How To

How to Pitch Your Tent in the Snow

By eHow Sports & Fitness Editor
Rate: (8 Ratings)

When pitching your tent in the snow you need to concern yourself with three things: avoiding a dangerous site, creating a firm surface, and securing your tent so it doesn't collapse.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Waterproof Mittens
  • Waterproof Gloves
  • Backpacking Stoves
  • Camp-stove Fuels
  • Four-season Sleeping Bag
  • Skis
  • Snow Shovels
  • Snow Stakes
  • Snowshoes
  • Winter Backpacking Tents
  1. Step 1

    Avoid choosing a site with trees overhead that may dump snow on you during the night. Also stay away from nearby slopes that may be prone to avalanches.

  2. Step 2

    Stomp around the area where you plan to pitch your tent, preferably wearing your snowshoes or skis, to create a firm table of snow. This is also known as "tamping," and will prevent you and your tent from sinking into the snow once you crawl inside your tent.

  3. Step 3

    Melt snow on your camp stove and pour the water over the area if the snow is particularly fluffy and soft.

  4. Step 4

    Smooth the melted snow out so that it is as flat as possible. Wait about 30 minutes for it to harden before pitching your tent.

  5. Step 5

    Stomp down the area around your tent as well so that you can move about freely without wearing skis or snowshoes.

  6. Step 6

    Use a winter tent specially designed to withstand winds and the weight of accumulated snow, and stake your tent down using snow stakes.

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