Build your own igloo

Step 1: First trample down a patch of snow four to five times the area of your proposed igloo Photograph: Dixe Wills

Step 2: Dig out blocks with a shovel Photograph: Dixe Wills

Step 3: Your blocks don't have to be neat, but must be compact Photograph: Dixe Wills

Step 4: Make sure the ground is good and trampled and you are ready to put your blocks around it Photograph: Dixe Wills

Step 5: Dig out the floor of the igloo to give it further depth Photograph: Dixe Wills

Step 6: Fashion a slope down to a south facing entrance beneath the level of the wall Photograph: Dixe Wills

Step 7: Continue placing blocks, all of which should be inclining slightly inwards Photograph: Dixe Wills

Step 8: Get out of your igloo and place the final block on top Photograph: Dixe Wills

Step 9: Have your minions shovel snow onto the outside to fill any holes Photograph: Dixe Wills

Step 10: Play with your shadow for a few moments to show just who's in charge Photograph: Dixe Wills

Step 11: Et voila! A perfect shape is less important than it being windproof Photograph: Dixe Wills

Step 12: Send a small child in first to make sure all is well inside

·With thanks to Gregoire of Twinner, La Rosiere, France Photograph: Dixe Wills