World record in traditional igloo building
To mark the 20th anniversary of the igloo villages, Iglu-Dorf GmbH launched an extraordinary project: an attempt to set a world record in classic igloo construction. The goal was to build an igloo with a diameter of 13 meters and an interior height of 10.5 meters, making it the largest snow igloo in the world.
How was the world record igloo built?
A snow groomer pushed the snow together, and snow bricks were cut from it using a chainsaw. These were used to build the igloo row by row. Above a certain height, this was of course only possible with scaffolding.
The shape was calculated by Pierre Dalban's company GEOTEST, based on RICHARD L. HANDY's “The Igloo and the Natural Bridge as Ultimate Structures.” GPS signals were sent from the roof of the igloo to Regensdorf, where the company BSF Swissphoto monitored the height. They were supported in this by the company Planax from Zermatt
After completion of the construction, ice and snow artists decorated the interior of the world record igloo, creating a beautiful ice lounge and snow art on the walls to marvel at.
Facts about igloo building
📍 Location of the world record: Rotenboden, Gornergrat ski resort in Zermatt
🚧 Construction period with interior work: January 10–29, 2016
🏆 New world record: diameter 13 m, interior height 10.5 m, exterior diameter 19 m, exterior height 11.5 m
🧊 Number of snow bricks used: 1,387
📏 Size of snow bricks: 40 x 60 x 20 cm (H x W x D)
🏋️ Weight per block: 35 to 40 kg
👷 Number of people involved in construction: up to 14 people
⏳ Construction time: 11 days
🕐 Number of construction hours: approx. 2,000 hours
Double world record
The world record in classic igloo construction has also resulted in the creation of the world's highest showroom, where Volvo is exhibiting the new XC 90. Transporting the exhibition model by helicopter alone was a logistical masterpiece and promised plenty of action.
Our world record partners
In addition to main partner Volvo, STIHL, Gornergratbahn, and Matterhorn Zermatt Bergbahnen AG were also involved in the world record attempt. They generously supported the transport of the necessary materials and manpower.
Interesse an einem Schneeprojekt?
Wenn auch Sie Interesse an einer kreativen Schneeprojekt haben und Ihre Marke in einem aussergewöhnlichen Umfeld erlebbar machen möchten, freuen wir uns über Ihre Kontaktaufnahme.