Instructions

An instruction booklet in English and French is included with your Magic Igloo Maker moulds. It's printed here, too.

Take a few minutes and read the instructions through before you put your mittens on. (It's easier to turn the pages)

With a bit of preparation and the help of family and friends, building your igloo is easy.

The Base Ramp

Normally, Magic Igloos can range from 9 to 12 feet (3-4 meters) in diameter. Larger igloos are possible, but you should only try one after you have some experience building a regular one.

Usually, the height of an igloo will be half its diameter.

To begin, mark out your 9 to 12 foot (3-4 meters) circle on the ground and pack the area well with your feet. Build a smooth packed round ramp using snow and the bottom surface of a Magic Igloo Maker™. This ramp must rise gradually to the height of a single block
(see diagram 1).

Changing the base ramp angle

To make a standard height igloo where the height is exactly half the diameter, keep the base ramp parallel to the ground.
(see diagram 2 - 6' high 1.8 meter image).

To make an igloo where the height is more than half the diameter, adjust your base ramp angle outward slightly.
(see diagram 2 - 7' high 2.1 meter image).

To make an igloo where the height is less than half the diameter, adjust your base ramp angle inward slightly.
(see diagram 2 - 5' high 1.5 meter image).

Cutting a Doorway

Once your wall is 4 feet high (1.2m), a 2 foot (0.6m) high doorway can be cut. The height of the doorway should always be less than 1/2 the height of the wall. (see diagram 3)

If the Builder needs to get out while the igloo wall is only around 3 feet (0.9m) high it's best to cut a very low doorway and pull the Builder out by his arms.

Adding upper Blocks

As you get 2/3 of the way up and higher, shift your blocks to the left as your build so they connect tightly to each other. Blocks that don't connect tightly at this level can fall down or weaken your wall.

To do this, support the block with your left hand as you remove the Magic Igloo Maker™ with your right hand. Keep your left hand in place and push the block over slightly with your right hand.

Sometimes, blocks above 2/3 of the way up need to be reshaped to ensure a good fit. In diagram 4, note how the 'cut here' lines show where part of the last block was removed for this block to fit better. Now when the next block goes in, they fit together tightly.

The best cutting tool is the left edge of a Magic Igloo Maker™, since the edges match perfectly with the shape of a block. Although with a bit of practice a saw or knife will work almost as well.