The fine art of building a Snöka
The third day of this year’s Outdoor Academy of Scandinavia in Vålådalen it was time for the invited retailers and a few journalists to dig their own “snöka”.
The word “snöka” is an abbreviation for snow cave, used in the Swedish military. A snöka can save your life in a storm, but it’s important to build it right.
Digging in and creating a new community.
In groups of four we hacked and shoveled snow from the mountainside and dug into the snow wall just south of Skaftet, around 10 kilometers from Vålådalen mountain station.
Altogether we were building a dozen caves. The ones facing northwest were really hard to dig, with coarse, hard snow. In my cave group we noticed that the snow was softer and easier to break into.
Happy punters, digging for the soft spot;-)
We were soon a meter into the snow and started expanding to our left and right. Someone got the bright idea that we should dig were it was soft and stop hacking away at the harder snow in the far end of our expanding cave. So we did. And we moved fast. After a few hours we were almost done, while most of the other groups gritted their teeth and fought the hard snow wall.
It was about then I noticed the first dripping. It was in a corner on the outer wall. Just a few drops first, then a more frequent dripping. I turned around. Something wet hit me on the shoulder. Another wet spot.
My hole is my castle - or swimming pool...
“Make sure you make the walls even and smooth, and that you get a dome formed ceiling, to avoid that dripping,” the instructors said.
We dug and smoothed, smoothed and dug, but soon realized that the sun and the soft outer wall had to be avoided at all cost, so we dug inwards. A few hours and plenty of snow later we had enough room for four persons – and an regular little waterfall in a corner of the cave.
I took one for the team that night: wrapped in my bivy bag I more or less floated around on my snow bed. The next day I woke up only to find that one of the runlets in the cave had found it’s way down one of my boots…
Saying goodnight to Hardy.
Lars Fält laughs when he hears the story. For 35 years he instructed at the Swedish Army’s Ranger School in Kiruna, Lapland and the Parachute Training School, Karlsborg. He has also trained with UK and US Special Forces, and in 1980 he established the Swedish Army’s Survival School and is also the author of 8 books on Survival and outdoor skills.
Lars Fält overlooking a survival camp in Lappeasuando.
He built his first snöka in the beginning of the 60′s and have built one a year since.
“The art of digging a snöka takes year’s to fully master, but learning the basics is essential if you’re traveling in cold regions,” he says.
“It’s not a thing you dig at every camp, but if you know that bad weather is on the rise and you might be very exposed it’s a healthy security measure.”
A twenty centimeter layer of snow gives you good protection from wind and coldness. If you manage to keep the snow cave dry you’ll have a great escape from foul weather.
Here’s some advice from Lars Fält’s if you’re going to dig deep into the snow:
1. Build the snöka at the top of a snowdrift. It makes it easier to escape the cave if the entrance gets blocked by falling snow. It also makes it easier to get rid of the snow you dig.
2. Probe the snow depth. It should be at least 4 meters inwards. Make sure the distance between the entrances of the snökas also are 4 meters.
3. Dig 70-80 centimeters right into the snow. The opening should be so high that you can stand. That protects you from getting wet during the digging.
4. Continue in the same way 3-3,5 meters deep. Extend on the sides subsequently. Dig in a reversed V-shape. Walls and roof should be at least 20 centimeters thick.
5. Dig benches on both sides of the ditch. They should have at width of 1 meters and be 2,5 meters long, so you can store your gear at one end and be able to keep away from the snow when you sleep. The benches shouldn’t be higher than you can sit on them and still reach down to the floor with your feet.
6. Make snow blocks to block the entrance.
7. Refine walls, ceiling and floor to avoid drip edges. The floor should tilt downwards towards the entrance, to drain the snöka from cold air.
8. Make two ventilation holes on both sides of the entrance with ski poles. The holes should be 10 centimeters in diameter. Use a lit candle to check the ventilation and the level of carbon dioxide (if the candle stops burning it’s a warning).
9. Take turns at digging. Work slow and systematically. Make sure you have plenty of hot drink available. Dress for the occasion: working with snow can make you very wet.
10. Store the shovel inside the snöka with one end of a rope tied to it and the other end tied to a ski or tree on the outside. That way you know in which direction to dig if the cave collapses or gets covered with snow.
11. Have a good nights sleep!
Want to know more about how to build a snöka? Read “Uteliv på vintern” by Lars Fält (Vildmarksbiblioteket, 2011). Only in Swedish, though.
Comments
Kresten
Try this one instead: “Kantgrop”: http://ut.no/artikkel/1.7974679
Especially in bad weather, you might not want to use 4 hrs of digging a snöka. 45min. for a “Kantgrop” saves you precious energy and you dont get wet while digging.
bursitis
you’re really a good webmaster. The site loading velocity is amazing. It seems that you are doing any unique trick. Also, The contents are masterpiece. you’ve done a fantastic job in this subject!
gluten-free weight loss
Some truly excellent information, Gladiolus I found this. “What you do speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you say.” by Ralph Waldo Emerson.
is procera a scam?
great issues altogether, you just received a emblem new reader. What would you recommend about your post that you simply made a few days in the past? Any positive?
vacation rentals Costa Rica
Someone necessarily help to make severely articles I’d state. This is the very first time I frequented your web page and so far? I amazed with the analysis you made to create this particular put up extraordinary. Fantastic task!
marine services
Just wanna remark that you have a very decent website , I the design and style it actually stands out.
book
Just wanna remark that you have a very nice website , I the style it actually stands out.
president
Thank you, I have just been searching for information approximately this topic for ages and yours is the best I have came upon till now. However, what in regards to the conclusion? Are you certain in regards to the supply?
clothing
I was reading through some of your articles on this site and I conceive this web site is real informative! Continue putting up.
NFC
I¡¦m now not sure where you’re getting your information, however great topic. I must spend a while studying more or working out more. Thank you for great info I was on the lookout for this information for my mission.
retirement homes in massachusetts
Wonderful web site. Lots of useful information here. I’m sending it to some friends ans also sharing in delicious. And naturally, thank you on your effort!
how to stay on your diet
Hello, Neat post. There is a problem with your web site in internet explorer, could test this… IE nonetheless is the marketplace leader and a big portion of other folks will miss your wonderful writing due to this problem.
iPhone 5
I like this website very much, Its a very nice berth to read and get information. “Do pleasant things yourself, but unpleasant things through others.” by Baltasar Gracian.
dark knight game
There is perceptibly a lot to realize about this. I believe you made certain nice points in features also.
Fettsugning Malmö
Wonderful paintings! That is the type of information that are supposed to be shared around the web. Shame on Google for no longer positioning this publish higher! Come on over and consult with my web site . Thanks =)
huwelijkswensen
hello!,I really like your writing so so much! proportion we be in contact more about your article on AOL? I need an expert in this house to resolve my problem. May be that’s you! Looking forward to see you.
webseite
Absolutely written subject matter, Really enjoyed studying.
repurposed furniture
Wow! This can be one particular of the most beneficial blogs We have ever arrive across on this subject. Actually Excellent. I am also a specialist in this topic therefore I can understand your effort.
Jewellery Sterling Silver
Awsome article and right to the point. I am not sure if this is actually the best place to ask but do you guys have any ideea where to employ some professional writers? Thx
laptop reviews
magnificent issues altogether, you just won a emblem new reader. What might you recommend about your put up that you just made some days ago? Any certain?
Austin web design
I needed to send you this very small note just to say thanks a lot the moment again on your pretty knowledge you’ve shared in this article. It is really wonderfully generous with people like you in giving openly what a lot of people would have distributed for an electronic book in order to make some dough on their own, and in particular now that you might have done it if you ever desired. These principles as well worked to become great way to be certain that many people have similar dream just like mine to see more and more related to this condition. I am sure there are thousands of more pleasurable opportunities in the future for individuals that read your blog.
Foot Pain Milwaukee
I’ve learn some just right stuff here. Definitely value bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how a lot attempt you place to create this type of fantastic informative site.
Weight Loss
Thanks , I have recently been looking for information about this subject for a long time and yours is the greatest I have came upon till now. However, what about the conclusion? Are you positive concerning the supply?
PPE workwear
I do trust all the ideas you’ve offered on your post. They are very convincing and can certainly work. Nonetheless, the posts are very quick for novices. Could you please prolong them a little from next time? Thanks for the post.
debt collection attorney santa cruz
I have learn a few just right stuff here. Definitely price bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how so much attempt you set to make this type of wonderful informative web site.
heel pain Greensboro
I¡¦ve been exploring for a bit for any high quality articles or blog posts on this kind of area . Exploring in Yahoo I finally stumbled upon this website. Reading this information So i¡¦m glad to express that I have a very just right uncanny feeling I found out exactly what I needed. I most no doubt will make sure to don¡¦t fail to remember this web site and give it a look regularly.
Video production in essex
I got what you intend, thanks for posting .Woh I am thankful to find this website through google. “Success is dependent on effort.” by Sophocles.
rhode island ford
I’m not sure where you’re getting your info, but great topic. I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more. Thanks for magnificent information I was looking for this info for my mission.
undersköterskebrosch
I do consider all of the ideas you have offered in your post. They are very convincing and can certainly work. Nonetheless, the posts are very brief for novices. May you please extend them a little from next time? Thank you for the post.
bali weather
I believe technological innovation just can make it worse. Now there is a channel to never ever treatment, now there would not be a chance for them to find.
Gus Scribner
Only if I could do an engine swap using a 440 six-pack
Elvin Fleckles
Sandy Anytime Pat sends us a picture she thinks is special, we publish it!
lingerie unik
I really like your writing style, excellent information, appreciate it for putting up
. “God save me from my friends. I can protect myself from my enemies.” by Claude Louis Hector de Villars.
average physician assistant salary in california
I used to be very happy to search out this web-site.I wished to thanks in your time for this excellent learn!! I definitely having fun with every little little bit of it and I’ve you bookmarked to take a look at new stuff you weblog post.
spis stron intrnetowych z filmami
I have been reading outdated several of your posts and i can aver clever ram. I will achieve sure to bookmark your blog.
naturalne kosmetyki
I keep listening to the news bulletin lecture about receiving boundless online grant applications so I have been looking around for the most excellent site to get one. Could you advise me please, where could i get some?
Grafolog
Hello my loved one! I wish to say that this article is amazing, nice written and include approximately all significant infos. I?¦d like to look extra posts like this .
interior designs
great put up, very informative. I’m wondering why the opposite specialists of this sector don’t understand this. You must continue your writing. I’m confident, you’ve a huge readers’ base already!|
International Council for Corporate Governance
Thanks for your content. One other thing is that if you are disposing your property on your own, one of the problems you need to be alert to upfront is when to deal with household inspection reports. As a FSBO retailer, the key towards successfully moving your property along with saving money on real estate agent revenue is know-how. The more you know, the more stable your property sales effort will probably be. One area that this is particularly essential is reports.
useful site
We stumbled over here different web address and thought I might check things out. I like what I see so i am just following you. Look forward to looking over your web page repeatedly.
Michael Sherriff
I would like to thnkx for the efforts you’ve put in writing this website. I’m hoping the same high-grade website post from you in the upcoming also. Actually your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get my own site now. Actually the blogging is spreading its wings quickly. Your write up is a great example of it.
sex bielizna
I must admit, the webmaster is a cool guy..!
Click Here For Info
Its hard to find knowledgeable individuals on this matter, but you sound like you already know what youre talking about! Thanks. some times its a pain in the ass to read what blog owners wrote but this website is really user friendly ! . fantastic great more please.
leki bez recepty
The resourceful Zune browser is surprisingly upstanding, but not as seraphic as the iPod’s. It works famously, but isn’t as expeditious as Safari, and has a clunkier interface. If you again plan on using the trap browser that’s not an dispute, but if you’re planning to furious the lace-work alot from your PMP then the iPod’s larger screen and recovered browser may be important.
Titus Silveira
Hi brothers and sisters just loves your wonderful editorial thank you and could you you should not stop!
Mark Milnik
This piece of writing offers clear idea for the new visitors of blogging, that truly how to do blogging.|
Banner Design
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on %meta_keyword%. Regards|
Tarot Reading
What a data of un-ambiguity and preserveness of valuable know-how regarding unpredicted emotions.|
0 apr business card credit
Just desire to say your article is as astounding. The clarity for your publish is simply great and that i can think you are an expert in this subject. Well with your permission allow me to snatch your feed to stay updated with drawing close post. Thank you 1,000,000 and please keep up the enjoyable work.
signs ex wants you back
Very great post. I simply stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to mention that I have really loved surfing around your weblog posts. After all I will be subscribing to your rss feed and I’m hoping you write again very soon!
Szlabany montaż
Hi there! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my good old room mate! He always kept chatting about this. I will forward this article to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!
Brindes corporativos para funcionarios
This deal is generally for flash drives which were once higher in price and stood a bit of trouble selling due to this particular
atraves ou através
Remember that you should make sure the gifts don’t break your allowance when you happen to be looking at your available options
Lonnie Waltersheid
Dead pent subject matter, regards for selective information .
fieldcrest towels
Major thanks for the article.Thanks Again. Will read on…
Meble Kuchenne Warszawa
Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you penning this write-up and the rest of the website is very good.
religion
Hello.This submit was really outstanding, specially mainly because I was looking for thoughts on this topic previous Wednesday.
AC repair in Santa Monica
Wonderful work! That is the type of info that are supposed to be shared around the net. Disgrace on the seek engines for not positioning this put up upper! Come on over and talk over with my web site . Thanks =)
The Source Diet
Magnificent website. A lot of helpful information here. I am sending it to several pals ans additionally sharing in delicious. And certainly, thanks to your effort!
seo firm
Good day!
I think content is the most vital element of a blogging site, and you have suceed in producing a high-quality content right here. I liked browsing your content and definitely will promote it with other. SEO is yet another important part of blogging, Backlinks Master can assist you get your page to the high ranking of Google!
Extra resources
%image_title% is without a doubt the captivating!
similar website
I concur! completely with what you wrote. Good stuff. Keep it up
nokia
We still can not quite believe that I could always be one of those studying the important recommendations found on this blog. My family and I are really thankful for your generosity and for giving me the chance to pursue my own chosen career path. Many thanks for the important information I obtained from your blog.
konstrukcje budowlane
This was a very simple explanation. It would be nice if you could elaborate a bit more on your definition in the opening paragraph
Full Statement
I all the time download a complete movie in parts, that’s always existing at YouTube, for the reason that my net connection is very slow and YouTube fulfils my needs.
Ben Pharis
I enjoy, lead to I found just what I was looking for. You’ve ended my four day lengthy hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye
looking to buy a car
Hello, I merely want to mention, you’re dead wrong. Your blog didn’t make any sense.
helpful hints
With havin so much written content do you ever run into any issues of plagorism or copyright violation? My website has a lot of completely unique content I’ve either created myself or outsourced but it seems a lot of it is popping it up all over the internet without my permission. Do you know any solutions to help protect against content from being ripped off? I’d really appreciate it.
Chang Brath
I’m not sure I appreciate what you mean.
contracting jobs
My 3 calendar year aged son took a person appear at this picture and said, “look at that monkey flower.”
Wendell Grinter
It is the best time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy. I’ve read this post and if I could I desire to suggest you some interesting things or advice. Perhaps you can write next articles referring to this article. I wish to read more things about it!
Oscar Brender
{Thanks on your marvelous posting! I definitely enjoyed reading it, you’re a great author.I will ensure that I bookmark your blog and will come back from now on. I want to encourage you to definitely continue your great job, have a nice evening!|We absolutely love your blog and find almost all of your post’s to be what precisely I’m looking for. Does one offer guest writers to write content in your case? I wouldn’t mind producing a post or elaborating on a few of the subjects you write about here. Again, awesome weblog!|My partner and I stumbled over here from a different page and thought I may as well check things out. I like what I see so now i am following you. Look forward to looking at your web page for a second time.|I love what you guys are up too. Such clever work and coverage! Keep up the amazing works guys I’ve included you guys to blogroll.|Hi I am so delighted I found your blog page, I really found you by mistake, while I was browsing on Digg for something else, Anyways I am here now and would just like to say many thanks for a fantastic post and a all round enjoyable blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to look over it all at the moment but I have saved it and also added your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a great deal more, Please do keep up the excellent work.|Admiring the dedication you put into your blog and detailed information you present. It’s awesome to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same outdated rehashed material. Wonderful read! I’ve saved your site and I’m adding your RSS feeds to my Google account.|Hey there! I’ve been reading your site for a long time now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give you a shout out from Humble Tx! Just wanted to mention keep up the great job!
Louisa Magat
I’m not sure I comprehend what you mean.
Full Write-up
Nice Site , guys! Good Articles aswell. I bookmarked your site
Amiee Reineccius
I used to be more than happy to seek out this net-site.I wanted to thanks in your time for this glorious read!! I undoubtedly having fun with every little bit of it and I’ve you bookmarked to check out new stuff you weblog post.
wibrator analny
You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to be really something that I think I would never understand. It seems too complex and very broad for me. I am looking forward for your next post, I’ll try to get the hang of it!
Interior design decoration
This is way too cool
Jae Keimig
everyone wants to fuck the crazy?
Legal Services
Nice post. I was checking constantly this blog and I am impressed! Very helpful information specially the last part
I care for such information much. I was looking for this particular info for a long time. Thank you and good luck.
Rhett Clippard
I can’t say I agree with everything but it’s a great post overall.
Heath Schmader
I am really loving the theme/design of your weblog. Do you ever run into any web browser compatibility problems? A small number of my blog audience have complained about my site not working correctly in Explorer but looks great in Chrome. Do you have any solutions to help fix this issue?|I’m curious to find out what blog platform you have been working with? I’m experiencing some minor security problems with my latest blog and I’d like to find something more safeguarded. Do you have any recommendations?
Office Cleaners
Its like you read my thoughts! You appear to grasp a lot approximately this, like you wrote the e-book in it or something. I think that you could do with some percent to pressure the message home a little bit, however other than that, this is wonderful blog. A fantastic read. I’ll definitely be back.
car rental Mumbai Pune
Hi there!! Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all your posts! Carry on the fantastic work!
Get More Details
Please let me know if you’re looking for a article author for your site. You have some really good articles and I feel I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d really like to write some material for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please blast me an e-mail if interested. Thanks!
Airport Hotel
Hello Dear, are you genuinely visiting this website regularly, if so then you will definitely take nice knowledge.|
Compare Airfares
Hi there!! Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all your posts! Carry on the fantastic work!
www.assurance-animaux.fr
Merely wanna remark that you have a very decent site, I enjoy the design it really stands out.
local search engines
This is an excellent final result, and the details you go into are great.
hd
I really like your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you design this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you? Plz reply as I’m looking to design my own blog and would like to find out where u got this from. thanks
vidéo francaise porno
By my observation, shopping for electronic products online may be easily expensive, however there are some tricks and tips that you can use to help you get the best things. There are often ways to obtain discount offers that could help make one to ge thet best electronics products at the smallest prices. Interesting blog post. l10vr42t