Unpacking the snowpack

Do you think that all snow is the same? 

Most people think of snow as just frozen water - but snow is far more complex than it seems! This course will take you beyond the surface, helping you understand the fundamental properties of snow, spatial and temporal variability, and crystal scale changes within the snowpack.
No prior knowledge of snow science is needed - just curiosity! 

What You will Learn

🔹 Fundamentals of snow physics  – What makes snow unique? 

🔹 Different types of snowpacks around the world  – From Arctic tundra to glaciers 

🔹 Spatial variability of snow cover  – Why snow differs even within small areas

🔹 Internal layering of the snowpack  – How snow layers form and evolve 

🔹 Snow metamorphism –  How snow crystals change over time  

🔹 How to conduct basic snow observations  – Hands-on skills for studying snow

🔹  How snow data is used – Learn how your measurements contribute to climate, water, and ecosystem science.

🔹 Citizen science in snow research – Discover how anyone can contribute valuable snow observations—and why your data matters in a changing climate.

Course details

• The course can be started at any time -  there’s no fixed start date
• The material is mainly provided in text and picture format for easy, self-paced learning
• Course materials remain available for three months

Meet Your Instructor 

Hi, I'm Leena Leppänen, a geophysicist with over 12 years of experience in snow research. I hold a PhD specializing in measuring and modeling seasonal snow to improve remote sensing interpretation. 

My expertise covers snow physics, measurement techniques, and snow microstructure. I have conducted fielwork in Finland, Antarctica, Iceland, Svalbard, Switzerland, and Turkey, studying snow in some of the world’s most extreme environments. I have co-authored several scientific publications on snow physics and measurement techniques.

I currently work at the Finnish Meteorological Institute in Sodankylä, where I have been involved in scientific research, snow observations, and international research collaborations. I currently serve as the Vice-Lead of the University of Arctic Thematic Network on Nordic Snow Network. 

Now, I’m excited to bring my knowledge to you through this online course - helping you understand snow like never before. 

Who Is This Course For? 

✔️ Practitioners working with snow 

✔️ Environmental, climate and polar researchers

✔️ Students looking to expand their expertise in snow physics 

✔️ Teachers, journalists and media professionals covering snow-related topics 

✔️ Outdoor enthusiasts, winter sports lovers, and anyone curious about snow

Your Benefits

🔹 Build expertise in snow science for research, work, or personal interest

🔹 Learn from an experienced researcher with expertise across polar regions

🔹 Enjoy flexible learning with three months of access to course materials 

🔹 Study at your own pace  – no strict deadlines, just engaging content!

🔹 Interactive Q&A platform to address your questions and enhance learning

🔹 You can have a certificate after the course

If you have any further questions, please contact whitehorizonsglobal (at) gmail.com.

Join us and start your journey into the fascinating world of snow! 

 📌 Register now to deepen your understanding of snow.

The course is organized in collaboration with UArctic Thematic Network on Nordin Snow Network.