Snow is particularly challenging, and you handled it quite nicely. Not sure you'd want this shot much different; it shouts cold! In general, there are a couple approaches: a) Color negative film has a wider exposure range than slide film. b) For B&W, you can reduce the development time to reduce contrast. Not practical for most. c) Some folks have had good results with split neutral density filters, if you can get them to line up OK with the horizon. d) For landscapes, there is a good technique here: http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/blended_exposures.shtml e) With digital, should shoot using RAW mode, checking the histogram to mahe sure that highlights aren't completely lost. Can then do wonders in an image manipulation program like Photoshop. f) In Photoshop, try LAB mode. You can use curves adjustment to selectively change contrast in the very light and very dark regions, without messing up the colors.