Failing to find or build a shelter when exposed to winter cold and the elements can be deadly.

A Quinzee gives you that protection is easy to make and can last as long as the weather is freezing.

BUILDING A QUINZEE

Shovel a pile of snow into a mound 7 to 8 feet high and big enough around to hold two people. Mix snow of different temperatures to cause it to harden, or “sinter.” Flip the snow over so it mixes when you pile it into a mound.

Shape the mound into a dome and allow it to sinter for about 90 minutes.
Dig a small entrance on the downhill side. Smooth out the walls and ceiling. The walls should be 1 to 2 feet thick. Poke measuring sticks through from the outside of the mound, so you will know to stop hollowing out the inside when you see the ends of the sticks. Hollow the shelter out from the top down.

Use the last foot of snow to make elevated snowbeds. Dig a narrow trench between the beds all the way to the ground. This allows cold air to flow down and out of the quinzee. Poke a small ventilation hole near the top of the dome.

Ideally, you bug out and make it to where you are headed without having to weather through a night in the cold.

If that is not an option, however, a Quinzee is a relatively easy to make, sturdy and reliable shelter that you can use for more than one night if necessary.

To learn more about Quinzees as well as some Winter Camping Tips, check out Boys Life.

Featured Image via Boys Life