The Process Page

Step 1:     Start with a large pile of clean snow.  Take snow and place into sled. Add about a half bucket of water to each sled of snow in order for the snow to stick together.

Step 2:      Mold the snow so it conforms with what is intended to be made

(note:  using forms can ease the process. i.e. buckets or wood.)

Step 3:    The columns can be a complicated process. Getting them perfectly straight up and down can be a challenge. One way to do them is by freezing buckets of water overnight. Once frozen, remove the ice cylinders using hot water. (note: The ice cylinders must be completely frozen)        To make a column, stack the ice cylinders one on top of each other. In between each of the ice cylinders, add the snow/water mixture to reinforce the column. The snow/water mix acts like the mortar between bricks. if one is making a tall column, it is wise to wait a half hour per foot of column to allow for the column to freeze and not topple over. 

Step 4:     Arching is one of the most challenging aspects in making an ice castle. It requires a lot of time and patents. I would suggest that at least a half hour be waited for every 1 foot or arch. One way I have done arches in the past involves using ice slabs. To make an ice slab, just let the snow/water mixture freeze overnight or longer (using enough water to saturate the snow). Make sure that the ice slab is completely frozen before you remove it from the sled. Bring the ice slab in between two columns. Pack the snow/water mixture in between to secure the ice slab in place. Once the slab is secure, form the snow in the shape of an arch to give the structure added strength.

Step 5:    Once the basics of the building are complete, multiple stories to the ice structure can be added. Make sure that the floor is thick enough so that many people can walk on it. I would suggest that the floor be at least 10" to 12" thick. Make sure that the all arches, pillars, and floors are completely frozen before applying pressure to them. The process from now on repeats itself as the height increases.

Step 6:    Delicate work: to make the railings, I would suggest that enough time be allowed for mistakes because they will happen!  Start first with the simple railings. I would suggest making small pillars of       about 6" in diameter laying on the ground first using the snow/water technique. Once the pillar is formed laying on the ground, take a garden spade and free it from the ground. Bring the little pillar and place it upright where desired. Once the pillars are in place, let them freeze. Once the upright pillars are completely frozen, add a horizontal column to make the railing using the same snow/water technique. Once a level of skill is acquired, more elaborate forms of railings (such as the one seen) can be built.