How to Pitch a Tent in Deep Snow

With CanvasCamp, we embarked on an adventure to test our gear, knowledge, and perseverance at 2,700m (9,000 ft) in the heart of the Rockies. Here’s what the mountain taught us about setting up a Sibley 500 tent in one meter of powder snow at -15°C.

A meter of fine powder snow in February makes it impossible to drive tent stakes into the ground. That’s why we used Deadman Anchors. This technique provides a solid and reliable anchor point, even in loose snow where regular tent stakes fail. The solution? Check it out! 

• When the ground is covered with a thick layer of snow and ordinary stakes cannot gain traction.
• In sandy areas where stakes are easily dislodged by the wind.
• Where wet ground cannot securely hold stakes.
• During stormy weather requiring extra anchoring.

Using Deadman Anchors offers several benefits:

• Reliability: Provides better holding power than standard stakes in loose soil.
• Flexibility: Can be made using various materials such as branches, stones, or bags filled with sand.
• Wind Resistance: Helps prevent tents from being blown away by strong gusts.

Here’s how we set up our tent:

1. Choose the Location 

We picked a site with enough trees to shield against the wind and a stunning view of Byers Peak in the Rockies.

2. Prepare the Ground 

• Walk, stomp, and dance around to compact the snow where the tent will stand.
• Let the snow settle (about an hour, depending on the temperature).
• Allow the sun to slightly melt the snow, which then refroze to create a surprisingly flat surface—the essential base for stable pitching.

3. Gather Your Anchors 

• Cut or collect solid anchors: sturdy sticks at least 40 cm long, one for each attachment point (groundsheet and guy lines). We used firewood blocks.
• Cut paracord or other strong rope into 1-meter pieces, one for each anchor.

4. Lay Out the Tent 

Unpack and roll out the tent at the center of the chosen location.

5. Dig the Holes 

Dig pits approximately 40 cm deep and as long as your anchor, 30 cm away from each groundsheet ring and 180 cm away from the tent for the guy lines, aligned with the seams.

6. Install Deadman Anchors 

• Lay the paracord evenly in each pit and place the anchor on top, perpendicular to the paracord and parallel to the tent.
• Bury the anchor, ensuring the ends of the paracord stick out above the snow. Compact the snow firmly and let it refreeze.

7. Secure the Tent 

• Use a sawing motion to tighten the paracord against the anchor.
• Tie a loop at the end of the paracord for the groundsheet, securing it to the groundsheet’s rings with a simple half knot. Ensure the groundsheet is taut all around.

8. Set Up the Poles 

• Place the center pole in the tent, positioning its base on a large, sturdy plank (about 40 cm x 40 cm) to prevent it from sinking into the snow.
• Install the A-frame door pole.

9. Attach the Guy Lines 

• Tie a loop at the end of the paracord for the guy lines, securing it with a simple half knot.
• Ensure the tent’s fabric is taut all around.
• Periodically tighten the guy lines as the tent settles into the snow.

Camping on snow is a one-of-a-kind experience we will cherish for years. To test the durability of the anchors and our tent, we decided to leave them in place for several weeks after our trip. A storm with winds reaching 90 km/h (and reportedly gusts up to 110 km/h) swept through the valley, toppling trees and power lines less than 100 meters away. The Sibley 500 remained fully intact, without a single tear, fallen pole, or snapped guy line.