I drain to just below the return hole, anything that adds to the volume (rain/snow) will just run back out the return hole and down a board that I lean against the pool there to direct the water away from the pool (once it liquifies anyways).

Nothing ever raises the level enough to get up to the skimmer except snow which will melt and run out.
Don't cover the pool either, just sits there with a lower water level - it's best/least troublesome way that I found to winterize - just lower water and disconnect equipment.
A couple of leaves in spring are the least of my worries, I vac them out WAY before temps get high enough to cause algae issues.