Minecraft wiki entry for Snowy_Plains, associated text: This rarer variety features large numbers of packed ice spikes dotting across its landscape. Additionally, all grass blocks are replaced with snow blocks and ice patches generate as well. The spikes come in two sizes: a short, wide spike, and a tall, thin spike. The short spikes generate more often than the tall spikes. Short spikes are about 15 blocks tall, while tall spikes can be over 50 blocks tall. No buildings may generate in this biome, though polar bears, rabbits and strays still spawn. Trees do not generate in this variant either. Snow layers still form atop the snow blocks, making them seem taller than they actually are.