Snow shelter (brief)

Snow insulates: inside a well-built snow shelter the temperature stays much higher than outside, with no wind. Building one is tiring and wetting, so work slowly to avoid sweating. Detailed construction is in chapter 5.

• Snow trench: the fastest option. Dig a trench the length of your body, cover the roof with branches, a tarp, or blocks of snow, and pile snow on top. Insulate yourself from the ground with branches or a pad.
• Make a ventilation hole in the roof and keep it open, especially if you use a candle or stove. Risk of carbon monoxide and suffocation.
• Entrance lower than the area where you sleep: cold air sinks and stays at the entrance.
• Mark the shelter on the outside with something colorful so you can be found.
• Bring your gear in with you (the shovel above all) and shake the snow off your clothes before entering.