Camping In The Snow With Children
We received our first big snow in several years. School was cancelled the night before because of the impending snow forcast saying this was going to be a big snow. By the end of three storms we had 13 inches or more on the ground. My three boys had wanted to make a snow quinzee (aka igloo, “snow tent”) for some time but weren’t getting enough snow. I had made several quinzees pre children and even post but it was the years my boys couldn’t help. This year what ever reason my boys decided let’s build a snow quinzee. I have slept in the snow numerous times but never in a snow quinzee.
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With my boys zeal to build a snow quinzee we brought snow from everywhere in the yard via shovel and sled to make one large pile. We were busy the next day so couldn’t dig it out. Eventually the digging began which is part of the fun of making a quinzee. We used a sled to help get the snow out as we dug. It was fun when it got big enough so two boys could be inside together digging it out. If you want to learn how we have an article: How to Build a Quinzee in Three Easy Steps
Seeing If We All Fit In One Sleeping Bag
Once finished we laid down to make sure we could fit and see if the floor was flat enough to sleep in. At this point I looked at my sons and ask if they really wanted to do this. Knowing full well that if we didn’t sleep out in this night we would talk ourselves out of it every night after. My boys were all in and there was no talking them out of it even though it was supposed to be 3 degrees that night.
We gathered all the things needed to sleep warm and comfortable: layering cardboard, plastic, sleeping pads, wool blanket, then sleeping bag on top, with pillows and a light. We layered up our clothes, ate dinner and finished putting sleeping things inside.
Of course just before we all started out I bumped the small crawl through door and covered my legs in snow. Thankfully went inside and threw my sweat pants in the dryer and waited for them to dry and then headed one by one out to the quinzee. My boys were super excited and I was to some degree but a little apprehensive as it was a tight fit. My wife came out to say goodnight and snap a picture and check out our lodging.
We were all alone shoulder to shoulder together four of us snuggled together in our full size sleeping bag. Everyone was fast asleep by 9pm. I thankfully didn’t hear a thing until about midnight. After midnight I would lean which ever direction and warm up one of my sons the rest of the night. Everyone made it through the night well and we headed in around 6:30 a.m. What an adventure each of my boys said they were ready for another night out!
Some people pay a lot of money to do something that few have done. This backyard snow-camping experience was absolutely free. This memory will last a lifetime, and now my boys will be willing to do more snow camping.
Would you ever camp in the snow? Why or why not? Have you ever camped in the snow? Leave your comments.
