If you plan on setting your novel in a cold place, adding snow to the environment can help create a chilling effect, especially if your book is a thriller. If you need some words to describe snowy mountains, scroll down to learn more.
1. Staggering
Definition
Something that is breathtaking or surprising.
Examples
“The staggering snowy mountains towered above the village, obscuring the sun in the distance.”
“He tried to focus on his journey, but the staggering mountains were topped with thick snow.”
How it Adds Description
The word “staggering” emphasizes the size of the mountains, allowing you to show the reader how large your snowy mountains are. This term can also show your character’s shock or awe at the sight of the scenery, therefore informing the reader that they’ve never seen a setting this large or snowy before.
2. Bleached
Definition
An object that’s a light or white color.
Examples
“The bleached mountains up ahead reflected the sunlight, blinding her eyes as she traveled towards them.”
“They couldn’t ignore the snow bleached mountains, and they chose to take shelter in a nearby cave to avoid the freezing temperatures.”
How it Adds Description
The word “bleached” reveals the light color of an object, and can be used to draw attention to the white snow on the mountains. This is a great word if you want to create a stark contrast between the rock and the snow, as “bleach” evokes a powerful image for most readers.
3. Alabaster
Definition
A white stone used for sculptures and ornaments. Often used as an adjective noun to describe objects with light/white colors.
Examples
“He noticed the alabaster mountains in the distance and wondered when the snowfall would cease.”
“It was the alabaster mountains that worried her the most, she’d never seen so much snow in one place.”
How it Adds Description
As a noun “alabaster” refers to a type of stone. However, it’s frequently used as an adjective to highlight the white color of an object. When used to describe mountains, “alabaster” conveys how perfectly white the snow is. This can help to set the scene for your reader, and is especially helpful when world building.
4. Unblemished
Definition
To describe an object with no faults or imperfections on its surface.
Examples
“The mountains were unblemished — the top layer of snow was as pristine as the day it fell.”
“Since the snowfall the mountains have remained unblemished, not one soul has passed across the trail”.
How it Adds Description
If you want to show the reader how perfect the snow-capped mountains are, the word “unblemish” can help. This adjective implies that the snow hasn’t been ruined by footprints or melting, allowing your reader to gain a clear insight into how they look.
5. Inclement
Definition
Weather that’s extremely cold or stormy.
Examples
“The inclement mountain conditions had led to extra snowfall on the rugged peaks.”
“They couldn’t ignore the inclement mountains, as soon they would be traversing snow and ice to reach their sky high destination.”
How it Adds Description
The word “inclement” refers to weather conditions, and you can use this adjective to create a sense of foreboding about your snowy mountains. “Inclement” can emphasize the harsh snowy conditions and you can even use this term to create a sense of fear amongst your characters.
6. Alluring
Definition
Something or someone that’s very beautiful or attractive.
Examples
“The alluring snow-capped mountains seemed to watch her as she passed through the valley.”
“As he navigated the wilderness, the alluring mountains became clearer and clearer in his vision.”
How it Adds Description
The word “alluring” is all about beauty, so it’s a fitting description for any snowy mountain range. Whether you’re trying to make the reader fall in love with the setting or want to portray a character’s affection for the earth, this adjective will evoke positive emotions.
7. Formidable
Definition
To describe something or someone that’s impressive and slightly scary.
Examples
“He couldn’t ignore the formidable snowy mountains, no matter how hard he tried.”
“The snow-topped mountains are formidable — a human hasn’t scaled them and never will.”
How it Adds Description
The word “formidable” is an adjective that can emphasize the large size of the mountains and the fear a character might experience while near them. “Formidable” can be used to show your narrator is frightened, and this can deepen a character’s complexity in any novel. It can even be used to add foreshadowing, especially if the snowy mountains are crucial to the plot.
8. Picturesque
Definition
A place that’s beautiful to look at.
Examples
“She awoke from the picturesque snowy mountains again, wondering why this dream repeated every night.”
“Only snow could leave mountains so picturesque and serene.”
How it Adds Description
“Picturesque” suggests that the snowy mountains are immensely beautiful to look at. In a novel, “picturesque” mountains can help to create a perfect world or to create a strong setting in the reader’s mind. It can also suggest a calm atmosphere, setting the stage for some positive character interactions.
9. Wintry
Definition
To describe winter weather or cold features.
Examples
“The wintry mountains looked down over the snow-laden village like a protector.”
“Though it was summer in the valley, the snow-capped wintry mountains never melted nor thawed.”
How it Adds Description
The word “wintry” suggests that the mountains are experiencing winter weather or snow, building a clear image of their characteristics in your reader’s mind. Creating a picture of the season can drive the novel’s plot forward and it can also make the setting clearer. While wintry is synonymous with winter, it can be used in the context of summer to show a clear contrast between the snowy mountains and warm weather.
10. Bitter
Definition
To describe the harsh conditions of a place.
Examples
“The snowy mountains were bitter, they feared no adventurers would last the night in sub-zero conditions.”
“He looked up at the bitter mountains, by morning there would be another fresh layer of snow to navigate.”
How it Adds Description
“Bitter” can imply the harsh conditions in the snowy mountains to your reader. This can be especially helpful if your characters must journey through them, as “bitter” foreshadows the tough journey that lies ahead. This can create a feeling of suspense, making the reader eager to continue reading.