Least expensive HARD cover allowed by building codes. Aluminum carports are popular here, and 1:8 slope can handle our usual snow loads, though we've had an ice storm and blizzard that took down quite a few of these structure several years ago, particlarly at marinas and covering docks at the lake.
In most places building codes will determine what you can have, and what conditions it must be built for. I've been in places where only residential type garages, matching the house styles, could be used, then only if they also fit setback and rigth of way codes. A few years ago we had a couple seasons of successful carport awning sales, almost a fad in some neighborhoods, only to have the city make everyone take them down.