I want to build an igloo

I would like to build an igloo over Christmas.

was checking out this video and wondered if anyone had the necessary equipment. http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=cpQ7HCw-eaE

* saw
* shovel
* snow boxes.

Also, assuming there is enough snow in the northern part of the english garden, what's the legality of doing this and (possibly) staying overnight?

Better to rent space at an igloo hotel somewhere high up in the Alps.

you won't get snow in the English Gardens suitable for making a proper igloo.

I have no equipment and no clue about legalities, but I really like this idea. Let us know how it goes!

I highly doubt there will be enough snow. Better try to do that somewhere closer to the alps e.g. Garmisch or Oberammergau, ..

You need lots of hard-packed snow, snow that has been packed down by wind, ideally. The fresh stuff won't work. That is why you need a saw, because you have to cut the stuff apart into blocks. And when I say lots, I mean LOTS of snow. The bottom blocks start off at about arm's length long and half that wide and deep.

You'd be better off heading to the mountains about a week after a really good dump of snow. And keep in mind that an igloo's coziness is relative - it's likely to be only a couple of degrees above freezing in there, maybe 10 after your body heat warms it up.

EDIT: Try making this method in Munich instead: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=fh1J1hrVbYY&...feature=related

We make one like Showem`s link shows each year in the garden - it´s hard work, but great fun, and Shorty just loves to have a meal outside in "her" igloo!!

This is, without a doubt, good fun. I confess I've done it a few times myself... but... it can be very dangerous. Sleeping in it overnight... not sure it's such a good idea. Really, the other method is safer, more structurally sound, less likely to cave in and suffocate the inhabitants when the temp goes up a couple degrees.
As I said, though- it's good fun, and if you decide to go to the mountains to build an igloo, I want pictures posted here!

edit: also, if you do it the packing-boxes-full-of-snow method, make sure the pack the boxes HARD. you want them to be as solid as possible (makes them a bitch to move, but still)

the snow for the igloo (I would call that a Quinzie) like in Showem's link, has to be wet snow! makes for better packing.

oh my god could the narrator of that video be more boring?

I think we need a little bit more snow first!

I saw a Do-It-Yourself Igloo Kit the other day in Toom DIY Store for just EUR 34,99 - couldn't believe it myself at that price!!

I absolutely LOVE this idea!!

Always wanted to build an igloo myself..but never had the chance..

But if this idea / plan goes through, let me know and i will be glad to help out..

Wife and I did this in northern MI where they get 5-10 feet packed by repeated plowing. Just dig a tunnel and then enlarge the interior. Much easier than making blocks (unless you have to make the pile yourself)

Always be safe doing this. My wife tells stories of kids digging holes in the snow banks along roads then some big snow plow comes through and chops the kids in half... I guess you could also have troubles if it collapses on you...

All you need is a deadly-looking snow knife. Watch Tupac the Eskimo & friend bust one out in 90 minutes:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pia4i5sr0o0

You don't really need any special equipment to build one.

Just enough layers of snow!

I have built one before just an ice axe, though i guess a pole/stick of anything of the sort would work too.

Draw a big square in the snow then just dig along the lines until it's as deep as it goes...

Then gently pull on the square of snow you have cut out until the first layer slides off. This your first block. Gently pull on the square of snow til the second layer comes off, this is the second block, etc etc.

Repeat for an hour or 2 and you have a good enough wind shelter.

We had to rest walking poles over the top though to be able to balance a decent enough amount of snow on it.

If you managed to do one in the english garden i would be very surprised/impressed.

We did one like in the youtube video in Mar 2006. then to stablize it, we put a garden table up on the inside. In case the roof caved in we'd at least hope the table would withstand it and we could hide underneath.