In polar regions, building a shelter adapted to the type of nature and climate is an absolute necessity to survive.
The snow cave is a very good alternative to stay in this kind of place. To successfully build it, you will need to follow a few precautions.
- Use compact and very firm snow so that your structure is solid and can support its weight.
- Locate your shelter in a place where you can easily find high-quality snowdrifts such as the edge of a river or the base of a steep cliff.
Stages of building a snow cave
Once you have located a good snowdrift, you can start building your shelter by following these steps:
- Start by choosing one side of the snowdrift and digging a tunnel about a meter in length.
- To form the room, continue your work by expanding on the two sides opposite the entrance to the shelter.
- Finish by making a bed to sleep covered with foliage and located a few centimeters below the ground.
For comfort and safety, position your cave access opening so that it is relatively sheltered from snow piles and wind forces.