Compared to the argali, the snow sheep is medium sized, with a compact body, weighing a maximum of 140 kg, with a shoulder height of 1 meter and a total body length of 1,80 m without tail (12 cm). The colour is variable, depending on subspecies, but is mostly of a brown or cinnamon brown hue. On the face the colour may be lighter. The neck and breast does not have elongated and mane-like hairs. The horns are of medium length, very heavy and massive, with a very thick base.