I'd never think that Americans need to live in snow shelters. Although snow is the same in America and in Russia. I prefer to sleep near warm stove in snow camping. It's happen not every time. Either forest and firewood are far from me or it's hard to wake up at night and to light a stove. I need prepare 2 insulating pad (care mat) and high quality sleeping bag for each members of group, group sleeping bag, 2-layer domed tent with 3 poles, gas burner and stove for group of 4 person. Besides I know one rule: don't look at thermometer in the evening. At once I pitched snow camping near a top. All members of my group were warm in the morning, it was 45 degree below zero. Double sleeping bag (the first weight 4 pound, the second - 2 pound) or stove with firewood - is the decision of your problem. So, I travel at home in polar Russia.