Scared of Snow!

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My husband and i are moving to Bozeman to start our married lives together and get back to basics after living in the dirty, superficial city of Atlanta for way too long. While there is much I am looking forward to, I have to admit, my husband and I are afraid I am going to hate the weather! I am used to the mild "50 degrees is cold" weaher of the southeast, and have never even seen real snow. Are there any other Southerners that have made this move? Do you have any tips or tricks to adjusting/coping with the drastic weather??


*** As a follow up, I just arrived home from a weekend in Bozeman....snow on April 25th!!!! And I loved it!!! I am so excited to move to your beautiful town. And I have used much of your advice; we will be living very close to town, investing in apropriate clothing, a car with 4X4, and geting a season pass to a ski place.

And anyone else who may be in my same boat, let me tell you, the air is totally different from the south. We were driving with the windows down in 45 degree weather!.. and it was nice. Whereas in GA, you would be miserable.

Now....where can I take one of these winter driving courses I keep hearing about?

Thanks so much to everyone who helped!
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posted on Wed, Apr 16, 2008 02:23 PM
last updated on Wed, Apr 30, 2008 01:49 PM
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From Georgia also bySunMostHigh2 months ago (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
I moved here from Pensacola, FL (2 yrs there) 2 yrs ago - before that I was 9yrs in Columbus, GA - with weekly trips to Atlanta.

You have to "embrace the cold/snow" if you are going to make it here. Learn to dress warm, learn to enjoy the snow's beauty, make sure your pipes are well insulated, etc. Otherwise you'll hate the long winters. I enjoy the snow, but always ready for spring/summer, which are beautiful here.
Good Luck bydanie0062 months ago (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
Is this question meant to stir up the hen house?

SunMostHigh is absolutely correct.

Snow and cold make up most of the weather for 6 of 12 months of the year. People who live here understand that and make the best of it. If you have to psyche yourself up to deal with the winter then you will flounder. Our neighbors of three years from NY recently sold their house and moved back home because they "hated the winters here".

I completely appreciate your desire to live Bozeman, but if you are wondering about how you're going to cope with the winter weather you probably should have considered the laid back, clean state of New Mexico.
winter and snow bycwrite2 months ago (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
I think you are making a mistake moving here if you have doubts.
SunMostHigh has it right. I know someone else who moved from Pensacola to MN as a newlywed. They never really loved winter but learned to dress warm. They moved back to FL after retirement. Even someone like me who has always lived where there is a definite snow-covered winter, thinks winters are too long in Bozeman because they are. Winter sports help but....I've also known people who left after a few years because of the winters. Can you afford to live two places seasonally yet?
Are you kidding me? byMontanaChick2 months ago (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
You've NEVER seen real snow and you're going to move here? to Montana? If I were you, I would save up some cash and come fly up for a visit in January for about a week or two to see if you can stand it. Then remember that it's cold for about 9 months out of the year. REALLY cold for about 6 months. That would mean half of your life will be spent in REALLY COLD weather. Lots of people have to plug their cars in to make them start in the morning during the coldest stretches.

In July/August you'd get to enjoy a few weeks of 100 degree weather...before the first snow falls. If you don't like cold weather, Montana is the absolute wrong state to move to. It may sound all magical and dreamy, but there are great, quiet places in New Mexico and Arizona too.
Snowphilia byskew2 months ago (1 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
You don't need to come to Bozeman in January to experience snow. You should come up this weekend, the weather service says we are gonna get dumped on and then experience below-freezing highs the first part of next week. Nobody bothered to tell Bozeman that it's spring already. Heck, more than once I've had to wipe the snow off of my barbecue grill for the 4th of July.

I once found a hat in a snowbank in downtown Bozeman. I picked it up, and saw a man's head underneath. "Oh geez," I said, "I'm going to get a shovel a dig you out."

"You'd better get a big shovel, son," the man said, "because I'm still on my horse!"
That's true... byMontanaChick2 months ago (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
I thought they'd be able to experience the uber-below-zero freezing in January. Then again, I've been to a 4th of July parade here where it snowed...
Snow..... bydwainegf2 months ago (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
I suggest you buy warm clothes and good tires for your car. When you drive, drive a little slower. After a year or so, you won't even think twice about the cold or snow.
Oh, wear a hat when it is cold. It makes a huge difference.
please pass the snow bytiredofbeingjudged2 months ago (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
i wish there was MORE snow! yeah that's right, MORE!!! i moved here for the benefits of a 'white christmas' and there have been a few disappointing years.. im thinking of moving to alaska!
as for the question: remember, you can always dress for the cold. it's not like the heat -there's only so much you can take off!
also, if you don't know how to drive in the snow, please stay at home :D kidding.
Let it snow... bycowgirlmedic2 months ago (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
I have lived all over the US and sure...Montana gets more than it's share of snow, but it's all in how you "take it in." If you like snow, then you REALLY have to like it to live here. Unlike other places I have lived, snow doesn't melt very quick here. There are only two peeves I have with the snowy weather here-fast drivers (who think 4 wheel drive is great for traction-especially when stopping) and the melt (makes a muddy mess).

SKEW-hilarious joke!
Live in Atlanta, too byROTH2 months ago (1 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
I live in Atlanta, too. I agree Atlanta is a cesspool with very few redeeming qualities. However, I grew up in Bozeman. I can comfortably say if you have a problem with snow do not move to Montana. You can expect 6 month of snow in numerous forms from fluffy and cute to wet and miserable. All forms of which are cold. Not to mention the winter of 87' or 88' when it got 70 below zero. Say goodbye to flip-flops and hello to Sorels.

Other than that it wonderful. I once heard someone tell that Montana has four season, June, July, August and Winter. Perhaps I've made you chuckle, but it's not far from the truth.

That being said, I really like Bozeman.
Now you've done it bygixa2 months ago (0 votes) (report abuse)
Great joke, ROTH. You just reminded me of my 2 favorite Montana weather jokes:

What are the seasons in Montana?
9 months of winter and 3 months of bad skiing.

What do people do in Montana during the summer?
If it falls on a weekend, they have a barbeque.

;)
Interesting takes on Bozeman! byTahoe192 months ago (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
I also was born and raised here. I find that I complain a lot about the snow when it first comes, but then it's just the winter season. I love, love, love when spring starts to show up (my tree is beginning to bud...a little scary, but exciting too). I love the robins chirping away in the morning. Every day I am amazed by the beauty here. Yes, the winter is long and if you don't like the cold, you will probably struggle. But on the other hand, it's a lot of fun skiing, sledding, or just putting on your snow pants and building a snowman, fort or just playing in the snow. Of course sitting by a fire on a cold winters night is also wonderful. There are sleigh rides, the Christmas Stroll, the luminaries on Christmas Eve and the amazing way that Willson Avenue transforms after a snowfall. I don't care for when it gets so cold that your nose freezes together when you breathe. Other than that, it's really not that bad...coming from someone who's used to it. As far as the driving goes...you learn your limits. Start with an all-wheel drive vehicle, studded snow tires help out even more and test it out in the different conditions.
You've Received Some Good Advice byBozeBoy2 months ago (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
The previous folks have given you some good advice, namely:

1) the preferred strategy is to embrace the snow big-time by taking up skiing (downhill and nordic) snowshoeing and winter hiking; you need to jump in with both feet,
2) get an all-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive vehicle (Bozeman is Subaru heaven) and take it easy,

Also, you're going to find more than a handful of Atlantans here in Bozeman. Brookhavenites, Buckheaders, Mid-Towners and Cobb Countiers. Some thrive here; some come with unrealistic expectations and beat feet to another place. Treat it like a two-year adventure and see how it goes. You'll grow weary of the mud in April and May (no dogwoods and no azaleas, just mud) but you'll fall in love with the people, the recreational opportunities, the surprisingly good medical care and the big, big sky. You'll excercise more, your blood pressure will go down 10 points and you'll live longer. Treat native Montanans with respect; you can learn a lot from them. Good luck!!!
Snow in Bozeman bysassylassy2 months ago (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
I grew up in the northeast and think the winters in Bozeman are beautiful. The snow is gorgeous and covers up a lot of imperfections! It's a DRY cold and the sun shines a lot--unlike the northeast where the cold goes right through you! There's always something to do--just bundle up. Those 10 below days do take your breath away--just like the sight of the sun setting on the bridgers! If you have any doubts, however, don't do it. It may not be the cold you're really worried about!
Montana weather bybecker2 months ago (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
My cousins moved from Montana to Georgia, and the recently returned for a visit in the summer. It was lovely outside, about 60 degrees and sunny. Both of them were wearing coats.

One thing you'll have to get used to when you come up here is that shorts weather starts at about 40 degrees. Be ready to see your native neighbors out and about when you still think its frigid.

At least it's dry cold, most of the time.

As for the summer heat: I come from Eastern Montana, where it actually gets hot in the summer. I used to expect 105 to 115 degrees during the day and copious mosquitoes at night. As a result, I LOVE Bozeman in the summertime.
Dear Scared byBozemaniteNo314232 months ago (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
Go to Owenhouse Ace Hardware get some ice melt, a shovel and ask about other ideas. Just being prepared is the best ideas and take it slow on the roads.
Scared of Snow bygaryt2 months ago (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
If you have doubts about the weather then maybe you should spend a couple of days visiting before you move here. I've lived in Montana all of my life except for a short hitch in the Navy and there isn't a state any better. We have usually 8 months or more of cold weather in spite of Al Gore's "Global Warming" Just remember if you do decide to move here don't bring your big city attitude with you. I honestly prefer smaller town life more then Bozeman, Kalispell or any of the big cities but if you need to live there don't expect all the benefits you have in Atlanta. With all the transplants, the bigger cities are getting just as bad.
Scared byalamator2 months ago (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
I grew up in the Gallatin Valley and now live in North Carolina. I always get a kick out of everyone saying "Well it's a DRY cold". Like 40 below zero dry cold isn't so bad. Well...it's COLD!

I'm a wimp. I moved south cuz I can't handle Montana winters anymore. Montana is still "home" though.

Right now is a good example of Montana spring. The trees are starting to bud, grass is getting green...then...BOOM...10 inches of snow. In April. Ya gotta love it.
I'm from Europe, but living ... byKraut2 months ago (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
... around the 50th parallel ( Bochum/Germany ) , I can tell you that daytime may be an issue too. Only 7+ hrs. of daylight in Dec. can give you the blues. You get up, it dark. You go to work, its dark. You come home in the afternoon, its dark. Could you deal with that? On the other hand 15+ hrs daylight in summer is a delight, provided the weather is nice.


HeHe, I found these on the Net. I have the impression they might fit Bozeman / Montana too:


You know you're from Minnesota When......

* You only know four spices - salt, pepper, ranch dressings and ketchup.
* You design your Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit.
* The mosquitoes have landing lights.
* You have more miles on your snowblower than your car.
* You have 10 favorite recipes for deer meat.
* You've taken your kids trick or treating in a blizzard.
* Driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled in with snow.
* You think sexy lingerie is tube socks and a flannel nightie with less than eight buttons.
* You owe more money on your snowblower than your car.
* You can write a check at McDonalds for two Big Macs and fries.
* At least twice a year, the kitchen doubles as a meat processing plant.
* The most effective mosquito repellent is a shotgun.
* Your snowblower gets stuck on the roof.
* You think the start of deer hunting season as a national holiday.
* You know which leaves make the best toilet paper.
* The major country fund-raiser isn't bingo, it's sausage making.
* You find -40F a little chilly.
* The trunk of your car doubles as a deep freezer.
* You attend a formal event in your best clothes, your finest jewelry, and your Sorels. (What's so funny about that?)
* You can play road hockey on ice skates.
* You know four seasons - Winter, Still winter, Almost Winter and road Construction.
RE: I'm from Europe, but living ... bygixa2 months ago (0 votes) (report abuse)
RE: * You attend a formal event in your best clothes, your finest jewelry, and your Sorels. (What's so funny about that?) ;)

http://z.about.com/d/shoes/1/0/5/5/100805_sorel_boots.jpg
It's not the snow, it's the humidity byuptown2 months ago (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
I'm not sure, if you don't like the cold, that moving north is a good idea. It is true that humidity matters and that zero degrees is fairly tolerable here as opposed to areas of higher humidity such as the Midwest or east. But also keep in mind that though maybe more tolerable, the winter season is also longer. As this is written there is a forecast of up to six inches of snow for today, bad roads and freezing temperatures. I'm finding this unacceptable for a weekend.
Anyway before you move from Atlanta, you might want to consult with Jane Fonda. She moved from here to Atlanta.
scared...a little byalamator2 months ago (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
I still need a winter fix of Montana every now and then. Snowmobiling is just too much fun! I DO miss the snow...but not the cold.

For a good look at today's conditions, go to the Web Cam under Community banner. Man it looks cold and the wind is blowing...BRRRRrrrrrrr!
LAUGHING byberrymountain2 months ago (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
Atlanta a "superficial city."

From the fire, into the "frying pan."
Don't worry. . . bysouthward2 months ago (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
Don't sweat it. After the first couple snows each year, EVERYONE in Bozeman drives like they have never seen snow before. You will have a couple weeks to adapt!

But seriously, some tips:

Visit in the winter first. Spend a week.
For yourself and us, take a winter driving course.
Get a short commute, don't buy a place 20 miles out because of the view in the summer.
SNOW TIRES!!!!!!
For your well-being, pick a winter outdoor activity you think you can handle and stick with it for awhile. Makes that time of year go much faster.

Good luck.
Live near Tampa, Florida byDreamin of Montana2 months ago (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
Born in Florida, live in Florida and can't wait to leave. I also want to move to Bozeman but I'm a little nervous of driving in the snow. I visited Montana during the winter and the temps were in the negatives. I know a visit before a big move would be very helpful for you. Georgia (and Florida) vs. Montana are two completely different worlds. Warm clothes and layers are two of the most important things. I know the humidity in Florida drives me crazy. You can put more layers on to stay warm but can only get so naked and still be sticky hot. Gook Luck
Take today for example... byMontanaChick2 months ago (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
The last day in April, and snowing. High of 39, I believe.
Not as bad as you think . . . bySundanceGirl2 months ago (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
Of course I'm writing this after having grown-up in both Wisconsin and Minnesota, so take my advice with a grain of salt (the kind used to melt the roads). Atlanta is hot, hot, hot - but more than being hot, it's HUMID, HUMID, HUMID. You will NOT have that humidity here at all - and that can be a relief in the summer AND the winter. If you are expecting bitter, horrible cold together with the heavy wet snow that'll leave you stranded inside for days - you won't find it here, at least not for the majority of the winter. The humidity in the air is what causes the biting cold. With hardly any humidity, the biting cold days are few and far between. There is LOTS of snow, but its light and fluffy - imagine the "fake snow" used around Christmas decorations. You can blow the snow off your car, seriously. I am very able to stay active outdoors in the weather here all winter - besides skiing. You can X-country ski, snowshoe, even hike anything is possible - and it isn't that cold. We did some crazy hiking in February and it was 30 degrees out. My one and only complaint about the snow / winter in Bozeman is the AWFUL plowing job the city does on the streets. I swear I have never seen a worse job in my life. The snow pile down the middle of Main Street - are you kidding me?!?! Hardly any sand / salt - YIKES! Up your car insurance and get some studded tires.
RE: Not as bad as you think . . . byChristine2 months ago (0 votes) (report abuse)
I agree with almost everything you said, SundanceGirl. I have lived in the Northeast and all over the Midwest and Montana's winters are amazing compared to those. My husband and I have been here almost four years now, and can't imagine living in the Midwest again. There is absolute truth to the saying, "It's not the heat, it's the humidity." Or in this case, the cold. And my husband also calls the snow here fake snow! It's funny to come out to your car in the morning and be able to blow the snow off your door handle, or windshield. I'm not one to complain, and I don't mind that the snow plowing leaves something to be desired, but I just have to wonder - why is it so much more important to sweep the streets clean during the spring and summer than it is the plow them in the winter? My road has already been street swept (is that the right term?) and I'm SURE it's not done snowing for the season. But yeah, it's not as bad as you think, and really, it's not BAD at all:)
Atlanta superficial??? byPooperman2 months ago (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
U think Atlanta is superficial? Ha! Wait till you live in the Bozone for a while. I was born and raised in the "real" Georgia, where everyone thinks anything north of Atlanta is yankee, and lived in Bozeman for 6 years and I gotta tell you, winters ain't bad just pick up some winter sports to pass the time. summers are definately the best. I think the biggest difference between Montana cold and Ga cold is the humidity. Here it is 25% and down there it is close to 90%. Factor MT wind though and it can get down right gnarly.
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