Champagne Powder

• Champagne powder is the term used to refer to the freshest of fallen snow that has not yet been ridden on. It has low moisture content. Champagne powder mainly occurs in the Colorado Rockies due to the amount of regular snowfall those mountains receive each year. Some ski areas allow you to pay a little extra to hit the slopes before the first crowd each day. That lets you experience cutting through the powder before it becomes more compact and changes into packed powder.
  
  

Packed Powder

• Packed powder is the most common snow cover on ski slopes, occurring when skiers have traveled over fresh powder long enough to compress the snow to a moderate density. Packed powder is intentionally created at some ski slopes with the use of a machine or rollers. Little air exists between the snowflakes once the powder is packed. However, it is just soft enough to cushion a skier's fall.
  
  

Wet Powder

• When snow falls to the ground with a high moisture content, it is considered wet powder. Powder that is already on the ground also can turn into wet powder as the snow begins to melt or if rain falls. Slopes near coastal regions often experience wet powder. Wet powder can be difficult to ride on and can slow down a rider.
  
  

Thick Powder

• Thick powder is freshly fallen snow that came down in large quantities and has built up over time. The powder forms a thick, soft layer that can make riders careless due to the ease of speed and ability to carve turns. But thick powder often can hide rocks and even tree stumps, making it hard to see them until it is too late.
  
  

Bottomless Powder

• Bottomless powder is the term used to describe long and winding slopes that are mostly covered with nothing but powder snow. This gives the rider the ability to experience some of the best snow all through the ride and is preferred by most experienced skiers and boarders who can handle a long, fast ride.