Just speculation, but snow also being a good insulator, I'd imagine natives would try to use it strategically to fill in gaps around their homes, and such. Simply building a solid wall of snow opposite an entryway probably helped a lot with wind issues.

Also, in preparation for snowy, cold months, it was important to pre-prepare pemmican and similar foods, as well as smoke and dry fish, etc. I understand that fruits & veggies were also dried and roasted, and commonly stored underground.