ELI5 Snow - what makes the perfect snowflake?

Why does the world seem so quiet when it’s snowing outside? How is a snowflake formed? What atmospheric conditions make for a perfect snowflake? What makes perfect ski snow?

... We explain like i'm five!

Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community as always and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: xanthilamide, thegreengenie, justaphilange, squirting_nachos & birdiemachine

To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter:

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