A Wood River Valley winter is magical—string lights, fresh snow, and ski days from December through spring. But all that snow also changes how you use your outdoor space. A snow-friendly landscape design makes it easier to move around safely, protects your plants, and keeps your home looking polished all season long. That’s the specialty of Whitehead Landscaping, a family-owned company that’s been shaping local yards since 1994.whiteheadlandscaping.com
Think Like Snow: Grading and Drainage
Snow doesn’t just fall; it melts and refreezes. Thoughtful grading keeps meltwater flowing away from entries, garages, and paths instead of pooling and turning into ice sheets. When Whitehead’s team designs or renovates an outdoor space, they consider snow storage zones, drain placement, and how plow routes will interact with plant beds and hardscape. Their landscape construction services can incorporate subtle slopes and drains that work year-round, not just in summer.whiteheadlandscaping.com+1
Safe, Attractive Winter Paths
In a resort town where friends pop over after skiing, clear, well-lit paths are essential. Wide walkways made from pavers, concrete, or stone are easier to shovel and plow than narrow, winding paths. Consider built-in edges or low walls to define routes under deep snow. Pair that with a professional snow removal plan so stairs, driveways, and walkways stay safe from December through March.whiteheadlandscaping.com+1
Planting with Winter in Mind
Snow-friendly design isn’t just about hardscape. Proper plant placement means fewer broken branches and less winter damage. Keep taller shrubs and ornamental trees out of main plow and snow-throw paths, and select hardy species that can handle snow loads and high-altitude conditions. Resources from the University of Idaho highlight native and adapted plants that thrive in Idaho’s high-elevation mountain landscapes—perfect inspiration for new beds or screening.uidaho.edu+2Natural Resources Conservation Service+2
Lighting for Short Winter Days
Short days don’t have to mean less enjoyment of your yard. Low-voltage path lights, step lighting, and uplights on evergreens add both safety and ambience. Thoughtful lighting design can frame views toward Bald Mountain or your favorite snow-covered trees, giving your property the same warm glow you see around Sun Valley’s Winter Wonderland. sunvalley.com
Partner with Local Experts
Designing for snow is second nature to Whitehead Landscaping. Their team understands how real Sun Valley winters interact with driveways, patios, tree lines, and fences. If you’re building a new home or rethinking an existing yard, start with a snow-smart design consultation through their Landscape Construction and Terrain Talk resources so your outdoor space works just as well in January as it does in July.whiteheadlandscaping.com+1
