Quick Answer
To make a winter shelter with natural materials, gather branches and leaves, then construct a lean-to or debris hut, securing it with guy lines and weighing down the roof with rocks. Use snow to insulate the shelter and protect it from wind. This will provide a basic form of protection from the elements.
Gathering Materials
When gathering materials for your winter shelter, look for sturdy branches at least 2 inches in diameter and 8-10 feet long. These will serve as the frame of your lean-to or debris hut. Also, collect pine needles, leaves, or grasses to use as insulation and bedding. If it’s snowing, collect snow to use as a secondary insulator. Be prepared to spend at least 30 minutes gathering materials.
Constructing the Shelter
Construct your lean-to by placing two sturdy branches parallel to each other on the ground, and then leaning two more branches against them, creating a slope for the roof. Secure the frame with guy lines made from vines or branches. If building a debris hut, create a dome-shaped structure using smaller sticks and branches. Weigh down the roof with rocks to prevent snow from accumulating and causing the structure to collapse.
Insulating and Waterproofing
Use snow to insulate the shelter, packing it around the frame and under the roof to protect you from wind and cold. Then, use pine needles, leaves, or grasses to line the interior of the shelter, creating a dry and relatively warm space. If it’s raining or snowing, use a tarp or plastic bag to waterproof the shelter. Secure it with rocks or sticks to prevent it from blowing away.
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