Winter maintenance: compare quotes and prices

Separate snow clearance from ice control

Clearing removes snow; spreading treatment addresses slippery conditions. Ice can form without new snowfall, for example when meltwater freezes again. A snow-clearance contract does not automatically include checks for ice.

Steps and narrow passages often need manual work, while larger open areas may suit machinery. Roof snow and icicles require separate work with different access and risks; they are not implicitly included in clearing a forecourt.

How much does winter maintenance cost?

Square metres alone are insufficient. Standby, travel, manual work, machinery, snow quantity, timing and treatment materials affect the bill. For ongoing care, check whether repeat visits on the same day are included.

One Swiss price list checked in October 2026 lists CHF 85 for up to 30 minutes and CHF 42.50 per additional quarter-hour, excluding VAT. That makes 45 minutes CHF 127.50 excluding VAT, before other charges. This is an individual tariff, not a Swiss average.

A per-visit rate and a seasonal fee are comparable only with the same areas, availability and service. A fixed fee may limit visits, exceptional snowfall or snow removal from the site. For time-based billing, check the minimum charge and billing increments.

Standby means more than a phone number

Establish whether the contractor monitors conditions or comes only when called. A reachable phone number does not guarantee automatic inspection rounds. Specify the season, weekdays, weekends and desired service times.

Continuous snowfall or refreezing may require another visit. Agree which areas have priority and what triggers additional work. Times depend on use and local conditions; there is no single clearance time that can be applied to every Swiss property.

Describe the actual area needing work

Measure or estimate the paths and spaces concerned, rather than the entire plot. A path ten metres long and one metre wide covers ten square metres, for example. Mention steps, ramps and narrow passages separately, as equal areas may require different work.

A plan can later help agree boundaries and priorities. Identify low kerbs, drains, delicate surfaces and obstacles before winter. Also establish who moves parked vehicles and how the team gains access.

Plan where cleared snow will go

A suitable storage area on the property can avoid extra transport. It must not obstruct access, visibility or necessary passage. Consider meltwater too: if it runs onto a path and refreezes, it creates another hazard.

If space is insufficient, off-site removal needs explicit agreement. Loading, transport and an authorised destination are separate services. Do not simply push snow onto public areas, into drains or watercourses; check local rules and responsibilities.

Match treatment to the surface and surroundings

De-icing and abrasive materials work differently. Grit improves traction but does not melt ice like salt; it may need replenishing and later collection. Salt is not equally suitable for every surface and setting either.

Ask for a method suited to the surface, drainage, planting and use. A product described as ecological is not automatically permitted everywhere or harmless. Mechanical clearance and targeted treatment should be coordinated by the contractor.

What a clear quote should contain

Owner, property manager and contractor should allocate responsibilities. Hiring a contractor does not guarantee blanket protection from liability. Public paths also have different responsible bodies from private entrances.

A report with the date, time, areas covered and action taken makes the service traceable. It does not replace appropriate work or an agreement on who follows up reported problems.

1. Areas and times. Record the clearance plan, priorities, season and desired availability.
2. Price components. Check standby, visits, materials, surcharges, removal and VAT separately.
3. Access and handover. Agree keys, contact person, obstacle reports and final clean-up.