A guide to the different types of snow for skiers and snowboarders

There can be thousands of types of snow which fall into a few main categories. This is a result of different atmospheric conditions. Most of us will be familiar with snowflakes but ice crystals can form in different ways depending on temperature or if they land on a tree or the ground. The result is crystals that can be smaller, slipper or harder than other types which can have a real impact on your skiing experience.

You can also encounter different types of snow cover with snow that has just landed or been there for over a year amongst the variations. Many skiers prefer the fresh variety for their sport but others like the challenge of a seasoned slope where the snow has had a chance to harden.

Of course there are also different types of snowfall including flurries, blizzards and winter storms. For those at beginner level it is often best to avoid anything apart from the lighter snow falls or run the risk of visibility issues and the danger caused by heavy winds.

Powdered snow comes from drier conditions and can ease your journey across the surface, giving you the feeling of floating on air that can be the highlight of any holiday. Many resorts will remove this powdered snow in the early morning using professional groomers but it is likely to be available off-piste. The groomers can create packed powder which compresses the snow down to make a great base for ski-ing that is good for beginners. However, if the conditions are powdery you need to take care and distribute weight evenly so the end of your skis don’t get caught in the snow and send you tumbling. You also have to watch out for rocks and other obstacles that may be hiding under powder. On the plus side, powdery snow is more likely to make for a gentle fall.

Another type of snow that is familiar to many of us is slush. You will not be surprised that slush is created by slightly warmer conditions and can often be encountered during late season holidays. It can slow you down and also interfere with accurate turns as the snow is heavy. Once again, it depends on what you look for in your sport: slush can offer a challenge and is preferred by some for its gentler pace and warmer temperatures. For beginners it is another instance where care needs to be taken and attention focused on every moment.

As you might expect, snow that is packed hard or icy is slippery and quick. Hard packed snow is slightly easier to navigate than ice but both offer a challenge to the skier or snowboarder. Snowboarders in particular might find doing tricks where they need to grip and turn quickly more difficult. However, if speed is your thing then you will find plenty to enjoy and breaking personal bests is likely to be much easier. Take care that you don't go too fast and lose control.

You have probably heard someone state the fact that Eskimos have 50 words for snow. They also have hundreds of expressions to describe the type of snow. The Eskimos were smart because, despite the simple categorizations used in this article, no type of snow is exactly the same. It can vary from one moment to another and it is possible to encounter fresh powder, followed by ice and then slush all on the same ride.

As part of becoming a competent skier or snowboarder, learning about your white, cold friend is important, allowing you to adopt the right style at the right time and avoid accidents. There is also plenty of jargon to get your head around to sound knowledgeable amongst your fellow winter sports enthusiasts.

The best advice we can give is keep an eye on the weather forecast for your resort and enjoy the beauty and the challenge different types of snow bring.