It is not something we ever did when I was growing up, lifting the windshield wipers when winter weather was coming. When it snowed or there was freezing rain, the wipers would just be frozen to the windshield. So you either warm the vehicle up enough for the defrost to free them, or you scrape them free.
Where I live now, the wind is strong enough I would fear lifting the wipers would have me looking for them after the blades have blown off, haha.
I have heard both sides of the debate for years and I find it very funny which companies recommend what you should do. The windshield company that seems to be leaning towards lifting your wipers in the winter, but then promote that they can repair or replace your windshield, haha. LINK
CAA says your wipers should stay down so the springs are not weakened that hold the wiper close to the glass for effective clearing.
Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) recommends keeping the wiper blades down
There was a poll conducted to find out what is the most popular position for wipers to be left in when winter weather is coming. Now this was a few years ago and maybe with car starters becoming more popular, the numbers could be different today. But this is what was found the last time drivers were polled.
I know today will be like no other, there will be a few cars with their wipers reaching for the sky and the rest of us will have our wipers sitting the correct way, haha.
The last recommendation might look a bit funny, but socks on your wipers could make it easier to get ready for your drive on a stormy day.