In early August, we set out to build an igloo for basecamp, inspired by a young crew who’d built a multi-room shelter the past two seasons. Armed with a "How To" guide, we assumed we'd have it done by nightfall. But we didn’t count on the challenge of building on a slope or the unusually warm conditions that slowed the snow block freezing. By 2am, our wall was barely waist-high, but we had shelter, a good whiskey, and stunning stargazing to keep us going.
By the next morning, we were back at it, and by the following weekend, we had a fully finished igloo. The inside glowed warmly with candlelight, and the insulation and sound-deadening qualities made it the best sleep I’d ever had in the alpine.
The next day,…
