Yes, for most of the outdoor scenes it was real snow. The natural snow provided a great backdrop for the outdoor adventures of the characters in the movie.
Yes, it was real snow in all the outdoor scenes. This was crucial for the movie's authenticity. The real snow made the outdoor sequences, like Ralphie's daydreams about his Red Ryder BB gun in the snow - covered yard, more vivid. It also added to the cold and frosty feeling that is associated with Christmas in certain regions. The filmmakers didn't have to rely on artificial snow, which can sometimes look fake, and the real snow enhanced the overall visual appeal of the outdoor scenes.