Visited Winter 4Play by REI this weekend and learned how to build a Quinzee. I think perhaps my friend and I will try to build one as something to do during the day....

Wondering - if anyone builds these....

If building one -and leaving it up would violate LNT?

How about if you build one at a state park?

Should you try to destroy it when you're ready to leave - or leave it up knowing that mother nature will destroy all trace?

If you destroyed it, there would still be an unnatural pile of snow there. I kind of look at it as not being much different than leaving footprints. I wouldn't worry about leaving one behind.

build them, they will melt. Have a fire too while you are out there on the ice. Enjoy winter in the wilderness.

They are temporary. Worrying about leaving a quinzee standing would be about the same as feeling the need to sweep up your footprints.

...

I would knock it down. Then it would just be a big pile of snow and not a man made structure.

Please leave it up. It will take care of itself come Spring. You could be doing a favor by leaving it up for someone to try out. Case in point, Angleworm lake typically has several on the lake during the winter season.

Thanks guys!

Don't worry about it,I just could never sleep in a cave like structuure even tho functional. All that snow around me.

quote Pinetree: "Don't worry about it,I just could never sleep in a cave like structuure even tho functional. All that snow around me.
"

Early years in building them-- in haste and not enough time for it to "set up"-- along with no glazing from bringing in candle lantern... had few collapse on myself and buddy in the middle of the night... not fun. let them set up minimum 4 hours before digging out and glaze.

I know they claim they are warm.

quote Pinetree: "I know they claim they are warm."

Yes, yes they are...if done right.

On another note, don't try to dig a "cave" out of a drift. The snow type in Minnesota doesn't lend itself very well for this. I know it can be done but more often than not you will end up very wet from collapse.
Oh, and bring a spare change of every piece of clothes you plan on using while digging...it will end up soaking wet...but you knew that.