Snow. The thing that magically falls from the sky, that creates this surreal new world. These small little frozen water molecules that begin to accumulate and over time becomes a play ground.
We dance for it. We celebrate when it arrives. When it comes down hard we eagerly await to go play in it. When it comes down light we appreciate each turn on it. Snow is a crucial part of the ecosystem. Snow provides water for our forest, water for us and so much more. It acts as a natural sound proofing, making the world a bit more quiet. Which allows for all the hollers to be heard as we slide on down.
So what’s the deal with snow? Is it all the same? Why do you hear about different types? From Steamboats “Champagne powder” to Sierra cement and all that’s in-between. They say that the Inuit people have over 50 words for snow. How can that bet, isn’t all snow just snow?
The more time you spend on it, the faster you realize just how snow is all so different. The Inuit may be onto something… Ever spend a few days on the mountain and notice
that the snow may have felt a bit different? Well it did. Snow consistently and type is determined by the temperature when it starts to come down. Snow begins to fall as “snow” at 34. 3 F degrees. The colder the outside temperature the the finer and more powdery the snow becomes ( We live for this!).
From gnarly pow to crud. It all skis differently. You may find you prefer corn snow with its amazing slushy fun surfy turns. Or perhaps you live for those deep days of pow where you wiggle down with each turn. Regardless of which type you prefer to turn on as long as you enjoy each pole plant for what it is, a great time!
For more snow types make sure to check out She-Shredz glossary for terms on specific types of snow.
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