Construct a snow shelter
Build a small snow shelter (quinzee or snow cave) using shovels and adult supervision, learning teamwork, insulation, and winter safety.
About this activity
Build a small snow shelter (quinzee or snow cave) using shovels and adult supervision, learning teamwork, insulation, and winter safety.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Find a safe flat spot away from roads steep slopes and tree wells to build your snow shelter
- 2
Step 2
Put on warm clothes gloves and boots so you stay cozy while working
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Step 3
Use the long stick to mark a circle about 1.5 to 2 meters across on the snow where your shelter will be
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Step 4
Shovel snow from the circle’s edge toward the center to make a big dome-shaped pile about 1 to 1.2 meters tall
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Step 5
Firmly compact the dome by patting and stomping the surface so the snow packs tightly
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Step 6
Let the packed dome sit for 20 to 30 minutes so the snow hardens and becomes stronger
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Step 7
Push the long stick straight down into the top center of the dome until it hits the ground to mark the correct wall thickness
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Step 8
Cut a small entrance at the base and crawl in carefully to start hollowing from inside outward with your shovel leaving about 30 to 40 cm of packed snow for walls and roof
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Step 9
Smooth the inside walls and roof with your shovel or gloved hands so the interior is even and won’t drip
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Step 10
Use the stick to poke a small ventilation hole through the roof about the size of your fist so air can flow
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Step 11
Lay a tarp sleeping pad or branches on the floor for insulation and build a low entrance tunnel or windbreak
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Step 12
Have an adult check the roof stability and confirm it is safe before spending time inside
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Step 13
Share a photo and story of your finished snow shelter on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do you build a small snow shelter (quinzee or snow cave) with kids?
Choose a safe, flat spot away from trees and avalanche zones. Pile or mound loose snow into a rounded heap, then let it settle for 15–30 minutes (covered with a tarp helps). With adult supervision, hollow out the interior using shovels and scoops, leaving a ridged roof at least 8–12 inches thick. Make a small entrance, a ventilation hole in the roof, and smooth walls to prevent dripping. Test stability before letting children inside.
What materials and safety gear are needed to build a snow shelter with children?
You’ll need sturdy snow shovels, scoops or a snow saw, a tarp for settling, and a probe or pole to test roof thickness. Pack warm, waterproof clothing, gloves, hats, and extra dry clothes. Bring a whistle, first-aid kit, phone, and a shovel for emergencies. Adult supervision, clear communication, and a simple plan for entrance/exit are essential. Avoid building near roads or thin ice and have a dry place to warm up.
What ages are suitable for building a snow shelter with children?
This activity suits children aged about 6 and up for active digging with close adult supervision. Younger kids (3–5) can join by packing snow, decorating, or helping collect tools under guidance. Older children (10+) can take bigger roles in shaping and planning. Always tailor tasks to ability, limit cold exposure, rotate helpers to prevent fatigue, and keep activities short and supervised to ensure safety and enjoyment.
What are the benefits and safety tips for building a snow shelter with kids?
Building a snow shelter teaches teamwork, problem-solving, basic insulation and winter-safety skills while promoting physical activity and confidence. Safety tips: pick a safe location, let the snow settle before hollowing, maintain at least 8–12 inches of roof thickness, create ventilation, and never leave kids unsupervised inside. Monitor for cold or wet clothing, have an emergency plan, and limit time inside to prevent hypothermia or roof collapse.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use if we don't have the long stick, tarp, or a sleeping pad?
Use a sturdy broom handle, ski pole, or long branch instead of the long stick, a heavy-duty trash bag or poncho in place of the tarp, and extra clothes or a layer of branches can substitute for a sleeping pad on the floor.
The dome keeps collapsing while we hollow it—what should we try?
If the dome is collapsing, repack and firmly compact the dome by patting and stomping, let it sit another 20–30 minutes to harden as instructed, then push the long stick down again to check you have about 30–40 cm wall thickness before cutting the entrance.
How can we adapt this activity for younger or older kids?
For younger children have an adult do the heavy shoveling and dome-building while the child helps mark the 1.5–2 m circle with the long stick and smooth the inside, whereas older kids can build the full 1–1.2 m dome, test wall thickness with the stick, dig the entrance tunnel, and add the ventilation hole themselves.
How can we personalize or improve our snow shelter once it's finished?
Enhance the shelter by laying a tarp or branches and a sleeping pad for insulation, carving a small bench or window in the interior walls, decorating inside, and then share a photo and story of your finished shelter on DIY.org as directed.