The day after: Snowstorm sends students tobogganing, drivers to tire shops

Many are scrambling to change tires and shovel walks after a recent wintry blast, but for others, it opened the door for a frosty field trip.

Our first proper dump of snow as we near winter means many drivers have realized they’d better get their snow tires on, but for some Calgary students, the snow offered an opportunity for a frosty field trip.

High schoolers from École de la Rose Sauvage had class in Confederation Park on Tuesday afternoon.

As part of their unit on local tourism, they went tobogganing on the nearby hill.

“It’s a lot. I’m surprised it’s so much. Hopefully it doesn’t melt,” said Elaaf Abdalrahman.

Snow conditions were just right for the winter pastime but made it challenging to make it to school.

“It’s pretty, but walking to the school bus while it was snowing was a little crazy,” said Makenna Eckl.

On Tuesday, city crews were still clearing major routes to meet the target of clearing the busiest roads within 36 hours of a citywide snowstorm.

“(Crews are) actually into our major community and transit routes. They will be plowing through lanes and pushing snow to the curb on those until the middle of the night,” said Chris McGeachy, city mobility spokesperson.

Snowplows and their unique nicknames can be tracked online.

Pedestrian pathways, overpasses and sidewalks are also part of the city’s priority snow plan.

Snow and ice removal crews work 24-7 during the winter months.

McGeachy encourages drivers to prepare for the winter driving conditions.

Monday’s heavy snowfall brought a surge of customers to Mount Pleasant Auto Service looking to install snow tires.

“We’re going crazy. Non-stop. We’ve got a waiting list that’s probably 30 people deep,” said Dylan Pierce, owner.

Pierce says getting ready for the roads involves more than just swapping out tires.

“We do want to make sure that people get their block heaters checked, their batteries, make sure that they’re going to be good for winter,” said Pierce.