Any advise or tips from locals would be greatly appreciated

[Cnynrat]

For those who live in town, a tractor is most likely going to be overkill for snow removal. AF lives on acreage out in the county, and on that sort of place a tractor or a plow truck makes the most sense. You could probably pay somebody to clear your driveway/walk in town for quite a few years before that would add up to the cost of buying a rig like AF's.

In town though, if you have a longer than average driveway, the next step up from a walk behind snowblower would be an ATV set up with a plow. Cheaper than a tractor, more maneuverable for a small city property, and it has the added bonus of having a recreational purpose when you take the plow off in the summer.

For the typical home in Sandpoint though I suspect a good walk behind snowblower will meet most folk's needs.

Dave

[Stephanieharper]

Thank you all so much for all your advise and tips! My husband is joining us in Spring. So I’ll be experiencing my first winter in Idaho alone with the kids. He’s leaving me with the Dodge Ram 4x4 and I’ll ask him to teach me how to put on the snow chains!! I’m nervous but excited!! I’m hoping a bus stop is close otherwise I’ll be bringing the kids to school. We have a standard 2 car short driveway at the end of a cul de sac. I do plan on getting a job a few weeks after we’ve arrived, just need a little time to get the house together and kids situated. Anyone have any leads on employment? I’m an experienced 20 + yr. personal assistant/ book keeper and child care provider. I also am a personal chef.

[Cnynrat]

For the Ram, having snow chains isn't a bad idea, but you shouldn't need them much around town.

I would recommend you think about putting some weight in the bed in back over winter (sandbags work well). Unloaded pickups don't have much weight over the rear wheels, which can compromise traction in slippery conditions.

Dave