Beginners will find it very difficult to hold an edge and maintain control. This is not a good choice for learning. Man-made snow is usually hard and gritty but good to learn on. This is what you encounter at the beginning of the season at most resorts that have snow-making capabilities. It's not fluffy anymore, but it's not exactly hard, either.
Packed powder is great to learn on.
If it's been snowing all night, expect powder unless the run is groomed. True snowlovers arrive at the crack dawn after a huge dump to get first tracks. Slush sticks to your board, skis, clothes, anything it can. Great for the beginner, since it can help slow you down and make you feel more in control. Everything is visible and crystal clear.