Dealing with the snow in Snow Country

It's that time of year in Snow Country when the weather starts to get colder. With a bit of rain falling you often look up after the cloud clears and see snow on top of the local peaks.

It won't be long before there is snow up there for the winter and as the snow season draws closer people are starting their preparations for the snow. Back in the day Snow Country was cut off during the winter months, only accessible again once the snow melted in Spring. Things aren't as dire these days but it still takes plenty of work to keep the roads clear of the meters of snow that falls every winter.

Each town has a fleet of snow ploughs and snow blowers to keep the roads and walkways clear. During a heavy storm these are moving non-stop in an effort to keep the roads passable. Often in towns they pump warm onsen water up through sprinklers in the road to help melt the snow. It keeps the snow in check but does make for a pretty wet walk. Rubber boots are de rigeur for much of the winter.

Heated roads are another option, especially for areas that are prone to ice.

For the local residents a big snow year is not viewed with the same joy as by the visiting winter sports enthusiasts. It is a constant battle to keep the roof of the house clear of snow. The weight of all that snow can collapse a roof or burst the tyres and crush a car if it is left uncleared for a long time. It is a warming start to the working day when you have to get up early and dig your car out of the snow that has fallen overnight.