The Blizzard of 2026 is here, and there’s really nothing for any of us to do but wait it out with plenty of hot chocolate and episodes of “Paw Patrol” (have I mentioned my 2-year-old?).

Once the snow finally stops, Rhode Island will face its most sacred winter ritual: digging out the driveway — or handing some cash to the nearest enterprising kid with a shovel.

So how much are you paying for shoveling?

Earlier this month, I asked Rhode Map readers to share their rates. Think of it as a very unofficial guide to the winter shovel economy – and a way to help entrepreneurial kids figure out what they’re worth (even if many of us are still calling a plow).

❄️ “Our driveway is about 40 feet with a parking area for three-four cars (including the house behind).  Plowing  (mid size truck with large plow mounted) plus shoveling path from back door to parking area and out to shed and yard (for dog) costs $100. About an hour of work with a crew of three” – Howard & Miriam Schwartz (Wakefield)

❄️ “$50 - $100 depending on the amount of snow.” – Pauline DeRosa (Cranston)

❄️ “My nine-year-old son and his friend charge $20 to clear our driveway, which is five cars long and two cars wide, and our neighbors' shorter but wider driveway. They also clear the elderly neighbors' driveway for hot chocolate and extra marshmallows.” – Emily Howe (Warwick)

❄️ “I have a service that charges $180 per snow, with extra fees for every inch above three.” – Rachel Rogers

❄️ “The last big storm we got 13 inches and had two maintenance men stop by and shovel. I have a small driveway and short walkway, and paid $150. Local kids just don’t come by anymore.” – ​​​​​​​Paula Iacono (North Providence)

❄️ “For a two-car driveway with a path to the front door, a walk to the back door, two sets of steps, and a front sidewalk (if it’s not plowed over, which it is), I’m paying $50. And happy to pay it!” – ​​​​​​​Jeffrey Noll

❄️ “I paid $25 each to two neighborhood kids in Cranston!: – Kelly Clifton (Cranston)

❄️ “In Bristol, our landscaper sends out a crew to plow our driveway and shovel our walks. To be honest we don't have a long driveway, nor is it all that much shoveling, but as we are in our 70s and often travel in the winter, it is worth it for us to have them do it.  We also shovel as well!  It's $65 each time they come. If it's a light snow and we're here, we'll tell them not to come.” – Karen Aveson (Bristol)