When taking photographs of snowy scenes, set your exposure compensation to +1 - +1.5 to make the snow appear white.

The Atlantic posts some interesting photographs of winter in the northern hemisphere: http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/2012/01/winter-arrives/100218/

Last week I suggested finding open shade to photograph people on a bright sunny day. If that isn't possible, put a flash on your camera or turn on the built in flash. Yes, using flash on a sunny day is a very good idea, because it can reduce the high contrast ratios. Try turning your subject's back to the sun and take the photo with your flash on auto if it's a shoe mount unit. The camera and flash will try to make the subject as bright as the background. If it's a built in flash, set it to always fire for similar results, but don't get too far away from your subject. These flashes are smaller and not as powerful as a shoe mount flash.

A common mistake I see many amateur photographers making is when they are photographing their subjects on a sunny day. If you face the model into the sun, you get bright highlights and deep shadows on the face. In addition, the subject is squinting and making a funny face. Remedy number 1 is to find open shade, that is, the shadow of a building or a tree. There you will find soft even lighting that is pleasant both for the subject and esthetically.