Across over thirty-five years of games in his library, Mario has traveled to many fantastical worlds on his adventures. Whether he's exploring the Mushroom Kingdom or flying across the galaxy or even sojourning through strange alien worlds, this usually results in the red plumber going through similarly themed levels: desert, jungle, ocean, and more.
However, Nintendo always features one level type that often creates the chills, and that is the snow-themed level. In some Mario games, these can be the bane of the player's existence, while others properly transport the player into a winter wonderland.
Freezy Flake Galaxy - Super Mario Galaxy 2
From snow sculptures in the shape of Mario characters to a short ice slide similar to Cool Cool Mountain, there is a lot to enjoy with this level. It also introduces a new mechanic in which large snowballs can be pushed across the lava to create paths for Mario or Luigi to move across safely.
Sadly, nothing changes on the level when Luigi can play throughout it, but that doesn't stop it from being fun. The boss is a strange and downright creepy one: a spiky snowball with a clown-like facade that's constantly giggling named Sorbetti.
Secret Snow Level - Super Mario 64 DS
Hidden inside a mirror is a painting of Wario that can transport the player to a snow level, allowing them to unlock Wario as a playable character. Unlike other Super Mario 64 snow levels that put Mario in a relaxing wintery location with many hazards, this secret one is more intense.
It's all a series of icy platforms in the middle of an endless void, so the slippery physics can make traversing a bit stressful. However, the reward is worth the risk for the nice visuals and Wario in one of his best games ever.
World 3-2 - New Super Mario Bros. Wii
Snow-covered platforms and hilltops give the snowy levels in New Super Mario Bros. Wii a welcoming atmosphere and visuals, so it's easy to relax while playing, or at least at first. There are enemy penguins known as Cooligans that can be a nuisance, and the ice physics will cause frustration.
The icy underground caverns are just as beautiful with the crystal and blue visual scheme, and with the unlock of Mario's penguin suit, Mario can slide on his belly across the ice.
Shiverburn Galaxy - Super Mario Galaxy 2
While it may not have the snow, Shiverburn Galaxy puts heavy emphasis on ice. Mario traverses through the level while freezing the lava in his path and even the boss fight takes place on a large skating rink. It's this lava and ice mechanic that makes the level rather difficult.
The lack of typical snow level tropes is why Shiverburn Galaxy doesn't measure up but its uniqueness helps it shine. There also happens to be a strange Easter Egg, with three aliens watching Mario from afar.
Snowball Park - Super Mario 3D World
From the new spin on the Pokey enemy in the form of a snowman to riding inside giant ice skate boots to get around on ice; Snowball Park is the perfect introduction to one of several snow levels dispersed throughout Super Mario 3D World. The music is charming and hits that wintery tone that fits the season well.
It may not be one of the hardest levels in Super Mario 3D World, but it still provides a fun wintery romp. The biggest flaw going against Snowball Park is that it is way too short and as a result, it doesn't have as much replay value.
Spinning Star-Sky - New Super Mario Bros. U
In this sequel to one of the best-selling Wii games, everything got an upgrade, including the snow levels. Spinning Star-Sky shows it off the most by featuring a constellation-filled night sky, massive spinning stars to platform across, falling snow, and even better wintery aesthetics.
There is a warm and cozy feeling to Spinning Star-Sky despite the winter theme. It makes the level feel perfect to play around the holiday while still providing difficulty that continues throughout Frosted Glacier.
Snowman's Land - Super Mario 64
There's an undeniable appeal to a level centered around a kaiju-sized snowman. Snowman's Land is massive level in Super Mario 64 with a lot going on from the aforementioned snowman to the Big Chill Bully fight.
It introduces new ice-cold water that can kill Mario faster, an igloo to explore, there are more environmental hazards, and it even has some of the more difficult stars to get. Unfortunately, it rehashes the iconic theme from Cool Cool Mountain, but the stunning visuals and diverse quests for stars more than make up for it.
Cool Cool Mountain - Super Mario 64
This is one of the iconic levels to come from Super Mario 64, mostly due to the famous quest of returning a baby penguin to its mother at the bottom of the mountain. The music for the level is quite lovely and energetic which, combined with the mountainous ski-slope design of Cool Cool Mountain, gives off a winter vacation atmosphere.
That's not even including the race against the penguin inside the mountain, the secrets, and the many ways Mario can descend the mountain. Cool Cool Mountain is one of the first worlds to unlock in Super Mario 64 as well, making it a perfect way to suck new players into the game.
Snow Kingdom - Super Mario Odyssey
Like all kingdoms featured in Super Mario Odyssey, the Snow Kingdom is vast, with Moons around every corner to collect. However, the Snow Kingdom starts off in a harsher way than usual, with everything dark and covered by a blizzard until Mario discovers the Shiveria Town.
The bear-like people are adorable residents and their town is reminiscent of how Santa Claus' workshop is sometimes depicted. Then there are ice caverns, glaciers, enemies with Santa hats, and even the small detail of Mario shivering in the cold add to what is considered one of the best kingdoms in Super Mario Odyssey.
Freezeflame Galaxy - Super Mario Galaxy
The precursor to Shiverburn Galaxy, Freezeframe Galaxy in Super Mario Galaxy starts with an all ice planet, then an all lava planet, then finally it mixes the two together on another planet. Gradually, the planets become more and more intense with more intricate challenges, better-designed environments, and a nice remix of famous music of the franchise.
At the time, it was the most original in terms of concepts for a snow level which earns it some points, mostly due to the introduction of the Ice Flower that turns Mario into ice. It allows him to skate across both water and lava with ease and became an instant fan favorite.