Aussie dealing with American winter......help wanted.

What is the procedure when travelling to an event like a wedding in the snow?

I'm not sure whether we should wear boots to the venue and get changed into our wedding shoes or whether the paths, roads will be clear of snow.

It may sound like a ridiculous question but we've never experienced snow before.
 
What is the procedure when travelling to an event like a wedding in the snow?

I'm not sure whether we should wear boots to the venue and get changed into our wedding shoes or whether the paths, roads will be clear of snow.

It may sound like a ridiculous question but we've never experienced snow before.

Sidewalks around churches and other public places are usually cleared of snow and ice. Wear your fancy shoes and never mind the boots.
 
^^^ This.

Unless the snow is really coming down, e.g. more than 1 inch (2.5 cm) per hour, you'll have no problem in street shoes. How do you calculate more than 1 inch per hour? If you step outside into 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) of snow and leave tracks and you look outside 15 - 20 minutes later and they are covered, it's "snowing pretty good." Most folks have no problem wearing street shoes in an inch of snow or less. Even walking in 2 - 3 inches (5 to 8 cm) typically isn't a problem with street shoes, though you're liable to get your socks/ankles snowy and wet.

A little snow exposure won't typically ruin your shoes - stomp your feet well (on a rug!) when you get inside and you're all set.

FWIW, there are (mostly) two kinds of snow - wet and "packy" (makes good snowballs!) and dry and fluffy/powdery. You'll usually get wet snow when the temps are above 25 °F (-4 °C) and dry snow when the temps are below 20 °F (-7 °C). These aren't hard and fast rules, but will get you close. There's also "slush" - wet snow that falls on a warm surface and sticks for a while before melting. You'd probably encounter slush on an asphalt paved parking lot. It's just sloppy and not normally slippery.

Wet snow is usually more slippery than dry snow as it tends to "pack down" under your footfalls. Dry snow won't stick to your footgear like wet snow will. Walking on level ground in either isn't normally treacherous - but if you're in a hurry and not paying attention... It's no different than walking on muddy ground or wet grass.

My best advice for navigating snow? Pay attention, go slow and hold your significant other's hand. If you hold each other around the waist, when one starts to go down, you'll both go down. Holding hands allows you to steady each other without being a burden should one need to suddenly regain their balance. I've been holding Mrs Smoke's hand in all kinds of weather for over 43 years and we're still vertical! :love:

And remember, the only silly question is the one you didn't ask. Have fun in the snow!
 
Ben, lots of good advice here. I have never been to Utah, but SLC is a Mormon city as you already know, so I wouldn't worry too much about crime. Mormons are very family-oriented folks. Dress warmly, but you don't have to look like an Eskimo. The streets are plowed if it snows, I'm sure. Have a good time.
 
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I'd say this attire would be perfect for your visit. It may be too dressy by some standards, but I've made so many trips to SLC and Denver in the middle of winter dressed similarly. If you don't have layers like the guy above, you'll sweat to death inside, then freeze outside.
 
What an adorable thread. Worried about weather now that Drop Bears aren't an issue. Funny how fast we adapt.
 
What an adorable thread. Worried about weather now that Drop Bears aren't an issue. Funny how fast we adapt.
Who said Drop Bears are no longer an issue - still have to take a helmet and shoulder guards with you down here if you are walking around trees, just in case you fail to spot one in time!😬
 
"Autumn begins this Saturday (in two days) September 23rd"..
 
@Benthedrummer ...you MUST post video of your first real snow experience if it happens!!! Would love to see that. Would be a perfect summary to this thread
 
first snow last night (gone already)

I miss summer already.
 
As a Canadian , " I come from the land of ice and snow " , eh ?

We're a resourceful, tough breed of northeners , historically spending six months of the year getting ready for the other six . Keep your hands, feet , and head protected , multiple thin layers of insulation everywhere else depending on the temperature . If you rent a car, make sure it has four winter tires . Use the transmission to regulate your speed instead of hitting the brakes . Better still, if its miserable out, don't drive if you don't have to .

Be a Viking and howl at the moon. It's fun .
 
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first snow last night (gone already)

I miss summer already.

we had ours as well here in Central Ohio...give me more!!!! Heat and humidity can be gone forever. I get a 6 month reprieve!!!
 
Make sure that at least TWO members of your expedition(to, like, school, or the corner store) are wearing brightly coloured parkas.
One of them takes point, the other brings up the rear, everybody else in between. Don't let go of the rope. And ignore the wolves.:)
 
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