How to: build the perfect snow fort

When your family is snowed in, help your kids find shelter from the storm in a snow cave. To make the winter hideaway, all you need is snow, snow and even more snow.

First, shovel snow into one big pile and pack it down by stepping, jumping or even rolling over it (this is fun). If it is very cold and the snow does not pack well, leave the pile for a day to harden.

Once a solid, a round pile has been made a little wider than it is tall, dig a doorway at ground level. Continue tunneling through the entryway into the pile, shoveling the snow onto the top of the cave and packing it down. When the space is big enough for you or your child to crawl inside, use a smaller shovel to dig snow out of the center, all the way down to the ground. Stop digging when the cave feels big enough; the walls must be at least a foot thick.

Set up camp by covering the floor with a straw mat or an old blanket. The kids can poke air holes in the ceiling or dig out windows from the walls. Outside, they might build snow furniture and set a bandanna flag on the cave top. If properly made, the structure will be sturdy, but it's always good idea to keep an eye on your cave kids.

Now, you're ready for a snow fight - HAVE FUN!

How It’s Made - Ice Sculptures

World Ice Art Championships - Lubeck, Germany

You Igloo?

Igloos were the original geodesic dome. With all due respect to Bucky Fuller, the Inuit's had this figured out long ago. You know, like Columbus discovered America? Hello, there were people already here, ok?

If you think snow is cold, then what's with this Wikipedia explanation of igloo insulation: snow is an insulator (due to its low density). On the outside, temperatures may be as low as -50 degrees Fahrenheit (-46°C), but on the inside, the temperature is much more moderate and can support life.

Life, dude! Snow's not cold! Throw on a little light, whistle for the Siberian Huskie, grab your main squeeze, tune in Leno, chew on some blubber, open some fine wine… this winter thing cool hot!