A snow cave is a perfect insulator against the cold. For all snow campers or those going on ski trips, knowing how to build a snow cave can prove helpful. Snow cave can provide you immediate shelter and warmth against the cold in case an emergency situation arises.
How to Build a Snow Cave?
Here’s what you need to build a snow cave:
- Find a huge spot of snow
- Try looking for a safe spot that is usually at the same level and not prone to an avalanche
- Start packing a huge pile of snow together
- Wait till the air makes the snow pile hard to disallow it to cave in while you are digging out a hole for a way in
- Consider carrying a shovel along with you on your trip so that you can dig a tunnel deep enough and slightly sloping towards the inside
- Start making a dome inside for as many people as you want protected
- Smoothen the roof which maybe dripping so that your sleeping bag does not get soaked
- You can also carve benches and beds inside the domed snow cave for further protection from the cold
- Cover the floor with a ridge rest
- To avoid suffocation carve a hole on the roof of your snow cave which should be about an inch wide
- Snuggle in and warm up
- Cover the entrance with your bags, etc
Big shovels come in handy for digging the tunnel. Pack the dripping with more snow to completely dry and warm the cave. Unless an emergency, do not try building a snow cave alone.
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