Building an igloo is not a task for the faint of heart. Sturdy, and warm igloo. It requires strong endurance, a precise eye for detail and plenty of time and effort to get it right – all of which requires plenty of cold and patience!
The most important factor is getting the proper material. Finding the right type of snow — one that is soft yet packed enough to be suitable for igloo building — can be difficult. In some cases, you may even have to pump water and let it freeze in order to get the right type of snow.
Once the right type of snow is secured, you’ll want to build up the blocks. Experienced igloo builders swear by the double-shell technique. This involves building two layers of snow blocks, one on top of the other, and then carving out the interior of the igloo as if you were working with a cookie cutter.
Each snow block should be cut with a sharp knife to ensure a snug fit and uniform shape, and should be packed in tight by either pawing or tamping.
Building up a frame of snow blocks is no easy task, as each block must fit accurately into place like a jigsaw puzzle. The key is to join the blocks together properly for maximum stability, and use plenty of snowpacking in between.
It is also important to make sure to build the blocks high enough — a minimum of 3 to 4 feet in height — as this is what gives the igloo its dome shape.
The last step is to carve out a door, which requires excavation from the inside. It can be a tricky process that requires patience and great care — not to mention a few tools such as a shovel, adze, and saw for cutting the blocks.
All in all, building an igloo isn’t the easiest task and can become quite complicated and laborious. However, if done right, it can provide a cozy experience unlike any other in the great outdoors!
