Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

I live in Calgary - we get a moderate amount of snow, rarely more than 8 to 10inches at a time, usually in the 2-4" range. The issue here is snow drifts.  I live in a north facing house at the south end of a cul de sac and get drifts all the time on the bottom half of driveway.  My driveway is for a 3car garage - not super long (probably 25ft, but easily 40 ft wide. I have been reading lots about single stage throwers - i like the fact they clean to the pavement, but am concerned if they can throw the snow far enough or can chew through a foot deep snow drifts a few times a year.  The other option of course is the 2 stage throwers - they seem a bit big and I've read they don't get down to the pavement. I am also not the  most mechanically inclined individual in the world...

Help?? Any thoughts on what my best bets would be?  I need something that my wife would be comfortalbe using as well. Any comments are appreciated...

I have both a single and 2 stage but could not live without the 2 stage. I use the single primarily for my deck and the occasional light, fluffy snowfall that accumulates on my driveway. To be honest, if it's that light and fluffy, I find my Stihl BR550 Backpack Blower works the nuts and is very fast as well. The typical storm I see in my neck of the woods is the heavy, dense, cement type snow that is best handled by a 2 stage machine. I'm not saying that a single can't do the job, it's just a whole lot easier and faster with a 2 stage.