There are a number of different types of snow such as corn snow, crud, crust, powder, packed powder, slush, loose granular, wet granular and frozen granular. Power, crud, crust, slush, and ice are respectively levels of snow meltdown. Snow is not merely just frozen water as many perceive it; it is actually a form of precipitation in the appearance of ice crystals. Snow crystals, snowflakes, rime, and hail are types of ice crystals that are all a part of snow universally speaking.
Snow is widely used for recreational purposes. Winter sports in chiefly depend on snow. There are numerous winter sports that cannot exist without snow such as skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice skating, and sledding. Powder snow is highly favored by skateboarders and skiers due to its untouched nature. It is extremely fresh and therefore soft which reduces injury likelihood. The least desirable type of snow for skiing and snowboarding is ice, whereas ice is the most desirable form of snow for ice hockey, ice skating, and ice dancing.
Some nations use snow to represent their cultural heritage; for example in Finland Snow Castle of Kemi is built annually that attract thousands of visitors. Snow Castle of Kemi is also famous for being the largest snow fort in the world.
Snow is also used for blossoming agriculture. In colder areas of the world, such as Russia and Canada, snow covers crop fields providing them with gradual water supply by melting steadily. Snow also protects these crop fields from intense below-freezing conditions. However, excessive amount of snow can also show complete negative results by providing too much of water or freezing the crops completely.
Snow is used for making snow cones and these cones are particularly popular during summer months when they are widely consumed. Another very traditional view of snow yet describing its usefulness is its usage as refrigerator. In colder regions of the world, snow is used to preserve meat, drinks, and other food entities. Snow works as good as modern refrigerators, and additionally adding another positive aspect to its credit is conservation of electric power.
Canadian Government also proposed using winter snow as a means of providing cooler air during summer months by helping to cut down electricity usage of air-conditioners. Inspired by a Swedish venture, Canadian Government is also hopeful to bring natural snow into more effectiveness.
Another valuable use of snow is preserving it for water related work when it melts down; for example filling ponds, rivers, or even swimming pools. Natural snowfall is also unquestionably valued for filling up rivers and lakes with fresh water.
Sources:
http://chemistry.about.com/cs/howthingswork/a/aa120703a.htm
http://skiing.about.com/od/snowreportsweather/a/typesofsnow.htm
http://www.abc-of-snowboarding.com/snowtypes.asp
http://eideard.wordpress.com/2008/10/25/save-your-old-snow-use-it-for-air-conditioning/
