How to Build a Snow Shelter

Building a snow shelter can be an essential skill for winter survival or a fun outdoor activity. Below is a step-by-step guide to constructing a basic snow shelter, like a quinzee, snow trench, or igloo:

1. Choose Your Location

• Safety: Avoid avalanche-prone areas and locations under heavy snow-laden branches.
• Protection: Select a spot shielded from wind, ideally on level ground.
• Snow Depth: Ensure the snow is at least 1-2 feet deep for adequate insulation.

2. Decide on the Type of Shelter

• Quinzee (Snow Mound Shelter):
  • Best when you have loose snow.
  • Requires time and effort but provides good insulation.
• Snow Trench Shelter:
  • Quick to construct, suitable for emergency situations.
  • Works well with less snow or in soft conditions.
• Igloo:
  • Requires firm, compact snow and some skill.
  • Ideal for longer stays or very cold conditions.

3. Gather Tools

• Use a shovel, snow saw, or even improvised tools like a cooking pot or your hands. Bring gloves to protect from frostbite.

4. Build Your Shelter

Quinzee (Snow Mound Shelter):

1. Pile Snow:
   • Create a large mound of snow about 6-8 feet in diameter and 4-6 feet tall.
   • Use backpacks or objects to mark the center if needed.
2. Pack Snow:
   • Compact the snow by stomping on it or using a shovel to firm it up.
   • Let the mound settle and freeze for at least 30-60 minutes.
3. Hollow It Out:
   • Dig a small entrance and tunnel inward, keeping the walls 12 inches thick for insulation.
   • Shape the interior like a dome to prevent collapsing.
4. Ventilation:
   • Create a small vent hole at the top with a stick or pole for airflow.

Snow Trench Shelter:

1. Dig a Trench:
   • Excavate a trench just long and wide enough to lie in, about 2-3 feet deep.
2. Insulate:
   • Line the bottom with pine boughs, clothing, or any insulation.
3. Cover the Top:
   • Use skis, branches, or a tarp to create a roof, then pile snow on top for insulation.
4. Ventilation:
   • Leave small openings at the ends for air circulation.

Igloo:

1. Find the Right Snow:
   • Look for snow that packs well (like blocks).
2. Cut Blocks:
   • Use a snow saw or knife to cut large snow blocks.
3. Lay a Spiral Foundation:
   • Arrange blocks in a spiral, angling them slightly inward.
4. Build Upward:
   • Continue layering blocks, gradually curving them inward to form a dome.
5. Seal Gaps:
   • Fill cracks with loose snow for added insulation.
6. Ventilation:
   • Create a small vent hole at the top.

5. Final Touches

• Add a windbreak near the entrance using snow or branches.
• Insulate the floor with pine boughs, blankets, or sleeping pads.
• Monitor the shelter for melting or collapsing risks.

Try building a snow shelter next time you stay at Terre Haute Campground!