An Account of the Early Ski Breaks to Chamonix
1770 was when the 1st tourist hotel opened in Chamonix town. Before this date Chamonix ski resort embodied a wild and craggy agricultural village where the locals caught their animals and harvested their own cereals.
Farmhouses at that time were used to breed cows over the summer months. The cows milk was preserved by turning it into cheese and stored in the village for use during the long winters. In the winter the farmhouses were locked up, and valuables were secured in a tiny hut.
Who came up with catered chalet holidays is unknown, it was in all probability numerous enthusiastic people who recognised a set up that was novel. For entrepreneur Erna Low it all started when she was a unhappy alumna who could not visit her parents back home in Austria as much as she would like to. So in 1933 she took a risk and put a small advertisement in the broadsheets to invite clients on a skiing break. For £15 they traveled to and from the town, had meals and board in the only inn, and had ski hire and instruction. Skiing was difficult work, there were no lifts, no quick release fixations, just strong leather shoes, it was so successful that Erna continued to take skiers on breaks, guaranteeing she used great hotels and instructors.
These Skiing vacations in the beginning were very different to the luxury we have now. Hot water was in short supply, washrooms would be shared out with all of the punters, and there was no a cook; all the clients were expected to help out. It was a real gamble who may be in the chalet for the vacation, you could be pleased to encounter fresh allies, or have an uncomfortable week amongst strangers.
Chalet holidays were later advertised on its extra pluses. A chef, who would serve you cooked breakfast and an evening meal and provided you afternoon tea, and {more warm water for bathing.
