Reception tent in winter: snow, ice and severe cold

A reception tent is a flexible cover stretched over a frame. For tents open to the public, the safety regulations require stability under the combined effect of normal wind and a snow load of 0.1 kN/m² on the horizontal projection. Keep in mind that snow is part of the structure's design, with a limited value.

This is the reason for the 4 centimetre threshold. Article CTS 7 provides for evacuation if snowfall exceeds 4 centimetres, insofar as build-up on the cover could not be avoided. In other words, what counts is not the depth on the ground but snow that has fallen without being cleared from the cover.

Other structures do not necessarily have the same limits. The only value that matters for your event is the one your tent hire company applies to its structure: ask for it in writing.

The CTS articles (marquees, tents and structures) cover travelling structures with a flexible cover and apply from 50 people. Between 20 and 49 people, only article CTS 37 applies. Whether your party is concerned is covered in our article on marquee permits, and the town hall can answer you.

Even outside the scope of the regulations, you can set a simple rule before the party: if snow falls and builds up on the cover, you empty the tent and let the hire company step in.

For a tent covered by the CTS rules, the operator states the maximum wind speed beyond which people must be evacuated, and this value must appear in the extract of the safety register. Ask the hire company for this extract.

Météo-France monitors 9 phenomena, including snow and ice and severe cold. The colour indicates the level of danger expected, not a snow depth: the official pages give no threshold in centimetres.

Under an orange warning for snow or ice, driving conditions can become very difficult across the network, and Météo-France advises limiting travel. Under a red warning, roads risk quickly becoming impassable and the instruction is to stay at home. For an organiser, this affects guests as much as the caterer, the DJ or the setup crew.

Check the map the day before and on the morning of the event. If the warning moves to orange or red, call the hire company before deciding anything: only they know whether the structure and the site access allow the event to go ahead.

Ask these questions when you request the quote and keep the answers in writing. A serious company will answer without difficulty.

In winter, access matters as much as the tent. Under an orange or red snow-and-ice warning, traffic can become very difficult and roads impassable, and icy ground exposes pedestrians to falls. Check that delivery and setup lorries can reach the site, and that guests have a clear path to the entrance.

A floor helps keep feet dry, but it can become slippery if it freezes or if snow is carried in on shoes. Plan an entrance mat and salt or sand around the tent, to be agreed with the hire company. Our article on flooring and ground covers the options.

Never climb onto the cover to clear snow. This is a job for the hire company, which knows the structure and has the right equipment.

The heating of an enclosed tent should be chosen with the hire company. The Météo-France warning pages recall a safety point: portable heaters should not run continuously, cookers and braziers should not be used for heating, and air vents must never be blocked. These practices can cause fatal carbon monoxide poisoning.

This advice is aimed at homes, but it recalls a principle that also applies under a tent: a combustion appliance in an enclosed space needs suitable ventilation and installation by a professional. Ask the hire company about the type of heating offered, how it is installed and how the air is renewed.

Keep clear space around appliances, away from fabrics and decorations. Candles, string lights and open fires should be approved by the hire company and, for an event open to the public, by the safety commission.

Météo-France lists shivering and numb extremities among the warning signs of hypothermia. If it becomes serious, call 15, 18 or 112. For an event, provide a warm, sheltered area, hot drinks and blankets.

Older people, people with chronic illness and people living alone are more exposed during severe cold. If you expect them, plan a short route from the car park, a cloakroom close to the entrance and seating that is heated or sheltered from draughts.

Think about an entrance lobby: a double door or a curtain stops heat escaping with each arrival and stops the first rows of seats sitting in a draught.

The fallback plan comes down to three decisions made before the day: who monitors the snow and the warnings, who gives the order to evacuate, and where the guests go. A nearby hall, a house or a second covered space should be identified in advance.

Tell your suppliers about this rule too, so they know when they must stop service.

For any event open to the public, the town hall and the prefecture remain the authorities that decide: tell them about your plan and follow their instructions.