Abstract: This invention is directed to an apparatus for compacting snow for skiing and snowmobiling. It includes an elongated snow compacting member with means which permit its ends to move upwardly and downwardly so that when one end contacts an elevated snow surface that end automatically moves upwardly to substantially equalize the p.s.i. exerted by the snow compacting member against the snow which is being compacted. It also includes snow compacting wings which extend outwardly from and are pivotally secured to the central snow compacting section of the snow compactor and power means for rotating the wings upwardly. The outer ends of the wings are secured to the inner ends by shear bolts or pins so that when an outer end contacts a rigid object it falls away and is not damaged. Means is provided for adjusting the angle of attack of the bottom wall of the snow compacting element to the surface of the snow to vary the pressure exerted upon it.