We on the East Coast have just had a massive snowstorm. I'll be digging out my driveway today and perhaps walk to a local supermarket if the snowplows have not come through yet.

You can read more about this here:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/weather/1...inter.weather/

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv...l?hpid=artslot

Obviously, Switzerland gets snow every year. But do the Swiss often get the big snowstorms that snarl traffic in the U.S. every couple of years or so? I assume the Swiss are better at digging themselves out of snow than we are here in Washington. (By Washington, I am not referring to U.S. federal policy---I mean the actual city of Washington, D.C. and surrounding areas, where I live.)

Edward J. Cunningham
Derwood, MD

In the US you might call it a massive snowstorm, but in Switzerland it's quite annual thing, we just got one couple of days ago with around 10 to 15 cm of snow, but handling snow in switzerland is really impressive, you get clear driving roads next day, some time it's bit slippery though

Not where I am we didn't

speaking of that, i couldnt find salt yesterday for the drive way, i went to migros and coop but none had salt, and when i asked for it, they thought i am interested in buying table salt in 5-10kg packaging

Yes, also the low-lands of Switzerland gets heavy snowfalls several times a year. I guess the difference to the US e.g. is that it doesn't slow down the normal life for very long. It usually is only an inconvenience for a couple of hours max until the roads get clear and salted.

As it is a recurring thing most people are well prepared for the snow; they have proper winter-tires and they know how their car behaves in snow.

I have never heard of a school closing down because of snowfall in Switzerland.

It happens all the time here. We usually get some snow every year, but not always, and big snowstorms like this are rare. Because of this, the Washington, D.C. area is not nearly as good at clearing away snow as Switzerland.

Another thing which complicates things is that the D.C. area has a large percentage of the population who are transients---they're only here for a couple of years working for so-and-so administration, and then they're gone. ([joke] Does this make me an honourary Swiss? [/joke]) People will literally go into a panic if they hear reports that as little as 5 cm. (2 in.) of snow are expected.

Now excuse me---I need to shovel!

Edward J. Cunningham
Derwood, MD

If it snowed the night before, I'm woken at 5am by the snow plough. And we live in cul-de-sac.

Try a DIY place, like Jumbo. They'll sell you 25kg for a very reasonable rate.

in terms of people dealing with snow- well i know my family in ithaca, buffalo and lake placid are quite used to snow and by now already have feet and feet of it, especially after yesterday! i was always amazed how quickly and effectively they got roads cleaned and drivable, especially in the area of the gorges and mountains. for the rest of my family in the city, driving isn't really an issue, but it was always fun because everything kind of stops for a while and you can break out the garbage lids and head to riverside park and go wild! very rarely did schools close in the city for snow for various reasons, though i know they closed on long island because of driving conditions and busing issues. when you go further south, snowstorms like the other day are not typical and i think people get excited and scared because they aren't used to it.

that being said, here in lausanne we got a bit the other day, and so far small flurries here and there. doesn't really change anything for people here though- except for the chance to go sledding!!!!

And the same thing north of the border

WOW, that is massive.