Who we are

Capitol Snow was founded in 2017 by Mark Spicer, inspired by a life-changing trip to New Orleans in the summer of 2013. During this trip, Mark discovered the magic of the famous southern Louisiana snowball—a delightful treat made of fluffy shaved ice and homemade syrups. He realized that the DMV area lacked anything comparable to the NOLA-style snoball and was determined to bring this unique dessert back home.

With the help of his mother, Patty Spicer, an exceptional cook, Mark developed a menu that sets Capitol Snow apart from other dessert vendors in Virginia and DC. Our offerings range from classic flavors like Cherry and Blue Raspberry to inventive creations such as Pink Starburst and Jalapeno Lime. Patty's culinary touch has transformed our syrups into something extraordinary, ensuring a memorable experience for every customer.

Starting with a small trailer, Capitol Snow has since grown into a full-fledged shaved ice fleet, with permanent locations in Franconia, VA, and Washington, D.C. This expansion is a testament to the dedication and passion behind Capitol Snow. Despite our growth, we have never lost sight of our original mission: to serve the best and most unique snowballs with the highest level of customer service.

As a former teacher in Fairfax County Public Schools, Mark always had an interest in creating a seasonal business that offered a dessert with regional flair. This dream became a reality with Capitol Snow. Our commitment to quality and taste has earned us a loyal following and allowed us to share a little piece of Louisiana with our community.

Visit us today and discover why Capitol Snow is the ultimate taste of New Orleans right here at home!

Who we are

homemade syrups. He realized that the DMV area lacked anything comparable to the NOLA-style snoball and was determined to bring this unique dessert back home.

With the help of his mother, Patty Spicer, an exceptional cook, Mark developed a menu that sets Capitol Snow apart from other dessert vendors in Virginia and DC. Our offerings range from classic flavors like Cherry and Blue Raspberry to inventive creations such as Pink Starburst and Jalapeno Lime. Patty's culinary touch has transformed our syrups into something extraordinary, ensuring a memorable experience for every customer.

Starting with a small trailer, Capitol Snow has since grown into a full-fledged shaved ice fleet, with permanent locations in Franconia, VA, and Washington, D.C. This expansion is a testament to the dedication and passion behind Capitol Snow. Despite our growth, we have never lost sight of our original mission: to serve the best and most unique snowballs with the highest level of customer service.

As a former teacher in Fairfax County Public Schools, Mark always had an interest in creating a seasonal business that offered a dessert with regional flair. This dream became a reality with Capitol Snow. Our commitment to quality and taste has earned us a loyal following and allowed us to share a little piece of Louisiana with our community.

Visit us today and discover why Capitol Snow is the ultimate taste of New Orleans right here at home!

Capitol Snow was founded in 2017 by Mark Spicer, inspired by a life-changing trip to New Orleans in the summer of 2013. During this trip, Mark discovered the magic of the famous southern Louisiana snowball—a delightful treat made of fluffy shaved ice and

Born on the Bayou

served inside the beltway

Born on the Bayou • served inside the beltway •

Born on the Bayou

served inside the beltway

Born on the Bayou • served inside the beltway •

history of the New orleans snowball


The snowball was born in the Great Depression when two rival snowball stands simultaneously began serving shaved ice in New Orleans. While many use terms like “snow cone,” “crushed ice” and “snowball” interchangeably; what makes the New-Orleans snowball unique is in the snow itself. Following the Louisiana model, we begin with a solid, 12-lb block of ice. The block is gradually shaved with a razor sharp blade creating a fluffy snow which perfectly absorbs the flavors. The machine we use originates from New-Orleans - the "snoball" capital of the world. Our competitors break up ice cubes creating a hard and crunchy product which struggles to properly hold syrups.  

Today, you can find one or two snowball stands in every neighborhood of NOLA but only Capital Snow brings cajun creation to the Capital City.

history of the New orleans snowball


The snowball was born in the Great Depression when two rival snowball stands simultaneously began serving shaved ice in New Orleans. While many use terms like “snow cone,” “crushed ice” and “snowball” interchangeably; what makes the New-Orleans snowball unique is in the snow itself. Following the Louisiana model, we begin with a solid, 12-lb block of ice. The block is gradually shaved with a razor sharp blade creating a fluffy snow which perfectly absorbs the flavors. The machine we use originates from New-Orleans - the "snoball" capital of the world. Our competitors break up ice cubes creating a hard and crunchy product which struggles to properly hold syrups.  

Today, you can find one or two snowball stands in every neighborhood of NOLA but only Capital Snow brings cajun creation to the Capital City.