Signs you live in snow country

We were out grabbing some groceries this morning when I saw a new addition to the parking lot at our local Aeon Mall. A complete line up of snow ploughing equipment! This would be a bizarre addition to a parking lot when living in Tokyo, but apparently in Niigata they have to bring out the big guns at this time of year. 

They’re evidently doing their job well though - the parking lot was free of snow and a breeze to drive around!