Build your own igloo
Igloo building on the Schwägalp
Under expert guidance you cut blocks of snow and build your own igloo to sleep in. A simple picnic for lunch interrupts the construction phase before the first domes of snow are completed. The dinner in the self-made snow kitchen invites you to enjoy your meal in a unique setting. In the morning, the participants fortify themselves with an Eskimo breakfast and enjoy hot coffee before heading back. You will learn how to build your own home for one night using natural resources.
Inclusive
Management, support & organisation, construction and dismantling of the infrastructure, rental snowshoes, lunch, technical equipment, fondue in the snow kitchen, tea, overnight stay in the igloo and Eskimo breakfast, material transport from Teufen
Exclusive
beverages
Program
| Samstag, 11 Uhr | Welcome to guests Introduction to igloo and quinzee building Hike towards Wideralp |
| Saturday, around 12 noon | Determine the building site Construction of the dwellings and kitchen with 'refrigerator' |
| Saturday, around 1 p.m. | Lunch Continuation of construction |
| Saturday, 3:30 p.m. | Relaxation program Continued construction |
| Saturday, 7 p.m. | dinner |
| Sunday, 8 a.m. | breakfast |
| Sunday, 10 a.m. | return journey |
Packing list
- Ski or trekking jacket, ski pants or warm trekking pants that are windproof
- High hiking boots, waterproofed, or snowboard boots
- Rain pants for protection against wind and weather, if necessary
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, pocket knife, etc.
- Gloves, waterproof if possible
- Head protection that covers the ears
- Gaiters or leg warmers
- Warm spare underwear, thermal underwear, and no cotton
- 2 pairs of thick spare socks
- Replacement gloves
- Spare shoes, if necessary
- Thick insulating mat and sleeping bag rated for at least 0 °C, possibly a bivouac sack
- Large backpack
- Thermos flask filled with hot tea
- Flashlight
- ski poles
- Newspaper to dry wet shoes overnight if necessary
- Toiletries
Your guide
Stephen Häberli
As founder and visionary, Stephen is the driving force behind Topaz. Snow sports are his great passion. He has loved snow since childhood, and with over 30 years of experience in snowshoe hiking and igloo building, he skillfully guides participants through the day.
Meeting point
The adventure starts at the top of the Schwägalp pass, 9107 Schwägalp (Säntis) AR. Depending on snow conditions, the location may change.
