Igloo Building Course

Overview

This course will cover the method and tools required to build an igloo.  The emphasis will be on a hybrid approach developed to improve the process and shorten the time needed to build a successful igloo.  

Prerequisites

This course requires prior  snow travel and snow camping training as demonstrated by the completion of the Winter Camping course and Basic Snowshoeing course or equivalency. 

Alpine Scrambling, Basic Climbing graduates, and Basic Glacier graduates with overnight winter experience (as demonstrated by a Snow Camping badge) may also register.  Others with the appropriate background may contact the instructor for individual approval.

Requirements 

Participants are required to attend both of the following:

• One in-person Lecture that provides the  dry land training for igloo-making, focusing on a hybrid method that eases and speeds the process.  Additional topics include snow tools and methods of use, a brief review of winter gear, kitchen setup, meal preparation, etc.  If time permits we will also discuss how to make a snow saw specific for igloo building (different from available commercial offerings).   This is also an excellent opportunity to meet other participants to set up carpools and arrange small group gear-sharing (bear canisters, stoves, filters, pots, etc.)

• One Field Trip from Friday (all day) through Saturday afternoon.  The day will begin with  snowshoeing a moderately short distance to the campsite.  We will review the procedure and turn our attention to constructing igloos in small groups.  The Instructor will be on hand to offer guidance and advice.  Participants are expected to stay the night in the igloos.   As building snow structure is hard work, a positive work ethic and a sense of humor are highly recommended!

In addition, a pre-trip Zoom meeting  will be scheduled to  review weather, avalanche, and other conditions, as well as to address questions and other last-minute issues.  The exact date will be determined during the Lecture based on participants' availability.

Please note that you must sign up for both the Lecture and the Friday/Saturday Field Trip.   Field trip location may change and will be finalized as the date approaches.  

Questions? Email the course instructor.

Required Gear

Participants are required to have access to the following:

• Snowshoes *required for the field trip
• Snow shovel
• Snow saw (some may be available for borrow from the instructor)
• Extra gloves
• Winter overnight gear, including
  • winter sleeping bag
  • insulating sleeping pad(s) - a combined R-value of 4.0 or higher
  • stove, fuel, filter, cooking system and utensils
  • critter-proof food storage container (hard sided bear canister, no Ursack)
  • appropriate clothing  for the overnight stay. 

Small group gear-sharing will  be set up at the Lecture.   You may also consult the rental section at Snow Links, set up by the Tacoma Snowshoeing Committee.

Winter Travel

Before signing up for this course please be sure you have access to a winter-capable vehicle.     Lack of access to adequate transportation for the field trip will not be considered a sufficient reason to refund the course fee.

We encourage participants to carpool for the field trips, as parking can be limited. While we do not arrange carpooling, course emails will include information on ways participants may arrange carpooling amongst themselves.

Financial Assistance

The Mountaineers strives to serve everyone, regardless of ability to pay. We are committed to providing access to outdoor recreation, education and conservation opportunities for all members and youth in the communities we serve. If you would like to take this course and are experiencing financial hardship or limitations, please apply for financial assistance. Here is more information about the Mountaineers Financial Assistance Program.