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Teton Valley, Idaho · Winter ice control

Traction sand for icy driveways, lots and roads

Our arena sand is coarse and gritty, with small stones mixed in, so it bites into ice and packed snow. Spread it on driveways, parking lots and private roads, and keep a pile handy all winter. We deliver it from our Driggs pit, or you can pick it up.

$23.50 per ton at the pit

A handful of Darby Pit arena sand: dark, gritty sand with small stones
The same arena sand, straight from our Driggs pit.

Where it works

Grip where people drive and walk

  • Driveways and walkways

    A thin layer on packed snow and ice gives tires and boots something to grip.

  • Parking lots and entrances

    Keep customers and staff on their feet at shops, offices, churches and rentals.

  • Private roads and HOAs

    Shared lanes, hills and corners where vehicles slow down, stop and turn.

  • Ranch lanes and job sites

    Long lanes, yards and winter job sites that never get plowed down to dry ground.

Need the snow plowed first? See our snow removal →

Sand or salt?

Why sand works when salt quits

  • Grip at any temperature

    Plain rock salt slows way down below about 15°F, and Teton Valley winter mornings often get colder than that. Sand doesn't have to melt anything to work.

  • Easy on cars, concrete and lawns

    Sand won't rust vehicles, eat at concrete or burn grass the way salt can.

  • Ready when you need it

    Buy it by the ton and keep a pile by the garage or shop for the next icy morning.

Good to know

Using traction sand

  • Spread a thin, even layer. A little goes a long way, and you can add more after fresh snow.
  • Cover the pile with a tarp so it stays loose. A wet, uncovered pile can freeze into a block; a little salt mixed in also keeps it workable.
  • It's unwashed reject sand, so it carries some fine dust along with the grit. Keep a mat at the door.
  • Sweep up what's left in spring so it doesn't wash into ditches and drains.

How to get it

Delivered or picked up

  1. DeliveredOpen the arena sand page and enter your address once to see the delivered price with delivery, tax and fuel surcharge. Pick a day and pay online.See my delivered price →
  2. Picked upBook a pit pickup online and bring a truck or trailer. Loading is $15 for each load of five tons or less.Book a pit pickup →
  3. Big orders and bidsNeed a lot of it, or have a written spec? Call or text 208-313-5337 before you order.Call 208-313-5337 →

Traction sand: common questions

What is traction sand?

Coarse, gritty sand spread on ice and packed snow so tires and boots can grip. Darby Pit's traction sand is our arena (reject) sand, with small stones mixed in: $23.50 per ton at the pit.

Is sand or salt better for an icy driveway?

Salt melts ice, but plain rock salt slows way down below about 15°F. Sand gives grip at any temperature and won't rust cars or burn lawns, so many people use sand on its own or mix in a little salt.

Can I pick up traction sand myself?

Yes. Book a pit pickup online and bring a truck or trailer; pickups are Monday–Saturday, 8 AM–5 PM. Loading is $15 for each load of five tons or less, and the material minimum is one ton.

How much does delivery cost?

It depends on your address and how much you order. Enter your address on the arena sand page to see the full delivered price, with delivery, tax and fuel surcharge, before you pay.

Does it meet highway or county road specs?

It isn't certified to a highway or county anti-skid specification. For public roads, bids or other specified work, call or text Darby Pit at 208-313-5337 before ordering.

Contact

Need a person?

For unusual projects, access questions, or help choosing material, call or text the Darby Pit team.

Darby Pit location
1795 S 1500 E
Driggs, ID 83422
Get directions to the pit
Office and pit pickups
Monday–Saturday, 8 AM–5 PM
Closed Sunday

Pit pickups are by appointment. Book a pickup online or call/text us. Delivery checkout shows the available delivery days and windows.