How To Build an Igloo

Select a suitable site for quarrying snow blocks. The snow should be firm enough to cut into blocks, but soft enough to allow the blocks to fuse when pressed together. If the snow is too soft, tramp on it for 15 to 30 minutes, then wait another half hour to let it collect.

Use a snow shovel to dig a trench beside the quarrying site. The trench will provide access to the underside of the snow blocks, allowing you to free them as you cut them to size.

Use the snow saw to cut enough blocks to make a circle on the ground that is the size you want your igloo to be, leaving space for the door. Trim the blocks so that successive block is slightly higher than the preceding one. Smooth the ramp with the snow knife. A spiral ramp should result when you arrange the blocks in the circle.

Make the door by placing two blocks vertically, facing outward, with a third block on top.

Continue adding blocks to form a dome, removing snow build-up from the inside as you work. Add the last few blocks from inside the igloo, leaving a small ventilation hole in the roof.

Fill any open cracks with snow, and smooth the inside of the igloo to prevent dripping.

Construct an entrance covered with snow blocks. Dig into the snow so that the entry passage is below the level of the igloo’s door to prevent heat from escaping.