All survival guides
Cold & Freezing
Snow Shelter (Quinzhee)
Snow is a good insulator. A simple snow shelter can be far warmer than open air in a winter emergency.
What to do
- 1Pile snow into a large mound ~6 ft high and let it 'sinter' (harden) for 1–2 hours.
- 2Tunnel in slightly uphill so cold air sinks out the entrance and your sleeping shelf stays warmer.
- 3Keep walls ~1 ft thick; poke a few ventilation holes — suffocation risk if sealed.
- 4Insulate the floor with boughs or a pad; block the entrance loosely.
- 5Mark the shelter with gear/color so it's visible and you don't lose it.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Sealing it airtight (CO/oxygen risk)
- Thin roof that collapses
- Sleeping directly on snow
Good to know
- Always keep a vent hole open and a digging tool inside in case of collapse.
Continue here — more Cold & Freezing