Cold Caves

Among humans and elves, off-winter ice is mainly seen as a luxury good for the wealthy.   Dwarves consider ice to be a resource best shared with the community at large.   "Cold Caves", also called "Food Vaults" are underground chambers used by some dwarf communities, to preserve food much like modern walk-in refrigerators or freezers. They usually belong to the whole community and administered by the Dwarf salt masters   Some Cold Caves start as natural caves that the dwarves carefully renovate. Others are artificial caves excavated by dwarves. Either way, once a suitable cave is found or dug, the dwarves will carefully seal the walls, floor, and ceiling against vermin, then a sturdy door is constructed.   The dwarves will pack the area with as much off-winter ice. as they can acquire and then the room is ready for long-term food storage.