How Much Snow Can a Trampoline Hold?

As fun as winter is for some people, you can’t replace the joy of jumping on a trampoline all spring, summer, and fall.

As the traces of winter start to show, trampoline owners may ask how much snow can a trampoline hold.

In my experience, the amount of snow a trampoline can hold will depend on the size, material, shape, and average snowfall on any given day.

Trampoline manufacturers may add a reference for the weight their specific models can handle, but that is not necessarily designed to calculate the weight of snow. 

I would recommend that you prevent your trampoline from accumulating snow to avoid damage and deterioration by finding out how much snow a trampoline can hold and when you should clean and store it.

How Much Snow Can a Trampoline Hold?

There’s no point in waiting for the snow to fall to find the answer. 

By determining the capacity of your trampoline early on, you can decide whether or not to remove your trampoline from its area outdoors or if you can safely maintain it during the winter season without worrying about snow load.

Here are some ways I use to find out how much snow your trampoline can hold:

Ask the manufacturer

Why go through all the trouble of calculating when you can read the box first? Take a look at the weight capacity of your trampoline model and note it down. 

This might not be enough to make a decision on whether or not the snowfall will not weigh the jumping mat down too much. 

The next best option is to ask the makers of the trampoline. If you bought your trampoline from a reputable seller, you can expect a good customer service experience. Simply ask them what the snow load capacity is for their trampolines. 

If they’ve been selling trampolines for a while, they probably get this question all the time. If they can’t answer your question, move on to the next step.

Estimate the weight of the snow based on the weather report

Snowfall is calculated by inches per hour. Once you get the forecasted snowfall report, you can estimate the amount of snow a trampoline can hold based on the hours of snowfall.

The most durable trampolines can withstand about 4-5 hours of snowfall. The less durable ones might withstand the weight at around 3 hours. 

If the weather forecast says the snow might go on all day, make sure you clear the snow around the 3-hour mark.

How to Clear Snow Off Your Trampoline Safely

The best way to keep your trampoline safe if you’re keeping it outdoors is to clear the snow. Since the most snow a trampoline can take is at least 3 hours of snowfall, you’ll want to check and see how much snow that is and set reminders on when to clear it.

One method I use when clearing snow off a trampoline is using a shovel or rake. Lightly remove the snow from your trampoline until a thin layer is left. You don’t want to damage the trampoline by scratching the metal or ripping the mat and safety pad. 

Dust the rest off with a broom or a dry mop. Repeat after three more hours of snowfall. If it’s no longer snowing, you can simply start a timer when the snow starts to fall again.

How to Prepare Your Trampoline for Winter

Keeping your trampoline snow-free is better than having to clean it up daily, or worse, getting damaged because of heavy snowfall or below-freezing temperatures. Here’s how I prepare my trampoline for winter and you can do it too.

Winter-Proof Your Trampoline

Get a snow cover

I cover my trampoline with a winterproof trampoline cover that can withstand the weight of heavy snowfall or store your trampoline before the snow begins to fall.

A snow cover is specifically designed to deal with snowfall weight during winter. It also helps shield the trampoline from damage from the elements like rust and metal warping or jumping mat degradation. 

A snow cover must cover your trampoline from top to bottom. It is best to remove any safety enclosures and poles when covering the trampoline.

Attach the trampoline to the ground with an anchor kit

Before the ground gets too hard, I use a trampoline anchor kit to attach the trampoline to the area where you want to keep it. 

Snow isn’t your only problem during winter. Heavy winds can also blow away a trampoline and its cover.

Cover the metal parts with a rust-proof coating

Snow is water and water oxidizes on metal. Even if your trampoline is said to have stainless steel or aluminum parts, it can’t always be that way forever. Personally, I use a rust-proof coating and if possible, a weather-proof coating as well. 

How To Store Your Trampoline During Winter

Keep your trampoline in a warm and dry area of the house

If your garage has enough insulation, you can keep your trampoline there. If not, you can use the weather-proof trampoline cover even while in storage. 

This prevents the trampoline from accumulating mold or rust from moisture in the storage area.

Disassemble the trampoline if it’s too big for the house.

Follow the instructions on the manual of your trampoline when disassembling. Label all the parts in a ziplock bag or container so you won’t forget where to attach them when reassembling.

Fold the safety pads, jumping mat, and safety enclosure and keep them in a sealed box. Set the enclosure poles aside and keep the metal parts in an airtight container to prevent rusting. 

Can You Jump on a Trampoline During Winter?

The answer to this will depend on the type of weather your area has during winter. Some areas in the United States may have very light snowfall. If that’s the case, you can use the trampoline when the weather is clear.

Before you use your trampoline during winter, make sure the weather is clear and that the trampoline is clean and snow-free. 

Do not use the trampoline if there’s still snow on it or while there’s snowfall. Doing so could lead to slipping and possible accidents when the snow melts.

When the snow starts again, stop jumping on the trampoline and do something else like snowball fights, making snow angels, and other fun winter activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can trampolines withstand snow?

Yes, but it depends on the quality of the trampoline and the weather conditions. Too much snow can damage a trampoline regardless of its durability.

Is trampoline safe in a storm?

Trampolines can be safe in a storm in they are properly anchored or covered.

Do trampolines fly away?

Yes. Trampolines can fly away because of the lightweight materials and surface area of the jumping bag which the wind blows under. Ensure your trampoline is anchored or stored during a storm or windy day.

Conclusion

Trampolines can be fun all year long – indoors. When winter comes along, ensure that your favorite pastime is preserved by preventing your trampoline from snow damage. Let me know if my tips helped and how your trampoline fared this past winter.