Old man winter is right around the corner, and you'd better be ready for him.

Tired of shoveling snow off your driveway, sidewalks, patio and porch? Are you spending more time and effort ridding your property of snow than frolicking in it, or shushing down ski slopes?

And, perhaps most importantly, are your muscles crying out for relief after another hours-long battle with the remnants of the latest blizzard?

It may be time for a snow thrower. That's right, snow "thrower", which is a much more efficient and targeted method for maneuvering the white stuff away from paths and roadways than the more random "blowers" of days gone by.

Today's high-capacity snow throwers are well-suited to the needs of homeowners or even farmers who need to quickly and easily move aside heavy snowfalls. Here are some features to look for when shopping for the best snow thrower to address your toughest wintertime jobs.

• Two-stage is best. A two-stage auger/impeller system is the fastest and most efficient method on the market. Here's how it works - a revolving auger grinds down the snow and feeds it into the thrower's housing, where an impeller discharges it through a well-positioned chute. Quick, easy and powerful.

• Variable speeds. With a variable-speed snow thrower you'll have enough muscle to tackle even the toughest jobs. A faster speed ensures that the auger can grind through even heavily-packed or icy snow, while you can switch to a slower speed for lighter and fluffier precipitation.

• Car-like controls. These days, operating a snow thrower should be as simple as driving a riding mower. Choose an ergonomic design with adjustable, heated handles and easy-to-reach controls for optimal comfort.

• Electric Starter. Make sure it has an electric starting system so you never have to worry about a dead battery. Simply connect the snow thrower to a power outlet and start the engine by pressing a button.

• Power steering. The best snow throwers have convenient, trigger-control power steering that allows for superior maneuverability and safety in even the harshest weather conditions. 

• Accessorize.  If you use a snow thrower for bigger jobs, like on a farm or church parking lot, you may want to purchase a cab with a heavy-duty fabric shell to provide protection from blowing wind and blowback from the discharge chute. Today's fabric shells have freeze-resistant, super-clear vinyl windows and won't shrink or stretch. Another popular option on rougher terrain is a set of tire chains.

At Gamka, we sell snow throwers manufactured by Husqvarna, the world's largest producer of outdoor power products. The quality is superior and they have models and features to fit all circumstances and price ranges.Stop by anytime and check one out. You'll never dread a blizzard again!