An igloo house is a dome-shaped shelter traditionally built from compacted snow blocks by Inuit and other Indigenous peoples in Arctic regions, designed to stay surprisingly warm inside despite freezing temperatures outside.

What is an igloo house?

An igloo (from the Inuit word “iglu,” meaning house) is a snow house used as a temporary winter home or shelter, especially during hunting trips in Arctic areas like Canada and Greenland.

It is usually built in a circular layout, with snow blocks stacked in a spiral that curves inward to form a self-supporting dome.

Inside, the snow acts as insulation, trapping body heat and keeping temperatures much warmer than the outside air.

Despite being made of snow and ice, a well-built igloo can be comfortable enough to sleep in and cook in, with proper ventilation.

Key features of an igloo house

  • Dome-shaped design that evenly distributes weight and resists strong Arctic winds.
  • Built from compacted snow blocks cut and shaped so they interlock tightly.
  • Joints and gaps filled with loose snow to block drafts and increase insulation.
  • Often includes:
    • A low entrance tunnel that keeps cold air near the floor.
* Slightly raised sleeping platforms to stay in the warmest air.

* Small vents or openings to let smoke and moisture escape safely.

How does an igloo stay warm?

Snow traps air inside its structure, making it a good insulator, so the inner surfaces of an igloo can stay close to freezing while outside temperatures may be far below zero.

Body heat, small oil lamps, or compact heaters slightly warm the interior, and the dome shape helps keep that warmth circulating above the sleeping area.

Over time, a thin inner layer of snow may melt slightly and then refreeze, creating an ice-like crust that strengthens the structure while still keeping its insulating snow layer behind it.

Traditional vs modern “igloo houses”

Historically, igloos were practical shelters, not tourist attractions, used mainly in certain Arctic coastal and inland areas where wind-packed snow was ideal for construction.

In summer, many Inuit groups used tents made of animal skins and, later, fabric instead of snow houses.

Today, the term “igloo house” can also refer to:

  • Tourist igloos (glass or snow domes) for northern lights viewing and Arctic travel experiences.
  • Dome-shaped cabins or structures inspired by igloos but built from modern materials like plastic, wood, or glass.

These modern versions borrow the iconic dome look but are usually designed as short-stay accommodations or unique hotels rather than long-term homes.

Mini FAQ: common questions

  1. Is an igloo always made of snow?
    Traditionally, yes, but the word can also mean any dome-shaped building in modern usage.
  1. Do people still live in igloos year-round?
    No; they are mainly temporary or ceremonial structures now, with most Arctic residents living in modern housing.
  1. Can an igloo melt from the inside heat?
    A little melting can happen, but it often refreezes as a thin internal shell that strengthens the igloo, as long as heating stays modest.

TL;DR: An igloo house is a traditional dome-shaped snow shelter from Arctic Indigenous cultures, built with compacted snow blocks that insulate so well the inside stays livable even in extreme cold.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.