[6][10] Luzula nivalis is a relatively small perennial herbaceous plant (or "herb") which grows to heights of between 2.5–25 centimetres (0.98–9.84 in) in a caespitose fashion.

[2] L. nivalis also has 1–2 cauline leaves which are 1–2 centimetres (0.39–0.79 in) long;[2] both leaf types are grass-like, flat, linear, straight and possess parallel veins.

[6] The dark brown bracteoles are ovate, obtuse and sparsely ciliate above with either dentate or lacerate margins, reaching a length of up to 1.2 millimetres (0.047 in).

[2][6] L. nivalis has subequal and acute tepals 1.6–1.9 millimetres (0.063–0.075 in) long and castaneous to blackish brown in colour.

[10] Places which L. nivalis grows in include Norway, Sweden, Finland, Svalbard, Greenland, northern Canada, and Alaska in the United States,[2][8] as well as the Munni river in Siberia.

[12] Luzula nivalis has been found in a wide range of mainly moist habitats and substrates, including wet meadows, snow patches, seepages,[11] along the margins of ponds, marshes, streams (and other water bodies) as well as tundra, slopes and ridges.

[6] Occasionally L. nivalis has been found on dry sites including gravel, sand, silt, clay, till.