When you consider that a shovelful of snow weighs 5 to 7 pounds, you realize how much weight you have to lift to clear your sidewalk or driveway – on average, several hundred pounds! These tips will help keep your back in top shape: Don’t Let the Snow Pile Up If the weather report calls for several days of snow, frequent shovelling will allow you to move smaller amounts of snow at once. Pick the Right Shovel Use a lightweight pusher-type shovel that is ergonomically designed.