Igloo Building
Igloo Building: a fun, unusual family activity
Winter in the mountains isn’t only about skiing! Among the most original activities, Igloo Building wins over young and old alike. Fun, educational, physical and collective, this winter activity lets you (re)discover the mountains differently, in the heart of snowy landscapes, and share a privileged family moment.
Accessible from age 5-6 with appropriate supervision by a mountain guide, igloo building is much more than a game: this back-to-basics, frosty adventure rekindles children’s imagination and awakens parents’ team spirit. Whether in the Trois Vallées or in the Paradiski area, this winter must-do is a highlight of any mountain stay.
What is igloo building?
Igloo building, also called “igloo workshop”, consists of constructing a real snow shelter, inspired by the ancestral techniques of the Inuit. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need extreme conditions or to be a survival expert to succeed: all you need is a good layer of compacted snow, professional supervision by a mountain guide and a little patience!
There are several techniques used depending on snow conditions:
- The block method: the best known. Hard snow blocks are cut with a shovel or snow saw, then laid in a rising spiral to form a dome.
- The digging method: a snow mound is dug into until a cavity is obtained. This technique is often used with children as it requires less manipulation.
- The mixed igloo: blocks and digging are combined to strengthen the structure.
Each technique helps understand notions of volume, weight and thermal resistance, while stimulating coordination and cooperation.
Where to go igloo building in the Trois Vallées?
In the world’s largest ski area, Les Trois Vallées, several resorts offer igloo building workshops supervised by guides or nature instructors.
❄️ Courchevel
Workshops for children and families are organised around the Lac de la Rosière or in the clearings near Courchevel Moriond. It’s a magical place, lined with fir trees, perfect to live the igloo experience away from the bustle of the slopes.
❄️ Méribel
In the heart of the valley, several supervised outings let you build an igloo near the Méribel leisure park, often combined with a snowshoe walk or a snack around a fire.
Where to build an igloo in Paradiski?
In the Paradiski area (La Plagne, Les Arcs, Peisey-Vallandry), several resorts offer this frosty experience.
❄️ La Plagne
La Plagne is the perfect spot to build an igloo: abundant snow, large plateaus, many wooded areas. The Plagne Centre sector or the Dou du Praz sector are particularly suited to family workshops.
❄️ Les Arcs
In Les Arcs, instructors regularly organise nature and igloo-building workshops for children. The Arcs 1800 sector, on the edge of the forests, is ideal for an immersive atmosphere. “Igloo building & hot chocolate” packages are offered during school holidays.
A fun anecdote about igloos
During an igloo-building workshop in La Plagne, a group of children decided to create an igloo with two rooms, like a real little house. After three hours of effort, the igloo had not only a main entrance but also a “living room” and a “bedroom”, separated by a snow partition! The mountain guide praised their ingenuity and renamed the workshop “igloo palace” for the rest of the season.
The best times for igloo building
Igloo building can be practised throughout the winter, provided the snow is compact enough (well-packed). Here are the ideal periods:
- January to early March: fresh snow with good density, ideal for cutting or shaping.
- During school holidays: we can offer you a family outing with the children
- In late afternoon: the low light makes the landscape magical, perfect for souvenir photos!
This activity is accessible even to non-skiers, making it ideal for grandparents or mixed-ability families.
Why rent a chalet to enjoy this activity?
Choosing a mountain chalet rental is the ideal complement to an activity like igloo building. Here’s why:
Comfort before and after the activity
After several hours in the snow, what a delight to come back to a warm chalet, a fireplace, a hot chocolate or a moment of relaxation in a hot tub.
Proximity to activity zones
Many chalets located in Les Trois Vallées or Paradiski are close to the trails and forests where igloo-building workshops take place — sometimes even directly walkable from the chalet.
Space and conviviality
By renting a family chalet, everyone can enjoy their own space while sharing unique moments after the outdoor outings: board games, films, comforting dinners… that’s the spirit of “mountain cocooning”.
Bespoke services
With a concierge service such as the one offered by Pointe de Sel, it’s even possible to include the igloo building activity in a tailor-made stay, with private supervision, transport to the site and provided refreshments.
In conclusion
Igloo building is an unforgettable winter activity: convivial, educational and immersive, it reconnects you with nature while delighting families. Whether in Les Trois Vallées or Paradiski, the French mountains are full of perfect spots to build an igloo in deep snow, in a safe and magical setting. And to live this experience in the best conditions, nothing beats a chalet stay, a cocoon of comfort and warmth in the heart of winter. Grab those shovels!
