The quinzee is a snow home extraordinaire. Faster to make than an igloo, a surprisingly warm abode for winter camping, and more fun than a barrel of monkeys, the quinzee is the king of natural winter retreats. Our green adventure team has made one for your edification (and of course theirs).
What you need:
- Snow shovels
- A pile of sticks about 50 cm (20 inches) long
- Sleeping bag
- Picture of a unicorn riding a bicycle
Step 1: Make a HUGE pile of snow. Its bottom circumference should be big enough to house all residents comfortably lying down. The bigger you make it, the longer it takes; but it’s totally worth the effort.
Step 2: If possible, leave the snow overnight to settle as this makes for stronger walls.
Step 3: Push the sticks into the snow around 30 cm (12 inches) deep all around the mound of snow.
Step 4: Use your shovel to hollow out the inside of the quinzee. Stop when you hit the bottom of the sticks. If you shovel any more, the walls or roof can collapse.
Step 5: Unroll your sleeping bag and use your unicorn picture to pimp your new pad. You are ready to enjoy a cozy night in your super snow palace.
A word of caution is perhaps in order – much like Vegas, what happens in the quinzee stays in the quinzee, so avoid eating beans for dinner.
Greenmoxie’s Field Guide to Green Living contains over 80 DIYs, recipes and tips on how to live greener and leaner. Learn to make fun upcycling crafts and furniture, make your own cleaning products, grow your own food and make ALL your own beauty products from face creams to mascara. Click HERE.