Snow spirits

The Snow Spirits are major characters of the Adventure Tours in Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games. In the Story Mode, Bowser and Dr. Eggman are working together to melt all the snow in the Winter Games by capturing all Snow Spirits. Mario and Sonic team up to stop them and save the Snow Spirits. During the mode, Mario and Sonic meets several characters who will join them on their quest after completing their set of challenges. The Snow Spirits can be saved when beaten all the Rivals challenges.

It is probable that the Snow Spirits are the controllers, rulers, and maybe even creators of Snow.

Trivia

 * The Snow Spirits have a strong resemblance to the Star Spirits in name, appearance, and role in the story.
 * Each of the snow spirits names is a pun of the town they live in.