Like any other cloud system, you need to register for a Snowflake account. Which means your first port of call is the Snowflake Web site. Look for the big START FOR FREE button, click it and fill in the form to start your trial. The form will ask various questions, including which cloud you want to use to host your Snowflake data.
Once you've signed up, you'll receive an e-mail from Snowflake with:
- Your user name
- Your dedicated login URL
Paste the URL into your browser and log in. Snowflake gives you a 30-day free trial, with $400 credit. If you're studying for a certification, use this time wisely as you'll have to start paying out once the trial has finished!
Once the trial is over, it's time to hand over some cash. Where you once saw a big blue box telling you how many days of your trial were remaining, you now see a big blue box telling you to Upgrade! This is a simple matter of handing over your credit card details over to Snowflake.
You're given the Standard Edition of Snowflake when you sign up for a trial. But there are other editions, and you should look to choose one of these when you're ready to start Snowflaking!