How to pitch a tent in the snow

Step 1. Select a safe spot (e.g. no avalanches, shelter from strong winds) that is also relatively level.

Step 2. Check snow depth; make sure it is deep enough for the long snow stakes.

Step 3. Make the area level (e.g. use avalanche shovel) and compact the snow with your boots, snowshoes or skis. Compacting hardens the snow so the surface under the tent will remain level when you move about inside the tent. Note: it may take about 30 minutes for the snow to harden. This step is likely to take longer than any other step.

Niels Kooijman levels the tent site and compacts the snow, DovreNiels Kooijman levels the tent site and compacts the snow, Dovrefjell, Norway Niels Kooijman and Marcel Huijser level the tent site and compacNiels Kooijman and Marcel Huijser level the tent site and compacts the snow, Dovrefjell, Norway

Step 3. Pitch the tent. In our case we doubled up 2 of the 4 poles so the tent would be better able to handle very strong winds.

Niels Kooijman and Marcel Huijser pitch the tent, Dovrefjell, NoNiels Kooijman and Marcel Huijser pitch the tent, Dovrefjell, Norway Niels Kooijman and Marcel Huijser pitch the tent, Dovrefjell, NoNiels Kooijman and Marcel Huijser pitch the tent, Dovrefjell, Norway Niels Kooijman and Marcel Huijser pitch the tent, Dovrefjell, NoNiels Kooijman and Marcel Huijser pitch the tent, Dovrefjell, Norway

Step 4. Use snow stakes. These are much longer and broader than normal tent stakes. They also have large holes in them so that the snow will freeze and harden "through" the stakes; this prevents stakes from moving in the snow. Compacting the snow around the stakes will harden the snow and secure the stakes. Note: You may have to spend some time digging out the stakes when it is time to leave and pack up your tent.

Niels Kooijman and Marcel Huijser pitch the tent, Dovrefjell, NoNiels Kooijman and Marcel Huijser pitch the tent, Dovrefjell, Norway Niels Kooijman and Marcel Huijser pitch the tent, Dovrefjell, NoNiels Kooijman and Marcel Huijser pitch the tent, Dovrefjell, Norway Step 5. Dig a pit for the stove at one of the tent entrances.

Niels Kooijman digs a pit for cooking in the snow, Dovrefjell, NNiels Kooijman digs a pit for cooking in the snow, Dovrefjell, Norway Niels Kooijman digs a pit for cooking in the snow, Dovrefjell, NNiels Kooijman digs a pit for cooking in the snow, Dovrefjell, Norway Niels Kooijman digs a pit for cooking in the snow, Dovrefjell, NNiels Kooijman digs a pit for cooking in the snow, Dovrefjell, Norway Niels Kooijman digs a pit for cooking in the snow, Dovrefjell, NNiels Kooijman digs a pit for cooking in the snow, Dovrefjell, Norway

Step 6. Put snow against the fly. This prevents snow blowing under the fly, building up on the inner tent, and potentially melting if the temperature inside the tent gets above freezing.

Niels Kooijman covers the lower edges of the tent with snow, DovNiels Kooijman covers the lower edges of the tent with snow, Dovrefjell, Norway Niels Kooijman covers the lower edges of the tent with snow, DovNiels Kooijman covers the lower edges of the tent with snow, Dovrefjell, Norway Niels Kooijman covers the lower edges of the tent with snow, DovNiels Kooijman covers the lower edges of the tent with snow, Dovrefjell, Norway

Step 7. Inspect your handy work and enjoy!

Niels Kooijman and Marcel Huijser pitch the tent, Dovrefjell, NoNiels Kooijman and Marcel Huijser pitch the tent, Dovrefjell, Norway

Second camp, Dovrefjell, NorwaySecond camp, Dovrefjell, Norway

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