Q&A for How to Build a Snow Fort

Return to Full Article

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How long does it usually take to build a good-sized fort?
    Community Answer
    About one to three hours, depending on the size of the fort and how many people are building it.
  • Question
    Can I bring tacos inside the fort?
    Community Answer
    Yes. You can bring whatever you want inside your fort.
  • Question
    Can you sleep in the snow fort?
    Community Answer
    You can take a short nap if you have warm enough clothes, but you should not sleep out in the cold for an extended period.
  • Question
    Is there a way to make a roof without it collapsing?
    Community Answer
    Lay a piece of plywood over the top and shovel a couple inches of snow on it.
  • Question
    How many inches of snow should there be to build the fort?
    Community Answer
    It depends on how big you want the fort to be. For a small fort, you would need about 6 to 10 inches of snow. For a big fort, you would need anywhere from 14 inches to 20 inches.
  • Question
    Will a non-LED, four-battery night lamp work inside the snow fort?
    Community Answer
    It should work. LED does still work better, but non-LED works fine as well.
  • Question
    How can I make a snow fort if there is not a lot of snow?
    Community Answer
    Use other elements for support, like fallen branches.
  • Question
    What should I do to make it very strong from the outside so other kids can't destroy it?
    Community Answer
    Pack the snow very tightly so it cannot be destroyed.
  • Question
    How can I build a snow fort if I don't get a lot of snow?
    Community Answer
    You may just have to build a smaller fort or just a wall of snow (or a half-circle) instead of a whole fort.
  • Question
    How long will my snow fort stay?
    Community Answer
    If it doesn't get warm and met, a well-constructed fort could last for about 2 weeks.
  • Question
    I have only one arm. Can I still build a fort?
    Community Answer
    Yes. It might just take a little more time, or maybe somebody could help you.
  • Question
    How long will it take for me to take the ice out?
    Community Answer
    It depends how quickly you work. It could take less than an hour or a few hours.
  • Question
    I'm over 80. Will it take me longer to build a snow fort?
    Community Answer
    Most likely, but it depends on what kind of shape you're in. If you need to, get someone to help you.
  • Question
    What if I keep falling over?
    Community Answer
    Then you need to secure it more. Try putting something like a chair next to it, to keep it from falling while it dries.
  • Question
    Can I build one with a couple inches of snow?
    Community Answer
    Most likely, no. You would probably need a bit more snow than that to make a durable/quality fort.
  • Question
    What is the most efficient way to build a snow fort?
    Community Answer
    Follow the instructions listed in the article above.
  • Question
    How do I make traps for my snow fort?
    Community Answer
    You can partially bury a shovel and then when people step on it, snow will fly at their face.
  • Question
    Can I make a snow fort out of water?
    Community Answer
    No. If you made a fort out of water, then it would be a water fort, not a snow fort.
  • Question
    What can I do if my snow fort collapses?
    Community Answer
    Try to find where you built it and make another entrance. Or you can simply use the snow from that one and make it in another place.
  • Question
    Does the fort have to be 4 feet tall? Can it be about 3 feet so my head can poke over the top so I can throw snowballs?
    Community Answer
    Four feet is the ideal height for a snow fort, but every snow fort is different and has different needs to be met by the builder. In short, yes, a snow fort can be any size.
  • Question
    What if I don't have a basket or containers?
    Community Answer
    Use a watering can or pail.
  • Question
    How can I make snow blocks without a container?
    Community Answer
    It would also work to mold a block in your hands as you would do with a snowball, though using a container is much more effective in my experience.
  • Question
    What if I build it at school, and my mom won't let me bring food coloring?
    Community Answer
    Ask an art teacher if he or she has some watercolor paint you could use.
  • Question
    What can I do to keep my pets from knocking it over?
    Community Answer
    Keep your pet inside. If you have to let it out, then keep it away from your fort.
  • Question
    Does it have to be below freezing to build a snow fort?
    Community Answer
    Yes. If it's not below freezing, then the snow will melt.
  • Question
    Where can I get the right LED lights?
    Community Answer
    You could use some of your family's Christmas lights if you have them available. Those are most commonly LED lights.
  • Question
    How will I know if it is sturdy enough?
    Community Answer
    Make a small test wall, and punch, kick, or throw snowballs at it a few times. Use progressively more strength and you'll see how sturdy your fort is.
  • Question
    Can I eat food inside my snow fort?
    Community Answer
    Sure. You can do whatever you like inside your snow fort.
  • Question
    How can I build a snow fort with four inches of snow that isn't dense?
    Community Answer
    You probably have to wait for more snow that is dense. You need snow to work with before you can build a fort.
  • Question
    Can I build a snow fort if the snow is mushy and wet?
    Community Answer
    It is not easy. If you pack tightly enough, you can squeeze the water out of the snow and leave a clump in your hand to work with.
Ask a Question

      Return to Full Article