A Day in the Life of a Snow Removal Professional

February 11th 2025

When the first snowfall of the season hits Kamloops, most people wake up, peek out their windows, and either groan at the sight of fresh snow or delight in its beauty. But for the team at Look Out Landscaping, snow means action. Long before the city stirs, our snow removal crews are already at work, ensuring that residential properties, commercial spaces, and strata complexes are safe and accessible.

The Early Morning Hustle

Snow removal isn’t a job with a set schedule. While most people are winding down for the evening, we’re keeping a close eye on the forecast. Weather predictions can be fickle, and in Kamloops, conditions can change in a heartbeat. We rely on real-time data, radar monitoring, and years of local experience to anticipate what’s coming.

On a snow day, our alarm clocks ring while the rest of the city is still sleeping. By 2:00 or 3:00 a.m., we’re already checking our equipment, loading up trucks, and heading out. The goal? To clear residential driveways, commercial parking lots, and strata walkways before businesses open and before residents even have to think about grabbing their shovels.

Preparing for the Unknown

The unpredictability of snowfall is one of the biggest challenges in this line of work. There are days when the forecast warns of a major storm, and we prepare our crews accordingly—only to wake up to a light dusting. Other times, a “small flurry” turns into a heavy downfall, keeping us on the road for hours longer than expected.

To combat the unknown, we prepare for all possibilities. Our trucks are fueled and loaded with de-icing materials the night before. Equipment is double-checked to prevent breakdowns in the middle of a shift. We have routes planned based on priority areas, ensuring that high-traffic zones and emergency access points get cleared first. Even on nights when the forecast is uncertain, we stay on high alert, ready to dispatch as soon as the first flakes start falling.

The Work on the Ground

Once we’re out on the job, it’s a mix of strategy and hard labor. Large commercial parking lots require precision with plows and loaders, ensuring snow is pushed to designated areas without blocking access points. Strata sidewalks and pathways need a more delicate approach, often requiring hand shoveling and smaller snow blowers to clear entrances and steps properly.

Then there’s salting and sanding—an essential step to prevent ice buildup and keep surfaces safe. The right balance is crucial; too little, and ice will still form. Too much, and we risk damaging surfaces or tracking excess material into buildings. Experience has taught us how to adjust our methods based on temperature, precipitation type, and surface conditions.

The Physical and Mental Toll

Snow removal is more than just moving snow. It’s a demanding job that requires stamina, patience, and resilience. The work is cold, repetitive, and sometimes thankless. By the time the sun rises, we’ve often already put in a full shift, and while most people are just beginning their day, we’re either gearing up for a second round of clearing or catching a few hours of rest before the next storm rolls in.

The unpredictability of winter means schedules can change at a moment’s notice. Missed family dinners, sleepless nights, and long shifts in freezing temperatures are part of the job. But the reward comes in knowing that we’re keeping Kamloops properties safe, ensuring people can get to work, kids can get to school, and businesses can open without disruption.

Why We Do It

Despite the challenges, there’s something deeply satisfying about what we do. There’s a unique camaraderie among snow removal crews, a shared understanding of the dedication it takes to do this job well. There’s pride in knowing that when Kamloops wakes up to a fresh blanket of snow, they can step outside without worry because we’ve already been there.

At Look Out Landscaping, we don’t just remove snow—we provide peace of mind. Every snowfall brings a new challenge, but with careful preparation, constant vigilance, and a team that’s always ready to respond, we make sure residential, commercial, and strata properties remain safe and accessible all winter long.

So the next time you see our team clearing a driveway, parking lot, or walkway in the early hours of the morning, know that it’s more than just work—it’s the effort of a company dedicated to keeping Kamloops moving, one cleared path at a time.

Stay warm, stay safe, and remember—if the snow is falling, we’re already out there, making sure it doesn’t slow you down. No matter the forecast, you can trust that we’ll always “look out” for Kamloops.