Igloo

The classic winter shelter people generally thick of is the Igloo.  This is an excellent shelter and is often used in northern areas of Alaska and Canada where wind hardened snow covers the landscape.  A skilled person can build a rough one in less than an hour.   Nicer ones will take a bit more time, especially if snow conditions aren't perfect, but can be used for extended periods. 

We also have an IceBox Tool that helps with igloo construction.  See our IceBox Igloo Tool Page for more on this.

Igloo

• 3 to 5 Hours to construct

• Used by natives of polar regions, the Igloo is a great snow shelter

• Building one takes skill

Making Blocks 

• You will need to harvest snow blocks

• For a 6’ diameter igloo, you will need 50 to 80 blocks

• Snow blocks were traditionally made from wind hardened slabs on the tundra

• If snow is powdery

  • Compact it and allow to bind

  • Or use different location

• If snow doesn’t bind because it is too cold

  • Consider a different shelter

Marking the Perimeter 

• Mark center of Igloo with a stake

• For a 8’ Igloo, use 4’ paracord to mark circumference of igloo

Laying First Flight of blocks

• Lay first flight of blocks

• Cut side of blocks by angling cut towards stake in center of igloo

Initial Spiral and Angling

• Cut spiral top into first row

  • Counterclockwise if you are right-handed

  • Clockwise if you are left-handed

• Cut the top of slope so that it angles towards the center stake

Subsequent Flights of Blocks

• Now lay down the next flights of blocks

• Line up the outside edge of each block with the one below

• Make side cuts that angle toward the center stake

• Trim the top so that it angles towards the center stake

  • The top surface should be continuous and smooth without bumps

Caveats   

• Once you get going, one person sets blocks from inside the igloo

• Don’t crack or smash blocks to make them fit – cut them

• You only need to support the block you are working on

• As you lay block, gently tap the previous block towards the center

  • This locks it in place

• Don’t move block outwards – this unlocks them

King Block aka The Cork

• Once you are down to a single hole smaller than a block, it’s time to set the King Block 

• A rectangular hole will allow you to fit the block from underneath

• King Block is lowered into hole then trimmed

• Think of it as sealing a bottle with a cork

• If you are unable to reach the top, build platform of snow to stand on

• Don’t assign shortest person for this

Make an Entrance 

• Tunnel into the Igloo

• Make entrance as close to wall as possible to conserve sleeping space

• Entrance should always be lower than sleep area

Finishing Touches

• Fill in any gaps to keep the wind out

• Smooth off the inner surface to reduce drips

• Build snow wall around entrance 

• Add Vent Holes