This paper provides an overview of techniques used to characterize the microstructure of snow, firn and ice. These range from traditional optical microscopy techniques such as examining thin sections between crossed polarizers to various electron-optical and X-ray techniques. Techniques that could have an impact on microstructural characterization of snow, firn and ice in the future are briefly outlined. This article is part of the theme issue 'The physics and chemistry of ice: scaffolding across scales, from the viability of life to the formation of planets'.
Keywords: firn; ice; imagining; microstructural characterization; snow.