If you ever find yourself stranded in winter conditions without a way to get out, here are some important things to keep in mind.
1. Shelter is the #1 priority. Without a proper shelter you are subject to hypothermia or worse.
If you have a car, stay with it if safe to do so as it provides decent shelter. Cars are also fairly easy for rescuers to find. However a building/cabin is even better, especially if you can heat it up. If the vehicle gets buried in snow, do not run the engine, as this can force deadly carbon monoxide inside. It is better to shut off the engine and keep the doors and windows closed than to go outside and dig the car out. If the car gets buried in snow, it will add a layer of insulation and keep the inside warmer.
Next best shelter is a cave because larger caves have fairly consistent temperatures and provide good protection from the elements.
The next best idea is to build a snow cave. These can be surprisingly warm because they hold your own heat in. Here is an example of a little snow cave a guy built in his front yard.
If you can’t build a snow cave than try to build any other kind of temporary shelter that you can from available materials.
Once you have shelter figured out, try to get a fire going. Don’t eat snow directly – try to melt it first. This will help prevent you from chilling your insides.
Than wait for rescue. If you protect yourself with shelter and warm yourself with fire your chances of being found alive are quite good.
