We all dream of that perfect powder day. Fluffy snow, untouched slopes and that incredible feeling of carving through a winter wonderland. As an avid skier and snowboarder, I can tell you there's nothing quite like it.

But what exactly makes for the perfect powder day?

The secret behind fluffy snow

Ever heard of "champagne powder" or "Sierra cement"? One is light and fluffy while the other is heavy and wet, two completely different mountain experiences.

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It all comes down to the snow-to-liquid ratio: how many inches of snow you get from 1x inch of melted water.

(MORE: Stunning photos show Alta Ski Area's first major snowfall of the season)

Cold storms make "champagne powder." When the air is cold, snowflakes grow delicate, branching arms and stack up loosely, leaving lots of air between them. They also stay dry and don't stick together. That's how 1 inch of liquid can turn into 20 inches or more of snow so light it feels like skiing through nothing.

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Warm storms make "Sierra cement." When temperatures are closer to freezing, flakes partially melt and clump together as they fall, and the snow lands wet and dense. The same inch of liquid might only stack up 7 inches deep and it packs down fast, so it's tiring to ride. Skiers in California's Sierra Nevada coined the nickname for exactly this kind of snow.

The magic starts in the clouds

The magic behind fluffy powder begins long before the snow reaches the slopes.

It's all about what's happening in the atmosphere. From temperature high in the clouds to the moisture and wind along the way.

(MORE: Snow has arrived at Silverton Mountain, CO., and skiers are making powder turns) 

Moisture and layers

Cold air and moisture have to work together to create that perfect powder. Warmer storms often produce heavier, wetter snow and even a warmer layer of air along the way can change the snowflakes before they reach the ground.

The ideal setup? Cold air from the clouds to the slopes with just enough moisture to keepn the snow falling.

Wind

Wind can change the snow after it falls. Strong gusts break apart delicate flakes and pack fresh poweder into denser, firmer layers.

So even if the snow starts out light and fluffy, it might not stay that way.

Chasing a perfect powder day

A big snowfall doesn't always mean a great powder day. It's not just about how much snow falls but the conditions during and after the storm.

So what should you look for in the forecast:

• Cold temperatures: Look for temperatures to stay below freezing during and after the storm. Colder conditions can help keep fresh snow light and fluffy.
• Light winds: Strong gusts can blow fresh powder around and pack it into harder, uneven layers. Calmer conditions help preserve that fluffy snow.
• Steady snowfall: Fresh snowfall paired with consistently cold temperatures is a promising combination but watch out for rain between storms that can change the snow's texture.
• Elevation: Look at the temperatures near the summit cause a few thousand feet in elevation can make all the difference between powder and slush.

And the cherry on top? A bluebird day. Fresh powder, sunshine and clear skies can make for an incredible day on the slopes.

Faiza Mohammed is a meteorologist intern at weather.com. She studied geography and worked with the Weather Dawgs team at the University of Georgia. She also received her master's in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences from the Georgia Institute of Technology.