In this week's edition of crowdfunding success stories, a Belgian group just raised money for the Nomads Bus- a powder-chasing hostel on wheels. The adventure-addicted people at Outside Magazine first broke the story about two self-described nomads (Val and Tim) and their not for profit plans to convert a 40-foot American school bus into a mobile paradise complete with kitchen, living room, bathroom, and three bunk beds. After raising more than $31,000 in a six week Indiegogo campaign, Val and Tim will make the eco-concious transformation (the project is 100% carbon neutral) this summer and hope to welcome snow lovers in December 2014. Once on the bus, wannabe nomads will chase powder in Austria, Switzerland, and France. Sound good? Read on for prices and the full list of amenities.
Conversion plans include adding a compost toilet, solar fridge, solar system, kimberly wood stove, and living spaces. In all winter packages, guest nomads receive the following amenities, and it looks like Val and Tim know what skiers expect and need:
· A comfy bed with down blanket and pillow
· Use of the kitchen, bathroom, and living room
· Wood stove
· Coffe and tea all day
· Outside après-ski area and rooftop deck
· Locked ski and snowboard storage
· Drying rack for gear
· Limited Wi-Fi
· Entertainment (projector, books, games, guitar)
· One après-ski at the bus (6 beers or a bottle of wine included)
· Camping and parking costs
· Taxes
Packages start at 50 euros per night and run to 749 euros for an "All-In Week Package" that includes a seven-night trip with a six-day ski pass, organic breakfasts and dinners, transportation, sheets, towels, and private ski lessons.
Micro and mobile homes are all the rage these days, so we think the Nomads Bus could be a success. Now who wants to start one of these mobile-hostels in North America?
· The Mobile Hostel Bus of Your Powder-Hound Dreams [Outside]
· The Nomads Bus [Indiegogo]
· Tiny House on Wheels In Southwest Colorado Wants $27,350 [Curbed Ski]
· Luxurious Mobile Cabins Are The Next Big Thing Out of Jackson [Curbed Ski]