How to Build an Igloo

An igloo can save the lives of people caught in a snowy wilderness. It can take the place of a tent for people who choose to camp in that same wilderness. It can also simply be a fun project for people who enjoy both snow and building. Learn how to build a simple igloo.

Things You'll Need

• Carpenter saw or snow saw
• Hatchets, machetes or large knives
• Shovels

Instructions

1. Find an area with several feet of hard-packed snow. Don't worry if the top layer is fresh powder; you'll be digging down to harder, icier layers.

2. Dig a pit to stand in, then use a saw to cut out uniform blocks of snow on either side of the pit. Lift them out and set them on top of the snow to harden further while you continue to cut.

3. Cut blocks that are as large as you can carry. The larger they are, the fewer you will have to cut.

4. Mark out a large circle in the snow, then place blocks all around. Lean the blocks in about 15 degrees, trimming them to the right shape with a hatchet.

5. Place the next row of blocks on the first, staggering them on the blocks below like bricks. Trim and shape each row so they lean a little further toward the center of the circle.

6. Give a helper a shovel and place him or her inside the igloo. Your helper will be removing snow from the floor of the igloo so it will be a few feet lower than the first row of blocks. It's important to begin this before your igloo gets too tall so the helper can toss the removed snow outside.

7. Give your helper a block of snow and a hatchet before you complete the dome. Your helper will be trimming the last block and shoving it into the last open space from the inside of the igloo.

8. Cut out a semi-circular entrance on the downwind side of the igloo, then remove snow in front of the entrance until you are even with the floor inside. Build a tube-like structure at the entrance to keep the snow and wind out while allowing you and your helper to enter and exit the igloo.

9. Use snow to pack the spaces between the blocks both from the outside and inside the igloo to make it as airtight as possible.

10. Cut a couple of small holes in the top of the igloo to allow air exchange. This is extremely important to prevent asphyxiation

11. Smooth the inside of the igloo with your gloved hands. The smoother the inside surface is, the less the igloo will drip water. If you prefer, you can use a heat source to warm the interior, making smoothing easier. The walls will become icy when you remove the heat source and when the temperature drops at night.

Tips & Warnings

• Igloos can become very elaborate, with sleeping platforms, kitchen areas and even furniture made from snow blocks. They can have more than one entrance and connect to other structures such as tents.

• Don't worry if your first igloo collapses. Keep trying and soon you'll have a solid igloo that's strong enough to stand on after a day or so of hardening in the weather.

• Take photos of your igloo when it's completed. If you light the interior, your igloo will glow in the dark, making a very pretty photo.

• Don't allow yourself to become too wet or cold while building your igloo. Be prepared to change into drier clothes when necessary.

• Don't spend time in your completed igloo without cutting vent holes. Carbon monoxide will build up inside, which could be life-threatening. You must allow fresh oxygen to enter the igloo. This is especially important if you choose to burn candles or a lantern inside your igloo.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Read about igloos from experts at Gorp.