KD Dase
The Seattle Snowshoeing Committee is pleased to announce our new Igloo Building course. This course is designed for Mountaineers members with prior winter camping experience who want to take their skills to the next level. Participants will learn how to make an igloo efficiently using minimal tools.
Together, we'll cover the methods and tools required for construction, emphasizing a hybrid approach developed to improve the process and shorten the time needed to build a successful igloo. The course consists of an in-person lecture on construction methods followed by a hands-on overnight field trip.
To register, participants must have prior snow travel and snow camping training as demonstrated by a Snow Camping skills badge. Basic Alpine Climbing and Basic Glacier Travel graduates with overnight winter experience as demonstrated by a Snow Camping badge may also register. Others with equivalent experience may contact the leader for approval.
Course Requirements
Participants are required to attend both of the following:
- In-person lecture (Wed, Mar 11, 2026). Provides dry land training for igloo-making, focusing on a hybrid method that eases and speeds up the process. Topics include: snow tools and methods of use, winter gear, kitchen setup, and meal preparation. If time permits, we will discuss how to make a snow saw specific for igloo building. This is also an opportunity to arrange carpools and small group gear-sharing for the field trip. Location: Seattle Program Center.
- Field trip (Fri, Mar 27 – Sat, Mar 28, 2026). First, we will snowshoe a moderately short distance to the campsite. At the campsite, we will review the procedure, then construct igloos in small groups with instructor guidance. Participants are expected to stay the night in the igloos. As building snow structure is hard work, a positive work ethic and sense of humor are highly recommended! Location: TBD.
Required Gear
Participants must have access to:
- Snowshoes (required for field trip)
- Snow shovel
- Snow saw (some may be available for borrow)
- Extra gloves
- Winter overnight gear, including a winter sleeping bag, insulating pad(s) with combined R-value of 4.0+, stove, fuel, filter, cooking system, and utensils
- Hard-sided bear canister for food storage (no Ursacks)
Key Consideration: Participants must have access to a winter-capable vehicle.
The Mountaineers believes all people should have access to and feel belonging in the outdoors, regardless of ability to pay. If you are experiencing financial hardship, please apply for financial assistance through Mountaineers scholarships.
