It was 1770 when the very first tourist hotel opened in Chamonix France. Before this date Chamonix village constituted a uncivilized and craggy rural hamlet where folks hunted their own animals and farmed their cereals.

Farms back then were used to breed cows over the spring and summer. Milk was preserved by changing it into cheeses and stocked in the farm for use over the cruel wintertimes. During the winter the chalets were barred, and valued possessions were put safely in a tiny shack.

Quite who came up with ski chalet holidays is nameless, it was in all probability several zealous chaps who recognized a idea which was new and exciting. For Erna Low it all began when she was a unhappy alumna and couldn’t afford to visit her folks back home as often as she would like to. Therefore in 1932 she gambled and put a advertisement in the London Times to tempt punters on a skiing vacation. For only £15 they journeyed to and from the resort, were provided with dinner and lodging in the sole inn, and had skiing gear and lessons. The holiday was laborious , there were no lifts, no quick release fixings, only leather boots, but it was so popular that Erna kept on taking people on trips, guaranteeing she used fine accommodations and guides.

Chalet holidays during the early years were very different to the luxuries we can enjoy today. In the early days hot water was in short supply, bathrooms had to be used by all of the clients, and there was no a chef; the guests needed to help out. It was a complete lottery as to who might share the accommodation for a week, you might be agreeably surprised to encounter new acquaintances, or have an uncomfortable week amongst strangers.

Catered chalet holidays were later publicized on their extra bonuses. A chalet chef, who would serve you breakfast and dinner and provided you a cake.