Snow is something that is on Sandpoint locals year round, as it does take up a good portion of our time here! In the summer, we are preparing for it in the winter, and in the winter we are removing it. However, you might be wondering just how much snow we get, and is it really that big of a deal?

So how much snow does Sandpoint get a year? According to this source, we get a little over 60″ every year in Sandpoint, with about 80 days in the year we have snow coming from the skies. That said, all of that snow does not come down at once, and is spread out through the winter.

How much snow is on the ground at any point in time?

There isn’t any real data to back this up, however I would say there is generally about a foot of snow on the ground at any point during the winter. That of course can vary, and I have seen 3 feet of snow at a time, and less than a foot of snow at a time.

Of course there are other times through the winter where it will fully melt off, snow again, melt off, snow, etc.

Over the years, I have learned, that as long as you are prepared (which we’ll talk about in a minute) and are ready for the snowfall, it really isn’t all everything, everyone is making it out to be.

How do you get rid of the snow on the ground?

We actually have written a whole article here on the site dedicated to removing snow out of your driveway, and roads, however the easiest way for most people will be to own a snow blower! These snow blowers can quickly remove snow from a medium length driveway, and your access to the house. They can be a bit expensive, not terribly so when you realize how much work they save.

If you live farther out of town, and have to maintain your own road, you might want to think about getting a snow plow for the front of a pickup or a 4-wheeler to take care of the job.

Finally, make sure that you keep a snow shovel around for those quick job, and to finish what the snow blower couldn’t.

How do you prepare for the snowfall in Sandpoint?

Preparing for snowfall in Sandpoint makes all of the difference! It can either mean you don’t enjoy the winter, or it can mean it doesn’t make much of a difference for you! Let’s dig into some of the things you can do to get yourself ready for the snow here. Of course, this isn’t a full comprehensive list, but should be a great start!

All Season or Winter Tires

Getting around in your vehicle is one of the most important things in the winter, this will get you to appointments, grocery shopping, and more, so you need to make sure your vehicle is ready for the snow! Some good all season tires, or better yet, winter tires are going to be my top recommendation!

You will feel considerably safer (because you are) once you have some on your car, and can easily get out of your newly snowed in driveway, and drive down the road without slipping around. A lot of people think they can get away without these tires, but it really does just make things harder for you.

Get all of your snow removal stuff out from storage

City Beach in Sandpoint
City Beach is a well known beach in Sandpoint

Before the first snow fall, make sure to bring out your snow shovels, and pull your snow blower out from the back of your garage or shed for easy access. The last thing you want to do is get that first unexpected foot of snow, and then have to find everything at the time!

Put away all of your summer items

Do you have kayak’s, kiddie pools, or even ceramic planters for your container garden outside? Make sure to get those things inside, or stored away somewhere outside of the snow. Planning ahead with this will result in a lot less damage to the stuff you enjoy doing when the snow is just a memory.

Mow your grass one last time

This is something I actually just learned! Mowing your grass one more time before the snow flies is very important for your grass, and leaving it un-mowed can actually result in less healthy grass the next year.

Is it hard to live here when there is snow on the ground?

One of the huge misconceptions about snow in Sandpoint is that we just shut down when the snow flies! However that just isn’t true.

As long as you think ahead, and are aware of what you need to do during the snowy times, you can have an awesome time here in our small town!

We have fat tire biking, snow shoeing, and cross country skiing up at Pine Street Woods. We also of course have downhill skiing and more at Schweitzer, and plenty of awesome events in our town during the winter months.

Sandpoint is a ski town after all, and it is a blast to live here during that time!

Conclusion

Sandpoint is an amazing town, and our snow fall is just the beginning of some of the great things we have! Make sure you are prepared for those 80+ inches of snow fall a year and you will be just fine.