I stand by my recommendation for Mike and ALlen's book. Show me a better book on the subject for a newbie.

They describe snow caves & quinzhees for a reason. Those shelters are warm and great for a semi- permenant camp, but they do take most of a day to build unless ya find an ideal snowbank to burrow into.

Final advice tidbits:
1. Always take a partner until you KNOW your stuff.
2. Don't forget to pack an insulating piece (like 1/8" plywood painted with engine enamel) to go under your stove so it doesn't melt through the snow 3 ft. to the ground.
3. Put your zipped up parka over the foot of yer sleeping bag to keep yer feet warmer and melted frost from her tent wall from wetting the foot of yer bag.
4. Wear thin neoprene sox over thin poly liner sox to keep sweat from wetting yer boot insulation.
5. Try to find boots W/removable liners (i.e. felt packs) so you can bring the liners into your bag B/C frozen insulated boots in the morning are SO agonizing to warm up.

Have FUN!

Eric