Here's how to build a snowman that even Frosty would be proud of
How to Build a Snowman in 6 Easy Steps
Updated on Jun. 16, 2025
1. Know your snow
If you’re from a place where it regularly snows, you know there’s a difference between dry, powdery snow and wet, slushy snow. You also know how to build a snowman with the right type of snow—something between wet and powdery.
“You can think of the free water as the ‘glue,’” Jordy Hendrikx, a snow scientist at Montana State University, told Smithsonian. “You need enough to stick the crystals together but not too much. Otherwise, it won’t form a snowman.” If the snow is too dry, turn your garden hose to a light mist and spray the area you’d like to start building on. If it’s too wet, you might have to wait for some fresh powder before you begin your frosty construction.
2. Find the perfect location
Give your snowman the best shot at a long (albeit chilly) life by situating him someplace flat and shady. Prevent his facial features from melting down his body by facing him away from the sun’s direct rays. Ideally, your spot will be in the center of the patch of snow you plan to roll your snowballs in, allowing for ample material.
3. Get the ratio right
Help your snowman find his balance—and stay standing long enough for you to snap a wintry photo—by aiming for a 3-2-1 snowball ratio in terms of size. For example, if the lowest, sturdiest ball has a diameter of 3 feet, the middle ball would be around 2 feet, and the top ball would be 1 foot.
Also consider that the lower to the ground your snowman is, the more stable he will be.
4. Begin with a snowball, then roll
Rolling gigantic snowballs is easier said than done. Plus, it’s not necessarily the best technique when you’re teaching your kids how to build a snowman. If you do try this method out, give yourself a head start by packing your initial snowball as large as you can with your hands first. Once you have a decent-sized core, place the ball on the ground and roll it around your space until you’ve reached the desired size for the base. After you’ve rolled your first snowball, brace the area around it by packing extra snow firmly around its base to keep it from wobbling.
5. Flatten each ball
Jim Sysko, an expert snowman builder who contributed to the construction of the world’s largest snowman in the world, suggests flattening the top of each snowball before placing the next one on top. This simple step creates a more stable and even foundation for the subsequent snowball, significantly reducing the risk of a midconstruction collapse.
6. Get creative with decorations
Just because building a snowman is a classic winter activity doesn’t mean you can’t use nontraditional decorations. How to build a snowman is only as important as how to decorate a snowman. Give him a funky winter cap or drape him in an adorably ugly Christmas sweater to wear, or piece his face together using unexpected and whimsical materials you find around the house or yard.
FAQs
What’s the best temperature for building a snowman?
Ideally, the temperature should be just around or slightly below freezing (around 32 degrees Fahrenheit). This allows the snow to be wet enough to pack well but still cold enough to hold its shape.
What can I use for my snowman’s eyes and mouth?
Classic options include coal, pebbles, buttons or small twigs. Get creative with items like bottle caps, dried berries or even pieces of colorful fabric.
How can I make my snowman last longer?
Placing your snowman in a shady spot will help prevent melting. If temperatures are consistently below freezing, you can try gently spraying it with water in layers; as it freezes, it will create a thin layer of ice that can help preserve it.
Can I build a snowman on grass?
Yes, but you’ll need a significant base of snow to insulate it from the warmer ground and prevent it from melting too quickly. A thicker base is always better.
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Sources:
- Jim Sysko, civil engineer known for designing the world’s tallest snowmen
- Smithsonian Magazine: “Do You Want to Build a Snowman? Physics Can Help”
- Portland Press Herald: “Bethel remembers world’s tallest snowman”
