As we enter a theoretical calendar-based spring, eventually we’ll be saying goodbye to the snow: but not quite yet! While the snow may have melted from most south-facing yards, if not the shaded north-facing areas, there are a few places where enormous snow piles stand tall and proud. But how do you know which of the remaining snow peaks are the best that Eau Claire has to offer? 

Here are Eau Claire’s top mountainous snow piles that seem likely to persist until June! We judged contestants on height, length, coldness, and persistence, with extra points offered for blocking a crucial view.  

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If you dare approach this pile to rival all piles, make sure you hire a teen guide from Chippewa Falls who will carry your pack as you struggle up the sheer ice face, and will then take pictures of you at the top.

LAURA BUCHHOLZ

1. Chippewa River Range. This towering peak of eternal winter is so big that it can be seen from across the river, and probably from space. It holds the snow from the parking lot next to the Haas Fine Arts Center, and is a veritable work of art itself. Conveniently close to Water Street and downtown with stunning river views, this stubborn summit knows that it’s all about location, location, location. If you burrowed a hole into this beast, you could charge 4K a month for it! Also close to The Pickle in case students need a place to puke.

2. Hibbard Lot Heap. Also comprised of leftover snow scraped from the prized Hibbard Hall parking lot, this magnificent mound is home to daring sledders in the winter who prefer to freefall down a pointy cliff rather than glide down a reasonable hill. In the spring, this pinnacle of brown crust is subject to glares icy enough to keep this baby going til June! And with its proximity to the beacon of humanities that is Hibbard Hall, you can save your energy and find wisdom to the side of this mountain, not on top of it!

3. Oakwood Peaks. The view from a mall parking lot hasn’t usually been something to write home about – until now! The temporary mountain of displaced snow in the Oakwood Mall parking lot looks exactly like the craggy profile of a rugged range – if you dare to lie down on the filthy asphalt and look up at it. Oakwood Peaks sits just outside the entryway to HOM furniture, practically begging you to scale its heights before giving up and heading inside to buy a recliner: Regular price $899. – now on sale for just $599!

4. Sky Park Citadel. The new godfather of all snow heaps, the Sky Park mound takes over where the former Galloway Mountain left off. With the old Galloway site now filling in with new-home construction, city trucks needed somewhere to dump their loads, and Sky Park is that place. If you dare approach this pile to rival all piles, make sure you hire a teen guide from Chippewa Falls who will carry your pack as you struggle up the sheer ice face, and will then take pictures of you at the top. The guide will in no way claim to have been up there with you – this is your time! You did it! Time to brag. 

And yes, there are other heaps. “While we appreciate the recognition, we prefer to emphasize artistry over competition, and believe there is room for infinite mega piles of snow in Eau Claire,” said one crusty hump that wished to remain anonymous. 

Bring the kids! Looking for something to do next weekend? Why not pack up the whole family and take a trip to one of these humps of forever winter that are taking an eternity to melt? Wow! And please be respectful and follow the snow pile rules.*

We are Eau Claire! These are our snow piles! Let’s come together and enjoy them as a community!  

SNOW PILE RULES

1. Do not eat the snow – there’s salt in it, and also: gross. 

2. Lifeguards will not be on hand, so climb at your own risk. 

3. No pushing, taunting, or passive aggression.

4. Please sign the liability waiver. It will be in a little box at the foot of the mound. But if you don’t, that’s OK, too. We’re just starting a dialogue here.

5. Flamethrowers will not be tolerated. That’s not who we are. 

6. Become an organ donor today.