How to Build a Snow Cave

Winter camping doesn't have to be a lesson in stoicism. Learn to build a snow cave and what it takes to survive a cold winter night in the wilderness in comfort and style.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Snow Shovel
• Dry clothes
• Bivy sac
• Synthetic sleeping bag
• Ten wilderness essentials

1. Find a location on the leeward slope to build your cave. The snow blown down should be more compact and easier to cut into. If the snow is light or powdery you may have to take some time compacting it with skis or snowshoes. Sometimes a large pile of snow can be made, according to the number in your party, and compacted in several steps to assure consistency throughout. During this process be careful not to soak insulating layers with perspiration. Work in a team, take breaks and stow insulating layers in a dry place.

2. When the proper spot is located or constructed, begin by digging a tunnel into the pile or slope wide enough to pass snow easily down. Dig in at a slight angle upwards about eight feet. Again this process is hard work. Snow is heavy. Try to stay as dry as you can, drink plenty of fluids and eat warm high protein foods. Never dig a snow cave alone, there is always the danger of collapse.

3. Dig the tunnel end into a ‘T’ with the side arms two feet square. Dig upward two feet, wide enough to allow you freedom of movement. Begin constructing both the slope of the ceiling and the sleeping shelves. Make the shelves wide enough so the sleeping bags won’t touch the walls. Make the ceiling and walls smooth and in a steeply domed shape. This will allow the melting snow to drip down the walls instead of on you and will add strength to your cave.

4. Lastly add two air vents above each shelf at least two inches wide through the cave ceiling. Make sure that ceiling depth is at least 12 inches for stability. You can then add small niches for candles and even a cooking platform above your sleeping shelves with even greater ventilation. But be very cautions when using any stove in a snow cave. The hazards of carbon monoxide poisoning are immanent in confined areas. Pile gear to block cold air entrance at tunnel and keep shovel inside for safety. Enjoy the comfort of your own snow home.

Tips & Warnings

• Stay as dry as possible
• Work in a team
• Eat and drink warm food and liquids
• Two shovels are better than one
• Its often easier to find a suitable spot than to make one
• Keep the shovel inside for safety
• Be very careful cooking indoors
• Non-inflatable sleeping pads insulate better in snow
• Beware collapse
• Always test thickness of cave as you progress
• No fires inside snow cave
• Change out of wet clothes