Ski holidays with the kids can be great fun, but it can sometimes be a challenge to keep the little ones entertained – especially if you’re on a tight budget. I always recommend the cool activity of igloo building to parents who are worried about finding fun and low-cost things to do outside of their chalet. La Plagne is a terrific place to give this a go, and it is a very rewarding family activity that’s usually free of charge!
So, just how do you build an igloo exactly? You’re about to find out. Read on!
1. The Plot
First, you need to find a good place to build an igloo. To save on surface area (and hard work), consider building it into a hillside. You should then create a perimeter line with your boot and ensure that all snow on the inside is hard-packed. You will be using blocks cut from inside the perimeter and building from the inside out.
2. Trench
Next, create a rectangular trench so that you can harvest blocks. Blocks are usually three feet long, 15 inches high and eight inches thick, but you can change the size if you wish.
3. First Row
Once you have your blocks, you can begin assembling your first row around the perime-ter. Smooth out the areas where your blocks join together for smooth contours. You will then need to cut a slope into the first row so that blocks can be stacked in a vertical spi-ral.
4. Level & Shape
As you continue adding rows, be sure to level and shape the walls so that stacking and layering is much easier. Each row should slope inwards so that a dome is eventually created. Pat snow from the inside into any gaps with your hands to plug any holes. As the igloo rises, the blocks will become smaller and slope inwards.
5. Cap-Hole Blocks
Things can get tricky when you begin to reach the topmost blocks, so take your time and be careful when sculpting pieces to fit tightly together. For the final block, turn it on its side so that it can fit through. When you’ve placed it on top of the dome, you can adjust its size to ensure that it’s a snug fit.
6. Important Finishing Touches
Now that the structure is complete, it will need a few finishing touches. Firstly and most importantly, carve vents in the walls to prevent CO2 build-up – you may even want to be-gin this process as you’re assembling your igloo. You can then cut an entrance, which should be from about eye level when crouching.
The leftover snow from cutting out the entrance can be used to create a tunnel – do this by cutting the block in half and then leaning each half inwards over the trench so that one side holds up the over. Finally, you can strengthen the exterior with snow either on the inside or outside. And voilà : you can now sit inside your creation and admire your handiwork!
Igloo Building in La Plagne
As you can see, this is an activity that the whole family can enjoy outside of the chalet. La Plagne is a great place for igloo building, thanks to its fantastic snow conditions. What’s more, the resort even has an entire village devoted to these cool structures! If you are looking for a unique dining experience during your stay, consider taking the kids up to Blacksheep Igloo Village, where you can enjoy a meal inside an inviting and cosy igloo restaurant. You could also stay the night in an igloo if you wish, but I think it is much nicer to return home to your chalet. La Plagne, after all, has many wonderful catered and self-catered chalets available, allowing you to fully unwind with your family after a long day on the slopes or of igloo building.
Belinda Smythson works for Ski Amis, a specialist ski travel agency and booking service that has been helping avid skiers craft their perfect winter holiday for over a quarter of a century. If you're looking for a ski chalet, La Plagne is an ideal choice, and for accommodation anywhere in the Three Valleys, Paradiski, Espace Killy or Chamonix Valley, Ski Amis is the go-to company for winter sports fans searching for the holiday of a lifetime.
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