Quick Answer
Yes, there are various training programs available for building snowshoe-floor shelters, including online courses, workshops, and wilderness survival schools that offer hands-on instruction.
Snowshoe Shelter Fundamentals
Building a snowshoe-floor shelter, also known as a quinzhee, requires some basic knowledge and skills. First, find a suitable site with deep snow and a relatively flat surface. Mark out a circular area with a diameter of 8-10 feet, and begin piling snow onto the center, working your way outward in layers. This process is called “snow banking.”
Building the Snowshoe Floor
Continue snow banking until you have a pile of snow about 4-6 feet high. Then, use a shovel or your hands to break up the snow and create a flat surface. Compact the snow using your body weight or a snow roller, and repeat the process until you have a solid, flat floor. This floor will be the foundation of your snowshoe shelter.
Shelter Construction Techniques
To build the shelter, start by creating a snow wall around the perimeter of the floor using snow blocks or by piling snow onto the banked snow. Leave a small entrance, and use a snow saw or a knife to create a doorway. You can then add additional walls, a roof, and a bed of snow for insulation. Keep in mind that snowshoe shelters are best suited for short-term use and can be more challenging to build than traditional shelters. Practice and patience are essential for mastering this technique.
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