In my experience Picea abies 'Cupressina' can take snow loads very well.
This is because it does have shorter side branches then Picea pungens 'Iseli Fastigiate' has.

The best columnar one which can stand snow loads very well is Picea abies 'Columnaris', but I don't know if this one is available in the U.S.
This one is more dense then the 'Cupressina'.

I have a 14 ft. 'Cupressina'.

Some of the lower limbs opened up from the last 12" heavy wet snow a week ago. It will not go without some damage if exposed to ice or heavy wet snow storms. If caught in time just shaking the branches will relieve them of the snow load stress. In which case I make it a point to do.

My 3 Picea pungens 'Totem' are tighter growing then 'Fastigiata' and never splay open.

Daesconifers

Skyjumper, you don't give a zone number and a general location as to where you live. Any advice given has to be on the general level and may be not applicable to your location. More info would be helpful to a more relevant response.
Mike.

I agree with Dave on the picea pungens, Although i grow both 'Fastigiata' and 'Blue Totem' i believe Totem is the superior cultivar.
AL

right. I live in chicago which is Z5 i think?

the site will get plenty of sun. and good drainage.