This U.P. Town Has Seen So Much Snow, Businesses Are Using Snowbanks as Billboards

One thing you can definitely say about Yoopers is that they know how to make the most of the winter weather, which is a good thing when you live in the Upper Peninsula. And business owners in one U.P. city are taking advantage of the massive snowfall totals they've seen this year by turning snowbanks into free advertising for their businesses.

Get our free mobile app

Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, Average Snowfall Compared to Winter 2026

The people of Sault Ste. Marie are no strangers to snowfall. On average, "The Soo" sees roughly 120 inches (10 feet) of snow every winter. But, this winter has been abnormal so far.

READ MORE: The Clever Way Michigan’s U.P. Removes Snow From Its Train Tracks

According to the National Weather Service, Sault Ste. Marie has already seen 126.8 inches of snow so far this season. That's roughly four and a half feet more than they've normally seen at this time, and already nearly seven inches more than they average for an entire season.

Sault Ste. Marie Business Owners Turn Snowbanks Into Billboards

Business owners in the U.P. are the epitome of U.P. ingenuity and optimism, though. They haven't taken lemons and made lemonade; they've taken snowbanks and made billboards.

The trend appears to have started with The Wicked Sister, a restaurant located along Ashmun St. As they say, they decided to "explore what to do with 5'+ snowbanks in sub-zero weather. Make a billboard, duh!"

Other bars and restaurants in town took notice and decided to join in on the trend. They all have those giant snowbanks in front of their establishments. Why not put them to good use?

Maloney's Alley, located on Portage Ave., got in on the fun and decided to diversify their advertising with multiple messages.

The Alpha Bar, located just down Portage Ave. from Maloney's, had a similar idea.

A local coffee shop, Superior Cafe, located on Portage Ave., got in on the action, too. Saying that, while you may not be able to see their shop due to the snow, they are open and serving up coffee.

And it's not just bars, restaurants, and cafes getting in on the action. The Little Gift Shop on Portage Ave. decided this was the perfect opportunity to let everyone know that they are the place to get Jellycat in town. (Full disclosure, I just had to Google what Jellycat was...)

Merlin Home, a part of Superior Health Support System and a home for dementia residents, also joined in on the trend with this heartwarming message on their snowbank.

Even a local insurance branch, Galer Insurance - Farm Bureau Insurance, got in on the action, letting you know that they are there and ready to give you a quote.

A local bank even joined in on the fun, and instead of advertising "money" or "loans", they got punny with it. Ladies and gentlemen, the snow bank!

Even a local sewing and vacuum repair shop even got in on the action with this play on words.

The U.P. winters can be long and cold, but it's nice to see these creative Yoopers embracing it.