How to Survive North Dakota Winters

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We spent a year in Minot, North Dakota. Here are some pictures of the winter we encountered which was much more intense than any other I have ever seen before. 

It was a very fun experience, and I hope you enjoy some of these pictures and tips on gear to get you through the winter in North Dakota! 

The picture above was taken in March, the snow hill accumulated in our backyard, and there was no shoveling or snow blowing to make that hill.  The wind chill is crazy in North Dakota. The wind will also create very large snow drifts like the one in our yard here.

The picture below was taken in March as well. It was a harsh month in North Dakota.

The screen shot below was taken in February, 2013. This was a VERY cold day and I think everyone who had to leave the house was upset...HAHA! With the wind chill that -41 bites through your clothes somehow and chills you to the bone.

The picture below was taken in January, and I remember reading the winter weather warning and being a little freaked out by the phrase towards the bottom...yikes! Make sure to stock your car with supplies.

Tips to surviving a North Dakota winter!

1. Always always always have supplies in your vehicle when you are going ANYWHERE - for example: water, blankets, food, hand & feet warmers, snow/ice scraper, and a first aid kit. You DO NOT want to get stuck in the snow and be unprepared! Always plan for the worst.

2. Don't shovel if it's too cold - We only lived in North Dakota for one winter...and we learned really fast that we had to shovel the drive way at LEAST 2-3 times a week, sometimes more. With that said, if it is too cold, the shoveling can wait. Take care of yourself, there can be serious problems if you spend too much time out there.

3. If you can, stay home! - There are lots of people who don't take the weather forecast seriously, you should pay attention and plan accordingly. Don't underestimate the storms here...if you can, stay home when there is going to be a big one. 

4. Stock up - Whenever I heard there was going to be a big storm, I went to the store and stocked up (especially on perishables such as milk, eggs, bread, water, etc.) You don't want to have to run to the store during a crazy storm, be prepared!

5. GET A SNOW BLOWER! This was a lifesaver when the driveway was filled with a foot + of snow...I am not kidding...take a look :) 

                     Gas                             Electric             Don't forget the Cord

6. BUNDLE UP! Below are some of the snow gear items I suggest you invest in...you will get a lot of use out of them :)

Hand Warmers & Face Mask

Gore-Tex Gloves & Hooded Scarf 

Men's Snow boots & Wool socks

Women's Snow boots & Wool Socks 

Extra: Here's a peek into fall in Minot, North Dakota