Snow caves has saved many lives... but I have absolutely no illutions that digging and spending the night in a cave without dedicated gear will be anywhere near comfortable.

First: Unless you're lucky enough to have 100% water proof clothing you will get wet digging. Not wet all over, but your knees, bum and boots will be wet or at least damp. Very few people hike in 100% water proof clothing because they do not breathe well enough (despite marketing statements to the contrary).

Second: You're finally inside the cave, which is much better than the outside. But you're essentially sitting still in your outdoor clothing in a big fridge (temperatures at or just above freezing). And your clothes are wet or at least damp from digging. Sure, it beats dying. But it ain't exactly a good time either.


I've slept in snow caves - but putting on my dry wool underwear, entering my warmest sleeping bag which is on two ground sheets and eating half a pound of medium/rare steak with all accessories (including red wine) has very little in common with their emergency shelter...