Snow Blower Clearing in Chartreuse Mountains

The Snow Blower Challenge in the Chartreuse Mountains

The chartreuse Mountain Range of France are known for their exceptional but sometimes intimidating landscapes — the kind of terrain that turns snow removal into an adventure. Rob Dixon collected a few friends and took on an overhanging snow project, specifically managing overhanging snow on a deck in the mountains. He says "Time to do some sketchy shit. Do-da, do-da, hope I get away with it" as he prepares to begin. Much of his deck is covered in dense snow, and the blower takes over an hour to fully clear the space.

The job of a snow blower

A snow blower simplifies and speeds up snow removal from surfaces like decks, driveways, and walkways. This power tool is distinguished by its ability to propel snow through an auger and impeller mechanism, flinging it out in a controlled direction. The snow blower clears the deck with guiding var lights. The deck is uneven, with a railing that could get stuck with massive accumulations of snow. Not only the deck is uneven, but the stairs pose another challenge. Once the stairs are cleared of heavy snow, nothing remains on the stairs, and the stairs are ready to be used. A snow blower can be gas or electric powered. Gas-powered snow blowers are excellent for tackling heavy snowfall. Electric snow blowers, meanwhile, are quieter and more environmentally friendly, but their reach is limited by their power cord. Some models are cordless and use rechargeable batteries.

The mountainscapes where the snow blower goes to play

The Chartreuse Mountains are a rewarding destination for outdoor enthusiasts. In the winter, groups and adventurers from all over France come to these mountains for activities like snowshoeing, skiing, and hiking. Snow blowers are particularly useful for those who own mountain chalets or cabins, as they help clear access points to the home. All this snow can be a burden, especially for those owning cabins that remain inaccessible for months from the snow. Getting snow off the roof can be a task of life and death. Snow blowers are used to clear the roof before the disaster, so the snow does not fall on a chord or on someone below. They can be used to both clear snowy decks and roofs.

The design of the snow blower

The snow blower has a nozzle, auger, and impeller. The blower pushes the snow into the auger, which lifts it and propels it through the nozzle. You control the nozzle’s direction to push the snow where you want it to go. To clear this deck, the snow blower needs to be paused frequently, as it has limited reach and only a person with a shovel can clear the spaces where the blower cannot reach. This snow blower is only effective on flat surfaces with a small accumulation of snow.

A closer look at the clearing part

The snow blower clears the deck with guiding var lights. The snow blower's light is a particularly useful feature, as it allows the person using the machine to see where they're going even in the dark. This is especially helpful the deck is dark and illuminated by the snow blower's light. The Blade of the blower is effective, but a shovel is needed to clear the surrounding areas and get in between the deck's pipes. It appears that the snow blower does not lessen the time it takes to clear the deck. It took over an hour to clear the deck even with the snow blower.

Practical advice on clearing areas with snow blowers

• Blade: Use a snow blower for larger flat areas. If there are narrow spaces between pillars or pipes, a shovel might be a better tool.
• Assistants: If the area is large and complicated, you might need to bring a few assistants. This might make the job easier, but it will also take longer.
• Dress in layers: Snow blowers are loud and hot; if the temperature is below freezing, dress in layers so you can stay warm and also take them off when you get hot from the blower's heat.
• Safety: Always check the machine before you use it, making sure it is safe to operate and that you’re familiar with its controls. Keep your hands away from the blades when you clean or maintain it.