How to Start a Fire in The Snow

When you’re out in the woods and get caught in a snowstorm, knowing how to start a fire in the snow for survival is everything. Making a fire on top of deep snow isn’t at all difficult as you would imagine.

These tips and tricks will teach you how!

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Tips & Tricks You Must Know On How to Start a Fire in The Snow

Click here to jump to the how to start a fire in the snow infographic

What You’ll Need:

• A fire starter
• Tinder/kindling/firewood (all of which can be found out there)
• Knife
• Cooking pot
• Coffee
• Sugar

Warning!

It’s important to remember that staying too long in the freezing cold can be very dangerous. In such a situation, we suggest you get to a safe and warm place as soon as possible.

Do not try to do this if you do not have the experience or the proper equipment and clothing. You may also want to read on to learn how to build a snow shelter, just in case. Now, let’s get started!

Step 1: Prepare the Ground

Flatten the ground a little bit. If you don’t, the platform will move one way or another because of the fluffy snow. Stamp it down to get the air out, and this will make the surface as even and as level as possible.

Step 2: Gather Firewood and Kindling

Get some wood for kindling and to create a platform. Make sure to include twigs and branches as they make good firewood for building a good fire. A few rocks for the platform is also a good idea.

Knowing a few fire-starting methods is extremely helpful in such situations.

Step 3: Make a Tripod for Campfire Cooking

Look for a stick with a Y-branch. Cut it a little shorter than the legs of the tripod. We will use the branch upside down, so the Y will act as a hook to hang on top of the tripod.

Cut a notch on the other end. This will be our pot hanger. Use three long sticks for the tripod, then tie them together at the top.

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Step 4: Start Making a Fire

This is how to make a fire with sticks, branches, and wood you’ve gathered. Note the position of the tinder over the firewood. The firewood piled side by side is actually our platform.

You can place your tinder at the center of the platform. Light up your firestarter with the tinder and keep adding a few more as the tinder starts to catch fire.

Gently stack some dried branches over the burning tinder, making sure not to put weight over it. Continue adding firewood to build the fire. Do not pack it too tightly or you will block oxygen that helps keep the fire burning.

As soon as you get a great fire going, you can prop your makeshift tripod to start heating up some water or food.

Step 5: Let’s Get Cooking

For this demo, we’ll be preparing coffee, so we are going to boil some water from snow. Make several snowballs, seeing to it that the snow is compacted thoroughly to reduce the air and increase the water content.

Remember, snow is 90% air and only 10% water. Put the balls into the pot, then wait for it to boil. When the water boils, remove the pot from the fire. This way, the pot hanger prevents it from getting burned.

Add coffee and sugar, and mix well. Put the pot back over the fire to warm the coffee.

Step 6: Enjoy Your Hot Cup of Coffee!

Here’s an infographic guide about how to start a fire in the snow. Feel free to download, save and share it with your loved ones:

Pour the hot coffee into your cup and enjoy!

Watch this video by Bushcraft Bartons on how to create a fire on top of deep snow:

Along with warmth, fire provides warm food and even hot coffee, which ensures the survival of your spirit, right? This is why the ability to make fire wherever you are with whatever is available is an essential survival skill.

Never get caught in the snow without this essential survival and camping skill!

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Have you ever tried making a fire or a campfire in the snow before? Share your experience with us in the comments section below!

Up Next: 

• 13 Winter Survival Methods To Keep You Warm
• How to Start a Fire Without Matches
• Instant Mashed Potatoes: Awesome Survival Food?

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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on November 2018, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.