Igloo construction

The way that igloos are made by professionals is by taking a saw and cutting out squares of snow and ice from the ground and stacking these squares in a circle to build up the walls. Most people do not get enough snow at their homes to use this method. The urban igloo building method that I use is much like the professional way with one variation, I do not cut the snow from the ground to get my “bricks of snow." Instead, I use my recycling bin, which is about 1.5 feet tall and 3 feet long. I fill the bin with snow, pack it down, and flip it over to place my snow brick where I need it.

Step 1: Fill bin with snow.

Step 2: Pack snow down. This can be done easily by standing in the bin and stomping the snow down. Keep in mind if you do not pack your snow the walls of your igloo will be weaker.

Step 3: Flip over bin at designated igloo construction zone; circle your snow bricks to your desired igloo size. Remember the bigger the igloo the longer it will take, and the more snow you will need. Also don’t forget to leave a space for an entrance so that you can get into your igloo.

Step 4: Repeat steps 1-3 until you have a base layer of snow. After the base is done, begin to build up the walls by repeating steps 1-3, but instead the snow bricks will go on top of your existing snow bricks. Your bin may be to heavy for you to lift alone, you may need the assistance of a friend or parent. If you still cannot lift the bin you can also use a smaller bucket. The process is the same; you will just need to do it more frequently.

Step 5: After you have a few feet of snow walls built up, begin to place your bins closer inward by a few inches, so that some of the show brick hangs inward over the edge of the previous wall. This will create your ceiling after several times of moving your bricks inward they will finally touch and your Igloo will be near completion!

A completed igloo

Step 6: Smooth out your walls and use snowballs to patch cracks as needed. To help harden your walls take a spray bottle, fill it with cold water, and spray the inside and outside of your igloo. The water will ice over and you will have hard walls of snow and ice. This will complete your igloo.

Have a fun winter creating your soon-to-be winter hideout.