A Day in the Life of a Snow Clearing Crew: The Parts Nobody Sees
- WJR Window cleaning
- 13 minutes ago
- 3 min read
When you wake up to a clean driveway or a safe walkway, it can look effortless from the outside. But behind every cleared path is a team that’s been out in the cold for hours working fast, working safely, and working together to stay ahead of Winnipeg’s storms.
Here’s a look at what a day really feels like for our snow crews, long before your morning coffee is ready.
6:00 a.m. – Gearing Up for the Day
Most snow days start the same way: a quick meeting at the shop around 6 or 6:30, a fast review of the snowfall, and a look at the route list. Light or medium snow events mean we’ll likely finish by noon. A heavy snowfall? That can double the workload.
Before we head out, everyone stocks up on warm drinks and hydration, coffee for some, tea for others, water and energy drinks tucked into pockets or truck caddies. Staying warm is important, but staying hydrated is what keeps the pace sustainable through a long morning.
7:00 a.m. – Into the Rhythm
Once the equipment is loaded, we scatter across Winnipeg and get to work. Snow clearing is physical and fast paced. Even on cold days, it doesn’t take long before someone has to peel off a coat because they’re sweating. You wouldn’t guess we’re warming up while the temperature is still in the negatives, but that’s the nature of the work.
There are moments where working outdoors feels great, fresh air, quiet streets, and those rare winter mornings when the sun shows up early. But staying focused matters more than enjoying the scenery. Snow clearing has risks, and we take them seriously.
We’re always watching for potential slip hazards, icy patches beneath new snow, or spots where drifting might create blind corners. When we’re using blowers or shovels, we make sure we’re never sending snow toward people, cars, or nearby property. A clean finish is important, but safety is always first.
10:30 a.m. – Checking In and Helping Out
As we near the end of our routes, the team chatter usually picks up. Each crew checks in to share progress and see who might need a hand. If one team is ahead, they’ll hop over to support the next. The weather doesn’t wait for anyone, so working together helps us finish everything properly and on time.
This teamwork is a big part of why our service stays consistent no matter what the snowfall looks like.
12:00 p.m. – Wrapping Up and Resetting
On lighter snow days, most routes are done around noon. Heavier snowfalls can stretch the day, but the routine is always the same: finish the last property, return to the shop, unload, and pack everything away so it’s ready for the next call.
Some days we catch our breath for a moment before the next system rolls in. Other days we’re already planning the next route. Winter in Winnipeg keeps us on our toes.
Why the Behind-the-Scenes Work Matters
The part you see, the cleared walkway, the safe steps, the driveway you don’t have to tackle yourself is only half the story. The real value comes from the consistency, training, and teamwork behind the scenes:
Crews who start early and stay until the job is fully done
Communication between teams to keep service reliable
A safety-first mindset on every property
Careful attention to where snow is placed and how ice forms
Equipment checked, maintained, and ready for the next storm
Snow clearing might look simple when it’s done well, but it takes a trained, coordinated team to make it feel that way.
If you want dependable crews who take your property’s safety seriously all winter long, we’re here to help.
Request a free quote and we’ll walk you through your options.
Comments