Difference between 3 season and 4 season tent?

[46u]

What is the difference between a 3 or 4 season tent? I know one is made for all weather including cold and the other for spring summer and fall but what makes it a 4 season over a 3? I have a Eureka Apex XT and it is listed as 3 season.
Thanks
Jeff

 

[ppine]

Snow loads.

 

[Grandpa]

As usual, ppine is correct. I have an old Eureka Tet 5 that has and will hold six to eight inches of snow and SIL's Apex XT has also held a lot but both are rated 3 season.

Big price jump to go to a 4 season. But if you are planning on riding your bike into snow country, it just might be a good investment. Sometimes that new snow today is still there six months from now around this part of the world.

 

[46u]

Thanks all for the education.