Quick Tips For Building An Amazing Winter Snow Fort

Are you ready to awe your neighbors this winter? Are you thinking about launching a sneak snowball attack from the ultimate home base? Here are five tips for building a snow fort.

Prepare your space and equipment

No matter what your final fort will look like, some basic prep work will help it to last.  Trace the perimeter of your structure in the snow with a stick, or handle. If a ton of snow fell, go ahead and draw a four-walled fort. However, if you have less snow, stick with a smaller design that utilizes a single wall with short wings to use for cover.

To create the bricks for your fort, look for items that are easy to fill, and a uniform shape. Some ideas are a beach pail, a plastic storage box, or a cooler.  Gather your molds, and a yardstick for getting the snow out more easily.

Construct your bricks

Pack snow into your container. Wet snow works the best. If your snow is powdery, try to start with snow that is near buildings or landscaping, as this tends to be wetter.  Pack the snow down tightly to ensure your brick stays together when you unmold it.

Fill your space

Start building your fort by placing your bricks around the perimeter you drew earlier. Leave a few inches between each block, and then stack the next layer like a brick wall, with the upper brick overlapping two lower bricks. Once you have your bricks in place, fill in the gaps with additional snow to bolster your walls.

Smooth the walls

The side of a snow shovel, a plastic lid, or a trowel can all be used for this step.  Your goal is to make the walls of the fort smooth, and slanted slightly. Think about the sides of a pyramid, and go for that look for extra strength.

Make ice

Dump buckets of cold water over the entire fort, starting at the bottom and working your way up.  As this water freezes, you will create an ice layer that will help your fort withstand snowball attacks.

Now that you have created the ultimate snow fort, you can start stockpiling snowballs so you are ready for battle whenever the opportunity arises.

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Finding The Best Ski Resorts Near Salt Lake City In Utah

Utah is and always has been a favorite destination for skiers. Favorable weather conditions in the mountainous regions provide ample amounts of light, dry snow ideal for skiers and snowboarders. With so many great options in such a concentrated area, it can be challenging for winter sports enthusiasts to decide where to go. The following is a list of some of the best ski resorts near Salt Lake City.

Other ski resorts in the state are bigger than Deer Valley but none is more luxurious. In fact, SKI Magazine readers voted this resort number one for three consecutive years beginning in 2008. Deer Valley operates the most lifts and offers terrain suitable for skiers of all skill levels.

With no less than eight mountains to explore, Canyons Resort is the largest in Utah. The resort has renovated the condos and lodges over the past several years and offers superb dining options, including Slopes by Talisker and The Farm.

Founded by legendary actor Robert Redford, Sundance is at the opposite end of the spectrum from Canyons Resort when compared in size. The fact that the crowds are smaller is exactly what makes this resort appealing to so many skiers. Located in Provo Canyon, Sundance offers a relaxing environment and first-rate lodging and dining.

Park City Mountain Resort rivals Canyons Resort in size and offers skiers the most intermediate terrain. Beginners can sign up for classes with some of the most talented instructors in the world. The resort is home to large terrain and halfpipe parks with a variety of ramps and jumps for snowboarders and skiers who want to do more than just glide downhill.

Snowbird is located in Little Cottonwood Canyon and receives more snow than most of the other Utah resorts. This often allows skiers to enjoy an extended season until May or sometimes June. With so many challenging runs, Snowbird is a great option for advanced athletes.

Skiers of all ages and skill levels can find a suitable resort in Salt Lake City. All of the ones listed here are within a one-hour drive making it possible for skiers and snowboarders to mountain hop to different locations quickly and easily.

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