Forecasters are calling for a heavy-snow winter — is this the year I finally buy a snowblower?
Seeing "2026 winter forecast heavy snow regions" trending and apparently my area is on the list. I have done the shovel thing for six years and every February I swear "never again." Driveway is about 40 feet, mostly flat, some tight spots near the porch. Single-stage vs two-stage — is the bigger one overkill? And when do prices actually drop: buy now before the snow, or wait for a spring clearance and gamble? Budget is like $400-600. Talk me into it or out of it.
2 answers
- Two-stage, 24-inch minimum, buy now
For 40 feet with the kind of storms the forecast is describing, single-stage will clog on the heavy wet stuff. Two-stage, 24-inch clearing width, and check the intake height — 20+ inches matters more than horsepower numbers. On timing: snowblower prices peak after the first big storm. Late October is usually the last window before the markup. Spring clearance is cheaper but selection is picked over and you will have been shoveling for a year already.
- Rent one first if you are on the fence
I was you two years ago — six winters of shoveling, same "never again" speech. What worked: I rented a two-stage for one storm from the hardware store, about $60, and that one weekend settled it. You learn fast whether your driveway shape suits it and whether you actually hate storing it in summer. If the rental weekend saves your back once, buying is worth it. Skip the fancy electric start, the pull cord is fine.