SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Forget reality television shows; two Yellowknife residents are attempting a 30-day challenge that doesn't involve voting people off an island or trimming carbs.

Thomas Whittaker, left, and Paige Saunders spent most of March camped out in an igloo on Back Bay, and are surviving, despite a mild case of frostbite and no Internet connection. They're pictured here in high spirits on Day 17. - Elizabeth McMillan/NNSL photo

They're living in an igloo, no matter what the temperature.

Igloo building doesn't come naturally to either Paige Saunders, 23, who is from New Zealand, or Thomas Whittaker, 21, who grew up in Yellowknife but never had occasion to make one before.

But after consulting as much online material as they could get their hands on, the twosome etched out a foundation on the shore of Back Bay.

Several weekends worth of work followed and they captured every day of their frigid saga on film. Since none of the guides they found were comprehensive enough and most came from American states that didn't have the right snow, they may turn the footage into an online "how to make an igloo" tutorial, or possibly a short film.

After some delays - they both say it took much longer than expected - the glorified snow fort was ready to become a home.

But a day before the duo was set to move it, a tragedy of epic proportions struck. Unknown assailants vandalized the igloo.

"It was completely demolished. Someone ran it over with Ski-Doos. There's some heartfelt footage from that," said Whittaker.

The setback almost deterred Saunders and Whittaker completely.

"We got to the 'what's wrong with humanity stage,'" says Saunders.

But just as the camera captured their meltdowns, it also captured their renewed efforts to fulfil their goal. After an intense weekend, they were lugging over sleeping bags to a more hidden location, moving in March 8.

The new igloo is smaller, but they're managing.

What's it like being in a dark igloo for hours on end?

"It's two white, geeky guys living in an igloo talking about comic books," says Saunders.

It hasn't always been comfortable. Depending on the temperature, they may wear an extra sweater or two, or a full-out parka to sleep. Sore backs and frozen sleeping bags are the norm.

So far, Saunders has woken up with frostbite on his ears and Whittaker says he dreads getting up in the night to relieve his bladder.

Is it worth the trouble?

"It's fun in a climbing Mount Everest sort of way," Saunders says. "I'm glad we're doing it, but it would be nice to be at home."

Whittaker admits he has cheated and stayed in town more than once, adding his girlfriend hasn't been fond of the igloo idea.

Pushing into his fourth week straight of sub-zero temperatures, Saunders remains stubbornly dedicated.

But this isn't the first time he has embarked on a month-long challenge. Once he gave up swearing, another time he consumed an all-vegan diet.

And what brought the New Zealander to Canada, and specifically, Yellowknife, a little more than a year ago?

"I've always been a big fan of sealing," he deadpans.

"I keep telling you there's no seals here," Whittaker shoots back. "Maybe we could hunt for seals on the lake."

Now the twosome can even jest about their first collapse.

"I think Thomas enjoys building igloos so much there was a bit of an ulterior motive there," Saunders says.

"I don't want it to end," Whittaker replies, half-seriously.

Don't worry, there's still a week left.