In Kona, "snow" is actually a softer white than "white". I had purchased "white" before and found it really glaring next to my bright fabrics. Now I always purchase "snow" -- just gives the softer look that I want in quilts.
It's like the difference in light bulbs that was sold as "soft white". Once I found the soft white bulbs, I never bought the regular white bulbs again. (Of course, can't buy any of them anymore! How times change....)