Build Your Own Snow Igloo — winter survival masterclass, Levi
Build a real quinzhee snow shelter from scratch in Arctic nature near Levi — a 3-hour hands-on survival program with a professional guide and a warm fire at the end. Some igloos built here become part of the Snow Igloo Park at Polarman's Camp.
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.