Snowblower? (Denver, Parker: apartment, new home, to buy)

[tolife]

I just bought a new home with a garage and large driveway. Will I need a snowblower? Is Denver's snow generally dry and fluffy or wet and heavy?

Thanks.

[2bindenver]

yes. dry and fluffy December to Februrary. Wet and heavy September to November and March to May. oh and there is the occaisional blizzard.

[tolife]

I was going to side on getting a smaller snowblower, but in the long run, it sounds like I should invest in something more massive.

[TexaCo Mom]

Depends which way your driveway faces, IMO. Our's faces south so have really never needed a blower. (OK maybe during the occasional blizzard one would be handy, but then I have a nice neighbor with one.)

[Katarina Witt]

The snowblower will sit in your garage unused most of the winter. Invest in a small one, at most. There are times when I wish we had one (we also have a south facing driveway), but for the most part, a quick push of the shovel clears off enough snow on the driveway and sidewalks. Be advised in most of the metro area, you must clear your walk within 24 hrs of a snow. We mostly shovel ours b/c of the kids walking to school/bus.

[tolife]

Originally Posted by Katiana

The snowblower will sit in your garage unused most of the winter. Invest in a small one, at most. There are times when I wish we had one (we also have a south facing driveway), but for the most part, a quick push of the shovel clears off enough snow on the driveway and sidewalks. Be advised in most of the metro area, you must clear your walk within 24 hrs of a snow. We mostly shovel ours b/c of the kids walking to school/bus.

I have to admit that I don't understand why a south facing driveway would get less snow...can you meteorologically explain that to me? I'm not sure if that is a word.

My driveway faces east..hmmm.

[suzco]

Originally Posted by tolife

I have to admit that I don't understand why a south facing driveway would get less snow...can you meteorologically explain that to me? I'm not sure if that is a word. . . .

It doesn't get less snow, but the snow doesn't accumulate as much and melts faster because of the greater sun exposure on the south side.

Often, snow stays and must be shoveled if there's a northern exposure, but if there's a southern exposure, it melts on its own.

[tolife]

Originally Posted by suzco

It doesn't get less snow, but the snow doesn't accumulate as much and melts faster because of the greater sun exposure on the south side.

Often, snow stays and must be shoveled if there's a northern exposure, but if there's a southern exposure, it melts on its own.

DUH...okay thanks. I'm new to this whole owning my own house thing. Thanks Suzco

[BabyBoomers2]

Was in Denver metro area during two nice size blizzards, the one in March (or April) 2003 and the one in Dec. 2006 (Holiday Blizzzard). Didn't need a snowblower (or shovel) when we lived in an apartment (first moved to the area). When we moved to a house in Parker, we first used shovels and then decided to buy a small snowblower......at age 58, shoveling snow got to be tooooooo much. Snowblower was great, but didn't handle wet snow to good. Should you buy a snowblower? If you are young enough and can handle shoveling, NO, but if you want to get snow out of your driveway fast and enjoy the rest of your day off (Snow Day) YES!!

[tolife]

Originally Posted by LoveBoating

Was in Denver metro area during two nice size blizzards, the one in March (or April) 2003 and the one in Dec. 2006 (Holiday Blizzzard). Didn't need a snowblower (or shovel) when we lived in an apartment (first moved to the area). When we moved to a house in Parker, we first used shovels and then decided to buy a small snowblower......at age 58, shoveling snow got to be tooooooo much. Snowblower was great, but didn't handle wet snow to good. Should you buy a snowblower? If you are young enough and can handle shoveling, NO, but if you want to get snow out of your driveway fast and enjoy the rest of your day off (Snow Day) YES!!

I'm 36 and I was thinking I could handle it, but then my driveway is VERY large. hmmmm. I think I have decided to try my first winter with a shovel and see how it goes. If it is unbearable, I'll buy a snowblower. Thanks everyone for helping me figure out what to do.