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
- Waterproof Mittens
- Waterproof Gloves
- Backpacking Stoves
- Camp-stove Fuels
- Four-season Sleeping Bag
- Skis
- Snow Shovels
- Snow Stakes
- Snowshoes
- Winter Backpacking Tents
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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.
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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.
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3
Melt snow on your camp stove and pour the water over the area if the snow is particularly fluffy and soft.
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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.
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5
Stomp down the area around your tent as well so that you can move about freely without wearing skis or snowshoes.
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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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