What Happens When You're Away During a Snowstorm?

3 min read · Thames Valley Snow, London, Ontario

Winter travel and snowstorms don't always cooperate with each other's timing. Whether you're heading south for a week or just out of town visiting family, it's worth knowing how snow removal service works while you're away, since an unclear driveway can create real problems even when you're not there to see it.

Seasonal contracts generally keep working exactly the same whether you're home or not. Since the trigger depth and schedule are already set, crews come out automatically regardless of whether your car is in the driveway. This is actually one of the strongest arguments for a seasonal contract if you travel often during the winter, since you don't have to remember to call anyone or adjust anything before a trip.

An empty, unplowed driveway isn't just an inconvenience when you return. It can look like a sign nobody's home, which isn't ideal from a security standpoint. It can also make your home harder to identify for delivery drivers, mail carriers, or anyone checking on your property while you're gone, including a neighbour keeping an eye on things.

If you're on a per-push contract instead, it's worth confirming with your provider whether service continues automatically while you're away or whether they need a heads-up. Some companies pause per-push billing during confirmed absences if asked in advance, which can save money if you're gone for an extended stretch and nobody needs the driveway cleared.

Thames Valley Snow keeps servicing properties on schedule whether homeowners are away or not, and can adjust per-push arrangements with advance notice for longer trips. Letting your provider know about travel plans ahead of time avoids any confusion about coverage while you're gone.

Automatic visits keep going

Seasonal visits happen at 5 cm or more whether you are home or not. The driveway and city windrow are cleared, and a timestamped photo shows you when.

Why a cleared driveway matters when you are away

A cleared driveway makes the house look lived in, lets deliveries and emergency services in, and stops snow from packing into ice before you return.

Add-ons for longer trips

Walkway and steps ($150–175) and salting ($175) keep the front path safe for anyone checking on the house.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to tell you I am away?

It helps. Text (548) 888-8702 so the crew knows to expect no cars.

Can a family member get the updates?

Yes. Updates can go to whoever you choose.

What's included… and what's extra

A Thames Valley Snow seasonal residential plan starts from $650 for a standard driveway. It covers clearing the driveway every time snowfall reaches the trigger depth in your agreement, plus the windrow the city plow leaves at the end of the driveway. Larger driveways are priced on our snow removal prices page.

Popular add-ons, priced per season: walkway and steps $150–175, salting $175, priority service $125, pet-safe salt $120, driveway extension $95 and city sidewalk clearing $90. Add only what your property needs; everything is listed on the quote so there are no surprises. Get your fixed price or call or text (548) 888-8702.