Abstract: A method for completing a well whose wellbore passes through a permafrost zone, the wellbore having at least one annulus in the permafrost zone, the annulus initially containing a freezable liquid. In the method openable and closable apertures are disposed near the bottom of the permafrost zone for achieving access between the interior of the wellbore and the annulus. Using these apertures, a hard collar, for example composed of cement, is emplaced in the annulus in the vicinity of said apertures. Thereafter the freezable liquid is displaced from the annulus above the collar using an essentially nonfreezable liquid which can be left in the annulus in the permafrost zone for the life of the well.