How to Make an Inuit Dwelling

Pick a spot. Find an area with hard snow that can be cut into blocks. Make a large circle outline -- use an ax, your cross-country ski or foot -- for the base of the dome where you are going to build. Don't make it too large as it will be difficult to finish properly, but be sure you will have enough room to move around. About 5 feet to 6 feet across is a rough guideline.

Dig out the snow of the igloo outline with a shovel. This will give you additional head-room once the dome is constructed. Also smooth out the floor before you begin building.

Cut blocks of hard snow with the snow saw. The blocks need to be strong enough to support their own weight when you carry them to the igloo site. They should be about 3 feet long and 6 inches to 12 inches thick.

Start with bigger blocks on the bottom and then cut smaller blocks as you get nearer the top as they are easier to shape. Make sure you leave a space for the entrance in the initial rows that is big enough for you to crawl through.

Use the ax to help smooth and angle the blocks as you set them beside each other. Place the blocks so that they lean slightly inward, because this ensures that they support each other.

Work with adding blocks until you get the igloo to the height you want. You want to be able to sit comfortable without your head touching the ceiling, so keep going until you achieve the height you need.

Remove any snow piling up inside as you go. Keep your work space as clean as possible to avoid having to clean it all up with you get to the top of the dome.

Build an entrance. Use two large blocks of snow for the sides and put one over the top for a roof.

Clink in the area between the snow blocks with hard loose snow or small blocks. The more wind-proof you make your igloo, the warmer it will be.

Put the final block on the top -- it has to be larger than the hole -- on the outside. Use the ax to chip so that it fits properly into the space.

Smooth out the inside of the igloo. Your hands may get wet from touching the inside blocks of snow, that is why it is important to take an extra pair of mitts.

Cut a hole for ventilation. It is essential for fresh air and to avoid suffocating from carbon monoxide.