Iglooing: A Guide to Building and Living in Your Own Ice House

Iglooing is the practice of building and living in an igloo, a traditional Inuit dwelling made of snow. It is a popular activity for winter campers and adventurers, and it can be a great way to experience the Arctic wilderness.

Why Igloo?

There are many reasons why people choose to go iglooing. Some people do it for the challenge, while others enjoy the experience of living in a traditional Inuit dwelling. Igloos are also very energy-efficient, making them a great option for winter camping.

How to Build an Igloo

Building an igloo is not as difficult as it may seem. The basic steps are as follows:

• Find a suitable location for your igloo. Choose a spot that is flat and protected from the wind.
• Pack down the snow to create a solid foundation for your igloo.
• Start building the walls of your igloo by cutting blocks of snow from the ground.
• Stack the snow blocks in a spiral pattern, overlapping each block by a few inches.
• As you build the walls of your igloo, make sure to slope them inwards slightly. This will help to support the roof of your igloo.
• Once the walls of your igloo are built, you need to build a roof. This can be done by cutting larger blocks of snow and placing them across the top of the igloo.
• Once the roof of your igloo is built, you need to seal up any cracks or holes. This can be done by using snow or ice.
• Finally, you need to cut a door and window into your igloo.

How to Live in an Igloo

Living in an igloo can be a bit challenging, but it is definitely possible. Here are a few tips:

• Dress warmly. Even though igloos are very energy-efficient, they can still get cold inside. Make sure to dress in layers so that you can adjust your clothing as needed.
• Use a sleeping bag. A sleeping bag will help to keep you warm at night.
• Cook food outside. Cooking food inside your igloo can cause condensation to build up, which can make the igloo cold and damp.
• Keep the igloo clean. It is important to keep your igloo clean to prevent the growth of mold and mildew.

Safety Tips for Iglooing

There are a few things you should keep in mind to stay safe when iglooing:

• Be aware of the weather conditions. Igloos can be dangerous if the weather conditions are not ideal. Avoid iglooing if there is a high wind or if the temperature is below freezing.
• Tell someone where you are going. Before you go iglooing, make sure to tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back.
• Bring a survival kit. In case of an emergency, it is important to have a survival kit with you. Your survival kit should include food, water, warm clothing, and a first-aid kit.

Conclusion

Iglooing is a great way to experience the Arctic wilderness and to learn about traditional Inuit culture. It is also a fun and challenging activity. If you are planning on going iglooing, be sure to follow the safety tips above and to be prepared for all types of weather conditions.