In cold weather snow is your friend. Water is much easier to manage in the solid state. Snow can be a wind barrier. But most important snow is insulation. I have snow camped with a guy that carries only a 20 degree bag.
At high altitude tents get a substantial solar temperature gain. On sunny days they turn into mini saunas.
Ice is evil and offers very little insulation. Snow is your friend.
If your winters include deep snow then use what nature gives you and make a snow shelter.
My avatar was taken in January at 11,700 feet.
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