"What's a quinzee?" you ask. It's a simple snow shelter that's suitable for sleeping, and can be a lifesaver if you're trying to survive in harsh winter conditions. A quinzee hut is similar to an igloo in that it uses the insulating properties of snow (which holds lots of air) for warmth, but it's built in an entirely different method.
The first step is to pile up a large mound of snow in the shape of an igloo. How big a pile? I've heard estimates of 8--10' in diameter for a two-person hut, and 10--12' for up to four people. Most experts recommend no more than four people per quinzee because it can be too demanding building a bigger structure. Make the pile big enough that you can imagine you and any "guests" fitting comfortably inside. Remember, your snow cave is a temporary structure for shelter and possibly sleeping. You don't need room for furniture or dancing, so don't overdue it. You'll only exhaust yourself and get too sweaty, and you don't want wet clothes if you're trying to survive winter conditions.
Once your pile seems adequate, sit back and wait. Your quinzee needs to harden through a process called sintering, when temperature variations cause snow grains to cluster and bond together. This can take a couple of hours, but the process will be faster the colder it is outside. Then it's time to hollow out the pile.
First, gather a pile of sturdy sticks approximately 1' to 1-1/2' in length (measure them against your arm, from the tips of your fingers to your elbow). Jab them into a scattered pattern all over your quinzee until it looks like a snow-covered hedgehog, leaving about 3--4" of each stick protruding. These sticks will be the guides for the thickness of your cave walls. Now start digging an entrance at ground level. As you make your way inside, slant upwards to create a raised sleeping platform. Hot air rises, so this will allow the cold air to flow down and out while you're sleeping. Pile up the excavated snow on the sides of your entrance to create a windbreak. When you hit one of the sticks inserted into the walls, it's time to move to another spot. Smooth the ceiling as much as possible, then burn a candle (if you have one) in the center of the floor to glaze the interior surfaces. A thin crust will build up on the walls and ceiling, so you'll need to punch some ventilation holes with a stick and keep them clear. If you have a tent or tarp, lay it down on the floor. You can carve a shelf on a wall to keep your candle out of the way. Temperatures inside a snow shelter can be 32 degrees or warmer even when the outside temperature is -40 degrees. A candle makes it even toastier!