Snowy Plains (Ice Plains) is a flat, snow-covered biome found in the Overworld, generating in regions of very low temperature and low-to-medium humidity. The Snowy Plains typically borders snowy taigas, ice spikes biomes, frozen rivers, frozen oceans, and occasionally plains or forests. At higher elevations, the terrain transitions into snowy slopes, jagged peaks, and frozen peaks.
The ground throughout the Snowy Plains is blanketed in snow layers, which accumulate more heavily in Bedrock Edition due to that version's higher snow accumulation settings. Any exposed water sources or underground aquifers freeze over shortly after generation if they lack sufficient light. This freezing can uproot nearby sugar cane. Lava lakes and springs, when present, melt the surrounding snow layers in their immediate vicinity.
Wildlife in the Snowy Plains is notably sparse. Polar bears and rabbits are the primary passive mobs that roam the landscape. Hostile mob spawning at night in Bedrock Edition is restricted to skeletons and strays, with zombie horsemen appearing on occasion. Igloos serve as the signature structure of the Snowy Plains, while snowy villages constructed from spruce wood are a common sight. Pillager outposts may also generate within its borders.
When the Vibrant Visuals setting is enabled, the Snowy Plains gains a distinct cold blue color grading accompanied by cool sunlight that brightens modestly around dusk and dawn, reinforcing the biome's consistently icy character.