noun
compacted snow; dense snow
Snow that has become tightly packed and dense, typically due to its own weight or wind action. Often used in snow science and mountaineering contexts.
しまり雪はスコップで掘るのが大変だ。
Compacted snow is hard to dig with a shovel.
春先のしまり雪は、スキーで滑りやすい。
In early spring, the compacted snow is easy to ski on.
新雪 is fresh, powdery snow, while しまり雪 is older, denser snow that has been compressed.
ざらめ雪 is coarse, granular spring snow formed by repeated melting and refreezing, whereas しまり雪 is simply compacted snow, not necessarily granular.
Compound of しまり (連用形 of 締まる 'to become tight') + 雪 'snow'. Literally 'tightened snow'.