How to Build a Snow Fort

You might think that the only requirement for building a snow fort is snow. Actually, you need a few more things than snow. The snow must be a specific consistency, and you need a good quantity of snow to build the snow fort.

Instructions

1. Find the right snow consistency. Snow must not be too wet or dry, or it will not pack. If your snow is too wet, wait for it to dry out a bit. If it is powder, you can use a bit of elbow grease to melt it to the right consistency. You'll know the consistency of the snow is right when you can mold a handful of snow into a ball and it maintains its shape.

2. Roll snowballs into snow boulders. Start with a handful of snow and press it into a ball shape. Roll the ball across the snow. As you roll, push the snow together to create a tightly packed boulder. Make enough boulders for most of your fort.

3. Decide the size for the snow fort. The number of boulders you need depends on how big you plan to make your fort. Your fort can have one side or as many sides as you want to make. It can also be as tall as you want to make it. Just remember, more work is needed to make a larger fort.

4. Stack boulders side by side with as much snow touching as possible. Once you have the length of your wall, work on the height of the wall. Stack the second layer of boulders on top of the first layer of boulders. Sit each boulder in the dip between the boulders of the first layer.

5. Pack snow into any gaps once your boulders are in place. This will reinforce your snow-fort walls and create a warmer space for you.

6. Customize the snow fort. Once you have the walls in place, add details to your fort. For windows, punch a hole into the walls. Watch your walls as you do this to make sure that they are secured in place. If they wobble, pack your snow more tightly.