I built this shelter from flotsam collected from the beach.
Mountains
Mountainous areas are often surrounded by forests, so any of the shel-
ters that use trees or are mentioned in the boreal/temperate forest section
apply here as well.
A possibility in coniferous mountain forests where the snow is deep
is to dig a tree well, also known as a tree-pit shelter. Locate a tree with low-
hanging boughs and dig out the snow around the trunk until you reach
your desired depth and diameter, or until you reach the ground. Clear
away any dead bottom branches that are in the way (use them for fire-
wood). You can place evergreen boughs or other material in the bottom of
the pit for comfort and insulation.
No matter where you build your shelter in the mountains, take into
account the risk of avalanche, rockslide, or rockfall.
Shelter | 177