ourself a long way from home on a winter’s night? If theres a chance you could find yourself without accommodation, you should learn to build a quinzee!
Somewhere between an igloo and a snow-cave is the humble quinzee. Consider them the tract housing of emergency winter accommodations. Igloos might be deluxe and snow caves may be crude, but the quinzee can be comfortable and safe.
It may not be glamorous, but it will feel like it when the wind and snow are howling outside the door and you’re tucked inside reading a favorite book by candlelight.
Tim Horsman of the Aspen Health Region is a bit of a quinzee fanatic. Like other Frost Fest organizers, Horsman has a missionary zeal about winter recreation. To that end, he has been building a demo quinzee in his backyard, and has some tips and tricks to make your snow-abode safe and fun.
“Make a few ventilation holes through the top of the quinzee by using a long stick, and make sure the holes stay clear of snow and debris. You can block the entrance of your shelter after you enter in order to keep the shelter warm, but don’t seal the doorway. Leave some cracks and spaces to allow air to circulate,” says Horsman. And, in the common sense department, “Don’t stand on top of your quinzee, especially with somebody inside!”
Finally, the health conscious Horsman recommends, “Don’t light up a gas stove, lantern or any other chemicals. This can give you a lethal dose of carbon monoxide even with ventilation holes. Cooking inside is not recommended!”
Speaking of gas, another caveat to observe while staying in a quinzee calls for removing any gaseous foods from your diet. The consumption of chili has been known to drive inhabitants outside into dangerous storms as they try to avoid the only slight exchange of air.
So, you’ve decided to build a quinzee, using the above mentioned guidelines, and you think it’s pretty snazzy, right?
Well, if you believe your quinzee will keep up with the Joneses, its time to put your money where your mitts are.
A contest will be held throughout the week of Frost Fest (Feb.11 to 18). The final deadline for entry is 4:00 p.m. Feb. 14. Phone the town office at 849-8014 to be included in their celebrity tour of entries on Feb.15.
If you need more tips, a demonstration of quinzee building with the Junior Forest Wardens will take place on Feb. 9 between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. at the Slave Lake Health Centre.
There are several prizes to be won, so what are you waiting for? Get digging!

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