New York City faced the brunt of a severe blizzard in the year 2016, dealing a blow to the local tourism industry. However, in some corners of the city, resourceful residents seized the opportunity to start their own ventures amid the snowstorm.
One inventive Brooklynite transformed the copious amounts of snow in his backyard into an igloo and took the unconventional step of listing it on Airbnb. The ‘Boutique Winter Igloo’ was available for up to two people at $200 (£140) per night. The lighthearted description highlighted the igloo’s natural elements and handcrafted charm, jokingly referring to it as the “Snopocalypse of 2016’s most desirable getaway.”
Despite the tongue-in-cheek appeal, Airbnb eventually removed the listing. However, for those fascinated by igloos, an alternative is the chance to stay in an igloo-style cabin overlooking the Ilulissat Ice Fjord in Greenland for $327 (£230) per night.
For a more budget-friendly outdoor experience, the Iglu Village in Kühtai, Austria, offers guests the opportunity to sleep in igloos wrapped in sheepskin and outdoor sleeping bags. Each igloo in the Kuhtai ski resort accommodates up to six people for £83 per night.
The winter storm turned into an unexpected opportunity for these creative entrepreneurs, demonstrating how locals can turn challenges into unique and profitable ventures.
