9 Thoughts Every Michigander Has After The First Snowfall Of The Season

Like it or not, wintertime is upon us here in the Great Lakes State. For some, the arrival of snow is a peaceful and happily welcomed sight, conjuring childhood memories and offering a sense of playfulness and glee. For others, this chilly precipitation signals stress and longer commute times. No matter where you stand on the “snow or no snow” issue, here are nine thoughts you’ve likely had after the first snowfall of the season.

Flickr/Jim Sorbie

For many of us, the season’s first snowfall comes as something of a shock. After all, the weather seems to change on a dime here in Michigan, and we’re often just mourning the end of our summer beach days when suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere, the skies open up to reveal buckets of snow. No matter how long we’ve lived here, the first snowfall never ceases to seem a bit early.

Flickr/Christian Collins

While we’re often surprised by the first snowfall, we also know that it simply can’t be trusted. True Michiganders know that temperatures might be subzero one day and sweltering the next, so it’s tough to rely on those initial flakes to stick around for more than a day or two. For all we know, a full-on heatwave might be right around the corner.

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Flickr/ladydragonflyherworld

It doesn’t matter how many times we’ve watched the snow fall; it’s still breathtakingly beautiful. There’s something simply enchanting about watching fluffy flakes fall silently to the ground, particularly when we’re curled up inside with a mug of hot cocoa. It’s tough not to smile a bit when the snow arrives, even though its charm tends to wear off pretty quickly.

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Flickr/Tom Gill

Okay, okay, we admitted that the snow is beautiful. But that doesn’t mean we’ll put up with it forever. Once we’re hit with the realization that winter is officially here, many Michiganders find themselves counting down the days until summer. While every season is delightful in the Great Lakes State, it’s hard to beat the many upsides of a gorgeous Michigan summer - and snow always seems to stand in the way.

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Flickr/Tom Gill

Those of us who live close to the shores of our Great Lakes are well aware that lake effect weather systems make for some seriously heavy snowfall. If we’ve traveled to other snowy states or experienced cold weather outside the immediate area, we tend to forget just how intense lake effect snow can be. When it arrives for the first time each year, we often find ourselves in awe all over again.

Flickr/Andy Vernon

Alright, this might not apply to every single Michigander, but we all know at least one person who seems intent on remaining in denial about the winter temperatures and impending snowstorms. You know the one: despite their freezing legs and constant brushes with near-frostbite, they decide it’s fully appropriate to keep wearing athletic shorts and sandals well into the snowy season. If only we all had such confidence.

Flickr/Bill Couch

Many of Michigan’s charming downtown areas feature heated sidewalks that make for easy maintenance and convenient shopping without the risk of slips and falls. After the first snowfall of the season, many Michiganders find themselves sharing a familiar lament: "Why can’t I get a heating system installed in my very own driveway?" If only money grew on trees.

Flickr/Rusty Ray

Don’t deny it: you’ve faced this internal battle before. The snow falls and you glance out the window. There doesn’t seem to be TOO much sticking to the ground. You can probably put off shoveling for another several hours or even another couple of days. You’ll TOTALLY be able to pull the car out of the driveway and the mail carrier will absolutely be able to reach the front porch, right? Wrong. Before you know it, you’re knee-deep in snow and weirdly sweaty under your coat from all that heavy shoveling amid the cold temperatures.

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Flickr/Christopher Garrison

At the end of the day, the first snowfall of the season reminds of us that giddy childhood excitement. The possibilities for snow days were ripe and the holidays were right around the corner. When snow shows up here in Michigan, we can’t help but long to get outside and play. Whether we’re building a snowman, hitting the sledding slopes, or challenging our loved ones to a snowball fight, we have to admit that we’ll always have a special spot in our hearts for the winter season.

How do you typically react when snow falls for the first time every winter? Are you a fan of the cold weather or do you count down the days until spring? Share your thoughts in the Facebook comments or recommend your favorite winter attraction in Michigan by filling out our nomination form here.

If you absolutely adore snow, you’ll enjoy a winter visit to Michigan’s very own Grand Canyon.