The Story of the Early Ski Vacations to Chamonix Haute Savoie
Back in 1770 the first alps accommodation tourist hotel opened in Chamonix town. Before this date Chamonix Mont Blanc was a savage and craggy agricultural place where the people caught their own animals and farmed their own barley.
Barns at that time were used to raise dairy herds during the summer. The cows milk was kept by making it into cheeses and preserved down in the valley for eating during the long winters. During the winter the chalets were locked, and valuables were put safely in a tiny shed.
Who invented the chalet holiday is unknown, however it was probably some keen folk who realised a formula which was novel. For Erna Low it commenced when she was a nostalgic graduate and could not visit her parents back home as often as she wished. So in 1930 she gambled and took out a ad in the papers to tempt punters on a winter break. For only £15 they travelled to and from resort, had meals and board in the solitary hotel, and took skiing gear and lessons. Holidays were strenuous work, there weren’t any chair lifts, no quick release fixings, only strong leather shoes, it was so popular that she continued to take groups on breaks, guaranteeing she sourced excellent chalets and ski instructors.
The chalet holidays in the early years were a far cry to the luxury we can receive nowadays. In the early days hot water was in limited supply, the bathrooms had to be shared with all of the guests, and there was no a cook; the clients had to muck in. It was a real gamble who might share the lodge for the trip, one might be pleasantly surprised by meeting fresh acquaintances, or grimace at the thought of having to spend any more time with them.
The chalet holiday was later advertised on its other bonuses. A chalet chef, who served you cooked breakfast and a four course dinner and even made you afternoon tea, private bathrooms warm water.
