For those of you hardcore folks who go camping in winter, here’s instructions to build a simple shelter – a quinzee.

Step 1 - SHOVEL a pile of snow into a mound big enough that, if hollow, it could hold the number of people in your party. Mix different snow consistencies to help it harden.

Step 2 - SHAPE the mound into a dome, and allow it to harden for 90 minutes. Then begin to hollow out the mound. Dig a small entrance on the downhill side. Smooth out the walls and ceiling. The walls should be one to two feet thick.

Step 3 - USE the last foot of snow to make elevated snow beds. Dig a narrow trench between the beds all the way to the ground. It’ll allow cold air to flow down and out. Poke a small ventilation hole at the top.

Other Helpful Winter Camping Tips!
• Jell-O mix makes a great hot drink. Store Jello-O powder in refillable backpacking tubes and add it to hot water. Try cherry Jell-O in instant hot chocolate!

• Bury your water jugs in a snowdrift. The snow insulates the water and keeps it from freezing.