Today most of Eastern New England is wrapped in a blizzard. Heavy snow and fierce winds are making conditions extremely difficult for travelers. But there are a number of ways to get around in the snow, though some of them are unorthodox.
- Snow shoes: These surface area enhancers can keep a person walking on top of the snow, not trudging waist deep. A great option if you have a good overland route, but traveling on snowshoes is a slow affair.
- Cross country skis: Skiing around is popular in many Nordic countries where regular snow pack conditions make it preferable to trudging through the slush. These are a great option for getting around in winter, but require a modest level of skill. They can also get bogged down in deep snow.
- Snowmobile: For traveling fast over snow, there may not be a better bet than a snowmobile. The downsides of snowmobiles are that they require fuel and regular maintenance. Dependability can be an issue for snow machines, but there’s a reason they remain the top choice for anyone living in a cold weather environment where traveling through the snow is not optional.
- Sleigh: Don’t laugh. In a disaster situation that cuts off oil supplies, the value of horses, sled dogs, and reindeer would probably skyrocket. These beasts of burden were the engines of pre-petroleum snow transportation. The downsides are obvious; slow, hungry, exhaustible animals are hard to care for and unreliable in comparison to more mechanized forms of transport.
- Car or Truck: You can always take your car or truck out in the snow, but winter accidents can be deadly. The most dangerous part of traveling in a blizzard in your vehicle is encountering someone else doing the same thing. You may be an excellent snowy weather driver, but what happens when a novice comes over the hill in a rear-wheel drive vehicle with bald tires and a foggy windshield? You’re toast!
The best way to travel in a blizzard is, don’t. It’s not worth the risk. Stay off the roads until they’re cleaned up.
