Olympic igloo built by Kitchener man in Norway for rent on Airbnb
Patrick Madureira built an igloo four years ago celebrating Sochi 2014 games
In Åsgreina, a small village 20 minutes away from the Oslo Airport in Norway, sits an "Olympic igloo," a hot destination for watching the 2018 Winter Olympic Games for the small community.
Built by Patrick Madureira and Vegard Nordby, the 5 metre-wide snow structure can fit crowds of 40.
"I think everyone really enjoyed it," said Madureira, who moved to Norway from Kitchener in October 2017. "Here they say they want it every winter now in the neighbourhood."
Madureira brought the idea over from the igloo he built in 2014 with his cousin using blue recycling bins. This year, he built it with his girlfriend's brother Nordby, using purchased plastic storage containers.
It's much larger in size and have better ventilation, he said. They can keep a fire going inside to keep people warm.
While his Norwegian neighbours loved hanging out and watching the games, it got a bit tense: especially when Team Canada beat Norway in mixed doubles curling just last weekend.
"I tried to keep as straight a face as possible," Madureira said.
He cheered for Canada during hockey and alpine skiing events, but quieted down when it was time for cross country skiing. His neighbours are "crazy about the cross country."
"It's like us watching a hockey final back home," he said.
'The Olympic Igloo' on Airbnb
The games wrap up Sunday, but it doesn't mean the igloo won't be used anymore.
Visitors to Norway can book it for a stay on Airbnb. The listing describes it as having a "cozy interior" and can fit six hay bail beds.
"Inside we have furnished it with renewable materials to keep a rural and renewable charm," says the listing.
Visitors are advised to dress warmly. However, infants are not allowed because "it's cold."
Madureira said there have already been two bookings. One for next weekend and another the first weekend in April, when it'll still be cold in Norway as spring begins in southern Ontario.
He also invited local Olympians to visit the igloo, one of them being Magne Lunde, a silver and bronze medallist in cross country skiing.
His plan is to get enough people interested so they can eventually break the world record for the biggest igloo.
"It is quite a long shot, but I think it is possible if we get enough people interested and it takes off."