ABSTRACT Aims Snow plays a crucial role in the distribution of alpine plant species and the dynamics of alpine communities. However, we have only a limited understanding of the snow cover's impact on vegetation in middle‐height mountains at a meso‐topographic scale close to the treeline. Location The High Sudetes Mts., Czech Republic. Methods We examined the association of snow cover duration and the spatial pattern of four dominant vegetation types in the subalpine region. We used a novel approach to create maps of snow cover duration by combining time‐series photographic data on snow distribution and vegetation patterns. Key explanatory factors included snow cover duration, snow melting time, elevation, and proximity to ski slopes. Results We found the influence of snow cover duration, which was positively correlated with subalpine tall‐fern vegetation and negatively correlated with Vaccinium vegetation . However, elevation and ski slope played an important role as co‐determinants. Subalpine tall grasslands showed a discernible response to snow cover in the highest part of the study area, while wind‐swept grasslands were positively influenced by the body of the ski timeslope at higher altitudes. Conclusions The complex relationship between snow cover duration and the subalpine vegetation pattern is contingent upon the life‐history characteristics of the dominant plant species and is influenced by various environmental factors. These factors encompass snow attributes, the influence of human activities, land‐use patterns, and the overarching impact of climate change. Snow cover emerges as a crucial, multifaceted factor in shaping vegetation boundaries. Recognizing its complexity is imperative for effective planning of conservation measures.