Building a snow shelter...

[Swimmer]

The method I have seen is to pile snow about 5 feet high, let it settle for a few hours, poke sticks 6" down into the snow all around the shelter (sticks spaced about 1.5 feet apart), and then make a door and hollow it out. The sticks will tell you from the inside when the roof/wall thickness is 6". This would be a large shelter (up to 3/4 people) where shelter is not needed ASAP. Anybody have any other methods?

[Duffman]

Here's one we found in the BW a couple years ago, looked like it would fit 3-4. It's pretty much the perferred method of building one.

[pureinsanity]

[Powerstroke]

You've pretty much got it. Try to make the entrance face to the south and east away from the prevailing winter winds. Also, make the entrance a little lower than the main area to allow the colder air to settle below the sleeping area. We usually have "benches" for sleeping on.

[goblueM]

you nailed it... lot of fun to make and surprises folks how warm and comfy they are

[D-Rocker311]

Cool find. Here's what I have slept in:

Here's what I upgraded to:

I need to learn how to make a snow shelter and have it last all winter...any thoughts?

[Redlantern]

More power to you if you like to build these shelters. Me, I'll stick with my tent. After building a few of these snow caves and being soaked to the bone afterwards, I've decided that my tent isn't all that bad. I do agree that they are warm but just not worth the effort for me.

[Stick in Mud]

How warm are we talking here? What rating of sleeping bag would you need to be comfortable? And I'm assuming you use some pretty hefty sleeping pads?

[Redlantern]

Carmike, the ones I've made were above freezing while it was twenty below outside. Plenty warm but every thing gets damp. If you are basecamping, might want to lay your bags and anything else that's wet out in the sun. That's why I tend to choose black or dark materials for all of my winter camping gear. Dries out faster than light colors.

[Stick in Mud]

Very wise, sir, very wise.