Igloo Design/Build

Instructor: Dr. Norbert E. Yankielun, P.E.

Course Description: Snow is an amazing insulator and structural material that, under the proper conditions, can be used to construct a variety of recreational and survival shelters. Different snow conditions are more appropriate for different shelter designs. In this one-day, hands-on, group workshop we will discuss and demonstrate (snow conditions permitting) several snow structures, including trench shelters, drift caves, slab shelters, quinzee shelters, and the igloo. We will learn basic igloo construction techniques and build several creatively inspired igloos. All ages welcome.

Suggested Reading :

Yankielun, Norbert, "Snow Shelters: a Builder's Guide", Norton Press, 2006.

What is this course about anyway?

There are lots of reasons to build a snow shelter. A snow shelter can be a serious survival refuge for people who work or play in the winter backcountry. It can be a fun social experience shared by friends. Building a snow shelter in the backyard can be a wonderful educational and inexpensive afternoon family project. This one-day course provides guidance and plans for first-time backyard builders and experienced backcountry winter campers to successfully construct a wide variety of snow shelters with special emphasis on the igloo.

Who is it for?

This course is fun and educational for a wide variety of people. Families and children join in a great backyard recreational skill. School groups, scouts and backcountry enthusiasts learn and practice useful outdoor skills and enjoy the experience of teamwork to accomplish a building project.

What is the curriculum?

This is a practical, all day program consisting of a brief indoor lecture session followed by an all day outdoor hands-on, interactive experience of learning to construct a variety of snow shelters. Class members will team together and with the instructor to build several Igloo and Quinzee shelters. Students will have the opportunity to discuss and practice snow building and outdoors skills with the instructor.

Major topics that will be explored:

-- Outdoor winter safety

-- Snow properties

-- Snow as a building material

-- Construction tools

--Teamwork

-- Igloo construction

-- Quinzee construction

-- Other snow shelters

What should you bring?

-- Enthusiasm and energy

-- Camera

-- Warm, layered, non-cotton, winter clothing and boots

-- Thermos of hot beverage

-- Lunch and snacks

-- Old carpenter's saw (optional)

-- Grain scoop or mountaineering type snow shovel (optional)