Why Snow Removal Matters More on Campus
Unlike municipalities that focus primarily on roads and emergency routes, college campuses are a patchwork of environments. Pedestrian-heavy walkways, ADA-accessible routes, residence hall entrances, loading docks, athletic facilities, parking structures, historic brick paths, and modern concrete plazas all coexist—often within a few hundred feet of one another.
On a winter morning, students still expect to make it to class. Faculty still expect safe access to academic buildings. Parents still arrive for campus tours. And if even one person slips, the consequences can be costly—financially, legally, and reputationally.
Effective snow removal plans balance safety, speed, sustainability, and stewardship of campus assets. It’s a tall order, but one that successful institutions approach methodically.
Start With a Plan—Not a Forecast
The most successful snow removal programs begin long before winter weather is predicted. A written snow and ice management plan is essential and should be reviewed annually. This plan should outline priorities, responsibilities, equipment inventory, communication protocols, and decision-making thresholds.
Key questions every plan should answer include:
What areas are cleared first, and why?
What snow depth triggers action?
Who authorizes overtime or contractor deployment?
How are students and staff notified during major events?
How are ADA routes prioritized and maintained?
Many campuses create tiered priority maps that designate high-traffic pedestrian areas, emergency access routes, residence hall entrances, and academic cores as first priority. Athletic facilities, peripheral lots, and secondary walkways may follow in later phases.
The goal is not perfection—it’s predictability. When everyone knows the plan, execution becomes far smoother.
Equipment Options: Matching Tools to Terrain
Snow removal equipment on college campuses must be as diverse as the terrain it serves. Gone are the days when one plow truck could handle everything.
Plow Trucks and Utility Vehicles
For main roads and larger parking areas, traditional plow trucks remain essential. However, many campuses also rely heavily on smaller utility vehicles (UTVs) or compact tractors equipped with plows, blowers, or brushes. These vehicles offer better maneuverability in tight pedestrian spaces and reduce damage to curbs, landscaping, and historic hardscapes.
Snow Blowers
Walk-behind and ride-on snow blowers are invaluable for sidewalks, stairs, and narrow paths where plows can’t reach. Electric and low-emission models are increasingly popular, especially on campuses committed to sustainability goals.
Snow Pushers and Box Plows
For large surface lots and service roads, box plows can dramatically improve efficiency by moving large volumes of snow quickly, reducing labor hours during heavy storms.
Brine and Deicing Sprayers
Pre-treatment equipment, including brine sprayers, has become a cornerstone of modern snow management. Applying liquid deicers before a storm can prevent snow and ice from bonding to surfaces, making removal faster and reducing overall chemical use.
The Human Element: Staff, Training, and Fatigue
Even the best equipment means little without trained, well-supported staff. Snow events rarely happen on a convenient schedule, and overnight storms often require long shifts under difficult conditions.
Cross-training is a growing trend on campuses. Grounds crews, custodial teams, and even maintenance staff may be trained to assist with snow removal during major events. This flexibility ensures adequate coverage while preventing burnout among core teams.
Equally important is safety training. Operators should be trained not only on equipment use but also on situational awareness, pedestrian interaction, and fatigue management. Rotating shifts, scheduled breaks, and access to warm shelters can make a significant difference during extended storms.
In-House vs. Contracted Services: Finding the Right Balance
Many colleges rely on a hybrid approach that blends in-house teams with contracted snow removal services. This model offers flexibility and scalability, particularly during major storms.
In-House Advantages
Greater familiarity with campus layout and priorities
Faster response times for smaller events
Better integration with campus communication systems
Contracted Services
Additional manpower and equipment during large storms
Reduced capital investment in specialized equipment
Predictable costs when managed through seasonal contracts
The key is clarity. Contracts should clearly define trigger points, response times, liability, and communication protocols. Facilities leaders emphasize that contractors should be treated as partners, not outsiders, and included in preseason planning meetings.
Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility
Snow removal doesn’t have to conflict with sustainability goals. In fact, many campuses are rethinking traditional practices to reduce environmental impact without compromising safety.
Reducing salt usage is a major focus. Over-application can damage turf, trees, hardscapes, and nearby waterways. Pre-treatment with brine, calibrated spreaders, and weather-based application rates help minimize waste.
Some campuses are experimenting with alternative deicing materials, including organic or less corrosive products, especially near sensitive landscapes or historic structures.
Electric snow removal equipment, while still emerging, is gaining traction in pedestrian zones where noise and emissions are concerns. These investments align well with broader campus sustainability initiatives and demonstrate leadership in responsible operations.
Technology and Data: Smarter Winter Operations
Technology is playing an increasingly important role in snow management. GPS-enabled equipment tracking allows supervisors to monitor coverage in real time, ensuring priority areas are addressed and providing documentation if incidents occur.
Weather monitoring software tailored for facilities teams can offer hyper-local forecasts, helping managers make informed decisions about staffing and treatment timing. Some systems integrate with work order platforms, automatically generating tasks when conditions meet predefined thresholds.
Data also supports post-season analysis. Reviewing response times, chemical usage, labor hours, and incident reports allows teams to refine plans year after year.
Communication Is Everything
One of the most overlooked aspects of snow removal is communication. Students and staff are far more understanding of winter conditions when they know what to expect.
Clear messaging about cleared routes, delayed openings, and ongoing operations builds trust and reduces frustration. Many campuses use a combination of email alerts, campus apps, social media, and digital signage to keep the community informed.
Internally, communication between facilities, campus police, housing, and administration ensures that decisions—such as delayed classes or building closures—are made collaboratively and quickly.
Planning for the Worst (and Hoping for the Best)
Extreme weather events are becoming more common, and campuses must plan accordingly. Heavy snowfall followed by freeze-thaw cycles can create hazardous conditions that last for days. Ice storms, in particular, challenge traditional removal methods.
Contingency planning should address scenarios such as:
Extended power outages
Equipment failure during peak events
Limited access to deicing materials
Staffing shortages during holidays or breaks
Regular tabletop exercises and post-event debriefs help identify gaps before they become problems.
Winter as a Reflection of Campus Care
Snow removal may be seasonal, but its impact is year-round. Prospective students notice whether sidewalks are clear during winter tours. Faculty remember whether or not they felt supported during a storm. Trustees and administrators take note when operations run smoothly despite challenging conditions.
In many ways, winter operations reflect the broader culture of campus care. A well-executed snow removal plan signals that safety, planning, and stewardship are taken seriously—even when conditions are less than ideal.
As one veteran facilities director put it, “Anyone can manage a campus on a sunny day. Winter is when you find out how good your systems really are.”
Looking Ahead
As campuses continue to evolve, snow removal strategies will evolve with them. Advances in equipment, materials, and data will offer new efficiencies, while sustainability goals will continue to shape decision-making.
What won’t change is the importance of preparation, people, and partnership. When winter arrives—and it always does—the campuses that thrive are the ones that planned for it long before the forecast appeared.
And when the snow finally melts, those quiet, behind-the-scenes efforts will have made all the difference—leaving a campus that feels safe, accessible, and ready for whatever season comes next.
