In reply to UKC Articles:
Marking your shelter with crossed trekking poles is a good idea.
I've also dug a simple slot straight into a steep slope, just deep enough/far enough back to sit in. Three of us sat in a line like this with packs in front, it really warmed us up and kept the wind off us until the sun came up
I had every intention of building a snow shelter this christmas but decided that adding a snow shovel to my pack, plus the time and energy for one person to construct a "liveable" shelter wasn't worth it and I'd be better off with my tent. Would you say that was the right choice?