Playing in the snow can be great fun, but if you get stuck outside in freezing weather, a quinzee snow shelter can keep you warm and dry. A quinzee is a hollowed-out snow mound, simple to construct and effective at retaining heat. Here’s how you can build one for survival or practice.
Materials Needed
- Shovel
- 12-inch long sticks
Steps to Build a Quinzee Snow Shelter
- Shovel snow into a large pile, around 7–8 feet high. This size will accommodate two people once hollowed out.
- Allow the snow pile to sit for at least an hour to harden.
- Place 12-inch sticks around the snow pile’s exterior. These will act as guides to prevent digging through the walls.
- Ensure the floor of the shelter is raised at least 6 inches above ground level to allow cold air to settle away from you.
- If possible, create raised sleeping platforms and dig a trench between them to channel cold air downward.
- Cut a small ventilation hole in the ceiling and keep the entryway partially open to prevent carbon dioxide buildup.
- Layer your sleeping area: start with a tarp, then a wool blanket, and finally, a sleeping bag to stay warm and dry.
- Wear dry clothing for the night to avoid losing body heat to moisture from sweat.
- Mark the entrance with a bright object, like a pine branch, to easily locate it even in heavy snow.
Additional Tips
Practicing quinzee building in your backyard can be a fun, hands-on way to learn survival skills. Try burying your water bottles in the snow—they’ll stay insulated and won’t freeze solid.
