Snowed In? Here's How to Make the Best Snow Fort on the Block

Are you snowed in, and is cabin fever taking over? Don’t let it; grab your mittens, head outside, and embrace your inner snow architect!

Forget igloos, folks—we’re talking about snow forts, the ultimate childhood (and let’s face it, adult) winter dream. Whether you’re building a cozy fortress to fend off imaginary dragons or just looking to create the next masterpiece, this is your chance to take charge and have some fun.

As the old saying goes, when life gives you snow, you make snow forts! So, pile up that snow, gather your team (your children and pets), and let’s get started on creating the best fort the block has ever seen!

Building the Ultimate Snow Fort

What you need:

• Shovels (small and large)
• Buckets
• Sleds
• Storage bins (for shaping and stacking snow blocks like a pro)
• A snow scoop or ice scraper (for finer detailing and smoothing out surfaces)
• Waterproof gloves
• Spray bottles (filled with water to solidify walls once they’re built)
• Food colouring (to give your fort a pop of personality… rainbow walls, anyone?)

Optional: A tarp or cardboard to create flat, smooth sections or support for roofs and other advanced features.

Step 1: Choose the Perfect Spot

1. Find a flat, open area with plenty of snow; brownie points if the snow is already somewhat compacted, as it’s easier to shape and stack. Compact snow not only saves time during building but also makes the walls sturdier right from the start, reducing the risk of collapse.
2. Clear the area. Grab your shovel or enlist some helping hands to remove loose, powdery snow. For larger areas or heavy snowfalls, consider a snow removal service to save time and effort. You want to spend your energy building, not breaking your back.
3. Pack down the base layer of snow before you start building to ensure your foundation is level and solid, giving your fort better longevity.

Pro Tip: Steer clear of buildings near roads, driveways, or under trees. Not only is this safer (no one wants falling branches or a plough crashing the party), but it also keeps your fort protected from dirt and debris.

Step 2: Plan Your Design

Looking for inspiration? Check out these awesome snow forts on Pinterest!

1. Decide on must-have features: sturdy walls, grandiose rooms, tunnels for crawling, or maybe even an arched entrance fit for royalty.
2. For added stability, consider layering snow bricks in a staggered pattern, just like real brick walls. This technique will make your structure more durable against the elements.
3. Keep the design practical. If you’re working with younger kids, avoid complicated layouts and stick to simple, fun shapes.
4. Remember to leave enough space for everyone to move around comfortably without knocking down walls or features.

Step 3: Start Building the Walls

Now comes the heart of your fort – the walls!

1. Start by packing snow into buckets, storage bins, or moulds to create snow bricks. These make for a sturdier structure compared to loose piles of snow.
2. Compact the snow tightly into your moulds and turn them out carefully to form uniform blocks. Think of it as creating Lego bricks before you start building the actual building.
3. Next, begin stacking your snow bricks in a circular or rectangular shape, depending on your design.
4. Now, use a spray bottle filled with water to mist between each layer of bricks. The water freezes and acts as a "mortar," keeping your fort sturdy even during heated snowball fights.
5. As you build, pack extra snow into gaps and crevices to strengthen the walls. Be sure to slope the walls slightly inward for added stability and to prevent accidental collapses. By the time you’re done, your fort will be as solid as Elsa’s snow castle.

Step 4: Add Advanced Features

Once the walls are standing tall, it’s time to give your snow fort that extra bit that makes it more than just a structure.

1. Everyone loves tunnels – dig carefully under your walls to connect different sections of the fort. Add battlements (small raised sections on top of the walls) for the extra medieval vibe. They make for excellent defences in snowball fights.
2. Feeling adventurous? Add a roof! Create an arched structure with snow blocks, or use a tarp draped over the fort and cover it with snow for a seamless look. This is a little tricky and could bring your fort down if the walls aren’t as strong as they should be. So, exercise caution when installing a roof.
3. Inside the fort, carve out a snow bench or seats for a hangout spot. Decorate with icicles, snow sculptures, or flags made from sticks and fabric. Embed coloured LED lights into the walls for that magical effect during sunsets.

Step 5: Keep It Safe and Fun

Safety is key when constructing and enjoying your snowy fortress.

1. Avoid making walls too tall or roofs too heavy. This increases the risk of collapses. If you’re digging tunnels, keep them shallow and wide to maintain stability.
2. Supervise kids closely and remind them that forts are for fun, not roughhousing.
3. Inspect your fort regularly, especially after heavy snowfall or temperature swings. Reinforce any weak spots by packing fresh snow into cracks or gaps. For added safety, keep a shovel handy to clear new snow off roofs or battlements.

Above all, keep the fun alive! Snow forts are about creativity and laughter, so let everyone pitch in with ideas and building efforts. With a few precautions, your fort will be a masterpiece—and a safe place to make lasting winter memories.

Build Memories – Not Just Forts

Building the ultimate snow fort starts with the perfect canvas – a clean, managed yard. While you focus on crafting tunnels and walls worthy of royalty, let Green Drop handle the tough part: clearing the extra snow. Whether it’s creating space for your masterpiece or ensuring the rest of your property stays safe and accessible, we’ve got you covered.

We get booked out fast, so be sure to book your snow removal earlier in the season!