and easy access to an outdoor electrical plug. They’re perfect for clearing up to 30cm of snow and easily fit onto areas like decks or walkways. Otherwise, a gas snowblower is best if you have a larger property, and receive more than 30-35cm of snow.

Snow removal service

If you have a longer driveway, or just want the job done faster, consider hiring a snow removal service. If you’ll be away from your home for any period of time (hello vacation!), this also might be the best way to maintain your property in your absence.

Curious about what we can do in your outdoor living space throughout the winter? Read about our Winter Landscaping Services here.