If a random person were asked why they hoped for snow, they would probably say something about enjoying snowsports, finding snowy landscapes more picturesque, or having always dreamed of gazing out of a cottage window onto falling snowflakes. If the same question were put to Mother Nature, however, her answers would be more practical, as snow protects fauna, flora and soils in a number of ways. Nature’s need is much more primordial.

Let’s look at four of snow’s benefits for nature.