# Snow Deprived Ski Resort Sells for 90¢ Ernen Switzerland By Ben Preiss | Published 2008-01-24 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/english-man-buys-snow-deprived-swiss-ski-resort-for-90 References: [nytimes](http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/22/world/europe/22ernen.html) & [ernen.ch](http://www.ernen.ch/englisch/ernen.html) Global warming can get some people great real estate bargains. Ernen, Switzerland could not afford to renew its [ski lift licenses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vail-resorts) after several seasons of [meager snowfall](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/switzerland-is-fake) and were desperate to find someone to save them, since the whole town (pop. 560) depends on tourism. So desperate, they were willing to give the entire [ski operation](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ski-destination) away for one Swiss franc (90 cents) to the person with the best rescue plan. One fine day Bruno Prior, a British entrepreneur, was sipping coffee and looking through the newspaper in London and saw Ernen's ad. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.6/10 - Popularity: 45% | Activity: 24% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Climate Change Impact on Tourism:** Entrepreneurs can seize opportunities in developing innovative solutions to combat the effects of climate change on ski resorts and other tourism-dependent industries. - **Real Estate Bargains Due to Climate Change:** Investors can capitalize on the financial benefits of buying real estate in areas affected by climate change, such as ski resorts, at discounted prices. - **Community-driven Tourism Initiatives:** Communities heavily reliant on tourism can explore new strategies that empower local entrepreneurs and attract investment to revive struggling industries. ### Who This Affects Most - **Tourism:** In the face of climate change, the tourism industry can benefit from disruptive innovations that enhance sustainability and resilience. - **Real Estate:** The real estate industry can find opportunities in dealing with properties affected by climate change, offering investment and development possibilities. - **Community Development:** Community development and revitalization sectors can thrive by supporting tourism-driven towns and ensuring their long-term economic stability. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sustainable Swiss Chalets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ls-design.md) - [Social Good Ski Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nordica-unleashed-outreach.md) - [All Terrain Electric Skis](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skwheel-one.md) - [Snow Mountain Minimal Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/snowfall-house.md) - [Cost-Conscious Resort Getaways](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/escape-the-uk.md) - [Contemporary Ski Home Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/traditional-ski-chalet.md) - [Paper-Saving Ski Resort Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ski-resort-app.md) - [Inaugural Dedicated Ski Destinations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ski-destination.md) - [Snow-Themed Winter Retreats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/le-massif-de-charlevoix.md)