05
Dec
Why is Snow White?
Visible sunlight is white. Most natural materials absorb some sunlight, which gives them their color. Snow, however, reflects most of the sunlight.
The complex structure of snow crystals results in countless tiny surfaces from which visible light is efficiently reflected. What little sunlight is absorbed by snow is absorbed uniformly over the wavelengths of visible light, thus giving snow its white appearance.
From National Snow and Ice Data Center
See a more detailed answer at How Stuff Works
Beautiful photo by Dave Henniker
