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Tips and tricks for building an epic, unforgettable snowman this winter
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When winter comes with heavy snow, it’s time to get out there and build a snowman! It’s simple to roll up three snowballs: one large, one medium, and one small. Stack them up with the biggest on bottom and the smallest on top for the head. Then let your creative side run wild by decorating the snowman with a face, clothing, arms, and any accessories that you want!

How to Build a Snowman: Quick Steps

Make a snowball and roll it on the ground until it's large enough to be the base of your snowman. Make a second, smaller snowball and stack it on the base to create the midsection. Make a third, even smaller snowball and stack it on midsection to create the head. Use branches to give your snowman arms, and use rocks for the eyes and a carrot as the nose.

1

Find a flat spot with wet, packy snow.

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  1. Go out to the snow and scoop some up between both of your hands. Press it together, and if it forms into a ball, you’ll be able to make a snowman. If your snow is too fluffy or powdery, or if the snow is too slushy, you will not be able to make a snowman.[1]
    • If the snowball falls apart, it’s no good for making a snowman.
    • Making the snowman close to a building also provides shade for some of the day. Shade can make your snowman last longer because it isn’t sitting out in the sun all day.
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3

Roll the snowball on the ground to form the bottom section.

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  1. Set the snowball on the ground and begin rolling it forward. Change the direction you’re rolling the ball frequently to avoid making it into a cylinder. Keep rolling until the ball is about 3 feet (90 cm) wide.[2]
    • Pat your snowball together every so often to keep excess snow from falling off.
    • Stop rolling the snowball in the spot where you want to build your snowman. Make sure you start somewhere near that spot, and roll the ball so that you end up there.
    • It often works well to roll the ball in a large spiral, but take note that this will leave an obvious pattern in the snow.
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4

Make a second smaller snowball for the middle section.

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5

Set the middle section on the bottom section.

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  1. Depending on how big you are, have someone help you lift the large ball. Bend your knees and be sure to stand up with your legs rather than your back. Pick it up and gently set it on the bottom section. Make sure that it sits right in the center of the bottom ball.
    • It helps if you flatten the top side of the bottom ball and flatten the bottom side of the middle ball. This helps the middle section sit firmly on the bottom section.
    • If you want to make a shorter snowman, then stop after adding the second snowball and use it as the head.
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9

Use buttons, pebbles, or charcoal for eyes.

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11

Add 2 sticks for the snowman’s arms.

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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    How can I add color to my snowman?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Add a few drops of food coloring to a spray bottle full of water, secure the lid, and shake thoroughly. Then, spray the food coloring mixture onto the desired areas of your snowman.
  • Question
    Can I make a snowman have an icicle as a nose?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes, just get the icicle and put it in where your want the nose to be do the same as you would do with a carrot.
  • Question
    I tried last year, but every time I tried to roll it, some snow fell off. Why?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    It may be because the snow wasn't compact enough or moist enough. You can add freezing water to fluffy snow to help it stay in one piece.
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Tips

  • Build multiple snowmen to create a snowman family in your yard. Try to vary the sizes and decorations on each one so they all look unique.

Tips from our Readers

  • You can also make a mini snowman by limiting the size of the snowballs. Try using a baby carrot for the nose and smaller buttons for the mouth and eyes.
  • When you destroy your snowman, make a snowball fight out of it!
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About This Article

Hunter Rising
Co-authored by:
wikiHow Staff Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Hunter Rising is a wikiHow Staff Writer based in Los Angeles. He has more than three years of experience writing for and working with wikiHow. Hunter holds a BFA in Entertainment Design from the University of Wisconsin - Stout and a Minor in English Writing. This article has been viewed 746,615 times.
12 votes - 77%
Co-authors: 107
Updated: December 22, 2024
Views: 746,615
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 746,615 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Lily Malhotra

    Lily Malhotra

    Dec 21, 2016

    "I really liked this website. It helped me make a snowman. I didn't know that what to keep in his body, then I..." more
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