Seven Types of Snow in Norway
A quick guide to the snow Norwegians know
Living in a country like Norway, packed with wild nature, you'll learn that not all snow is created equal. Here's a quick guide to seven different types of snow Norwegians think and talk about before they go skiing, driving, hiking or sledding.
Puddersnø
Powder Snow / Dry SnowWhen fresh, dry snow settles on the ground, it contains about 90% air. This is the beautiful puddersnø! This light and fluffy snow is every skier's dream as they carve their way down mountain slopes.
Kram snø
Packing SnowKram snø is the ultimate choice for building snowmen, snowballs, and snow forts! It forms when the temperature hovers around freezing or slightly above, causing some of the snow to melt and stick together. This makes it easy to shape, so channel your inner child and have some fun!
Skare
Crusty SnowSkare can be a delight to walk on. Until your foot breaks through, filling your boots with cold snow... This type forms a hard, ice-like layer on top of softer snow beneath. It usually develops after rain freezes over the snow or following a freeze after a mild spell. Solid skare can even support an adult's weight. Just be cautious if you're skiing or sledding on it – it's fast, but the crashes might leave you with scrapes and bruises. As many, many Norwegians have experienced from an early age.
Sludd
SleetSludd is no fun. It is the wet cousin of snow and rarely sticks to the ground. It's a mix of snow and rain, where snowflakes are partially melted, or some snowflakes coexist with rain droplets. Sludd typically appears when the temperature is slightly above freezing.
Slaps
SlushSlaps is the worst! This watery, sloppy snow often shows up when rain mixes with snow, or on salted roads where the snow turns into a gray or brownish soupy mess. It's as unpleasant as it sounds.
Snøfokk
SnowdriftSnøfokk can be a real challenge for drivers. This is light, dry snow blown by the wind, creating low-level blizzards. Near the ground, snowdrift can reduce visibility to just a few meters, even if it's not actively snowing or foggy.
Hagl
HailHagl is, quite simply, frozen raindrops that can hit your head with surprising force. It forms when supercooled water droplets freeze around particles in the air, like dust or other hailstones. Hagl can range from a few millimeters to as large as 10–15 centimeters in extreme cases.
Wishing You a Fun Day in the Snow!
Now that you know your snow types, you're ready to tackle whatever winter throws your way. Stay warm, and enjoy!
