Individually (n = 21) and group-fed (n = 100 over two winters) beef cows were either denied water in winter when snow was available or had free access to water. There was no difference in body mass or subcutaneous fat depth between the two treatments nor was there any difference in the birth or weaning body masses of their calves. It was concluded that beef cows could rely on snow as a water source during winter. Key words: Beef cows, snow consumption, body mass change, calf production