Build Your Own Snow Igloo — winter survival masterclass, Levi

Build Your Own Snow Igloo — Winter Survival Masterclass in Levi — Real Arctic Skills, Real Snow, Real Cold

Most people know that you can survive inside a snow igloo even in extreme cold. Very few have actually built one. This program changes that.

Why This Is One of the Most Hands-On Winter Experiences Available in Levi

• Build a real quinzhee (snow shelter) from scratch — piling, packing and hollowing out a snow mound under the guidance of a professional Arctic outdoor guide
• Practical survival knowledge: how to construct a shelter that can keep you alive in a Lapland snowstorm
• Location in genuine Arctic nature — on the riverbank or on a frozen lake, depending on conditions
• Warm winter clothing fully provided — thermal overall, boots, waterproof mittens
• Some igloos built on this program become part of the Snow Igloo Park at Polarman’s Camp — the builders’ names and home country can be marked on a sign next to their igloo
• Outdoor fire with warm drinks and snacks to close

The Program — Arctic Survival Skills in Practice

The guide introduces the basics of snow shelter construction — the quinzhee method: pile the snow, compact it, let it settle, then hollow it out from inside. It is simpler than block-stacking and just as effective. At -20°C (-4°F) outside, the interior of a properly built snow shelter holds just above freezing. Then the work begins.

The building site is in Lappish nature, on the riverbank or on a frozen lake. The group works together through each phase: piling and compacting a large mound of snow, digging the entrance tunnel, crawling inside to hollow out the interior, and smoothing the walls and ceiling with a snow saw until the structure is stable and there is room to sit comfortably. It is real physical work — sustained effort in genuine Arctic cold.

At the end, the guide lights the outdoor fire. Warm drinks and snacks are served. Some of the igloos built on this program are incorporated into the Snow Igloo Park at Polarman’s Camp — a structure that thousands of visitors will walk past. The builders’ names and home country can be marked on a sign next to the igloo.

Who This Is For

• Groups and families who want an active, skills-based experience rather than a spectator program
• Anyone curious about genuine Arctic survival techniques
• Adults and children aged 10 and above (accompanied by adults) — children aged 6–9 may participate with close adult supervision
• Corporate and team groups looking for a practical shared challenge in the outdoors

Private option

Available as a fully private group experience — your group, your guide, your building site. Contact us to arrange.

Responsibility waiver: Scandinavian Travel Group is not responsible for changes, disruptions or unavailability affecting any third-party venue or location visited during this program, for whatever reason. Where a venue is unavailable, the guide will make reasonable alternative arrangements where possible. No refund is due for circumstances beyond our control.

Important remarks

F.A.Q.

• Do I need any prior experience to build a snow igloo?

No. The guide leads the group through every stage of the build. Normal physical condition and the ability to handle a snow shovel are all that is required. No experience with snow construction is needed — the guide explains the quinzhee technique from scratch. The program can run in nearly all winter weather conditions.

• How physically demanding is this program?

Moderate. The program involves sustained outdoor physical work — cutting and moving snow blocks, shaping the dome, working in cold conditions for approximately 3 hours. Warm clothing is fully provided. Guests should be in normal physical condition and have moderate resistance to cold.

• Can children participate?

Yes, from age 6 with adult accompaniment. Children aged 6–9 can participate under close adult supervision. Age 10 and above is the standard recommendation for full active participation. Children must be accompanied by adults throughout.

• What happens to the igloo after the program?

Some igloos built on this program become part of the Snow Igloo Park at Polarman’s Camp — visited by many guests throughout the winter season. The builders’ names and home country can be marked on a sign next to the igloo.

• Is warm clothing provided?

Yes — a thermal overall, boots and waterproof mittens are provided. Guests must bring their own winter hat and scarf. Multiple base layers are strongly recommended underneath the provided suit.

Important remarks:

Physical requirements: Normal physical condition. Moderate resistance to cold. Ability to handle a snow shovel. The program involves sustained outdoor work in Arctic conditions.

Children: Ages 6 and above. Not recommended under 10 without close adult supervision. Children must be accompanied by adults throughout.

Warm winter clothing: Thermal overall, boots and waterproof mittens provided. Guests must bring their own hat and scarf. Allow at least 20 minutes before pickup to get dressed.

Weather: The program can run in nearly all winter weather conditions.

Pickup: Free pick-up and drop-off from several designated locations in the Levi area.

Child pricing: Child price applies for ages 6–14. Children under 6: contact us.

Recommendation

• Wear multiple warm base layers underneath the provided thermal overall. 
• A neck scarf and warm hat are essential — these are not provided. 
• Insulating mid-layers make a significant difference during sustained outdoor work in cold conditions.

Cancellation Policy

• We will charge a cancellation fee of 100% if booking is cancelled 7 days or less before the event
• We will charge a cancellation fee of 50% if booking is cancelled 21 days or less before the event
• We will charge a cancellation fee of 10% if booking is cancelled 365 days or less before the event