5 Must-Have Tools for Montana Winters

From Wanda Sumner – Bitterroot Valley Properties

If you’ve lived through even one winter here in the Bitterroot Valley, you know snow removal isn’t optional...it’s survival! Over the years, I’ve learned that having the right tools makes all the difference between a quick cleanup and a back-breaking morning. Here are my tried-and-true essentials for tackling Montana’s winter head-on:

1. A Good Snow Shovel

You can’t beat a sturdy shovel when the flakes start falling. I keep one by the front door for quick cleanups and another in the garage for bigger jobs.
  Tip: Choose one that fits your height and strength. A curved handle saves your back, and a metal edge slices through packed snow.

2. Snow Blower

For those deep-snow mornings (and we all know we’ll have them), my snow blower is worth its weight in gold. Whether you go gas or battery-powered, make sure it’s built for cold temps and can handle heavy, wet snow. It saves time and your shoulders!

3. Ice Scraper & Snow Brush

A Montana morning classic: scraping your windshield before sunrise. Keep a solid scraper and brush in your car, the kind with a long handle, so you’re not climbing into the snowbank just to reach the top of your SUV.

4. Roof Rake

This one’s a lifesaver for your home. Clearing snow from the roof helps prevent ice dams and leaks. I love using one with an extendable handle, no ladders needed, and it gives me peace of mind knowing my roof is safe.

5. Snow Pusher

When we get that light, fluffy snow (and sometimes we do!), a snow pusher moves it fast without lifting. It’s perfect for my driveway and sidewalks when I just want to clear a path before heading out to meet clients.

Wanda’s Winter Wisdom 

A few local tricks I’ve picked up:

Sprinkle pet-safe ice melt or sand after shoveling for traction.

• Tackle the snow early it’s easier to move before it packs down.

And remember: a warm cup of coffee tastes even better when you’ve earned it by clearing your own path.

Stay warm out there, friends — winter in the Bitterroot is beautiful, but it sure keeps us on our toes!

Thinking about buying or selling this winter?
Let’s talk about homes that are built to handle Montana’s seasons. I’d love to help you find your perfect place here in the Bitterroot Valley.
Call or text me, Wanda Sumner, at (406) 360-5161 let’s make your move happen!

— Wanda Sumner, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Bitterroot Valley
Hamilton, Montana