Starting to dig the quinzee. I had piled the snow the day before so it would have plenty of time to set.    Ithaca -- 2/26/2011

Getting an initial space inside is the hardest part.    Ithaca -- 2/26/2011

Once you are in, just send out blocks of snow.    Ithaca -- 2/26/2011

One person on the outside taking pictures (and ready to help if it collapses).    Ithaca -- 2/26/2011

It is easier once you have enough room to sit up.    Ithaca -- 2/26/2011

When you see sunlight filtering from the outside, stop digging. This gives you walls 8" to 12" thick. You can also push a bunch of 10" sticks in from the outside and use those to gauge wall thickness.    Ithaca -- 2/26/2011

Snowhenge!!!!    Ithaca -- 2/26/2011

You have to crawl through the entrance.    Ithaca -- 2/26/2011

Ideally the entrance is below the level where you sleep. You stay warmer since your warm air can't escape (except through a few air holes). We didn't have enough depth to dig the entrance that low.    Ithaca -- 2/26/2011

Lying down checking the length. The interior was about 9'x5' and tall enough for me to sit up.    Ithaca -- 2/26/2011

Inside the quinzee.    Ithaca -- 2/26/2011

A short handled shovel with a metal blade is absolutely crucial.    Ithaca -- 2/26/2011

Inside the quinzee.    Ithaca -- 2/26/2011

Inside the quinzee.    Ithaca -- 2/26/2011

Coming out.    Ithaca -- 2/26/2011

A full moon on the solstice will shine through snowhenge and illuminate the entrance to the sacred quinzee!    Ithaca -- 2/26/2011

Waking the next morning. The whole quinzee settled a bit overnight. We definitely had less headroom in the morning.    Ithaca -- 2/27/2011

Good Morning!    Ithaca -- 2/27/2011