The Story of the Very First Ski Breaks to Chamonix Haute Savoie France
1770 was when the inaugural tourist accommodation opened in Chamonix Mont Blanc. Prior to this Chamonix France was a uncivilized and sturdy agricultural town where locals hunted their own animals and grew their wheat.
Chalets at this time were used to raise dairy herds over the summer months. Milk was kept by turning it into different types of cheese and stored in the valley for eating over the harsh wintertimes. During the winter season the chalets were fastened, and valuables were put safely in a small hut.
Who came up with catered chalet holidays is obscured by time, however it was in all probability numerous keen chaps who recognised a idea which was new and exciting. For Erna Low it all started when she was a unhappy alumna who couldn’t afford to visit her family back home as often as she liked. And so in 1931 she took a gamble and took out a ad in the Times to tempt clients on a skiing trip. The cost was £15 and they traveled to and from the town, enjoyed dinner and accommodation in the sole inn, and had skiing equipment and instruction. The trip was laborious , there weren’t any skiing lifts, no quick release fixations, only leather boots, however it was so popular that Erna continued to take people on holiday, seeing to it that she sourced supreme accommodations and skiing instructors.
Catered chalet breaks during the formative years were a far cry to the standards we enjoy now. Hot water was in short supply, bathrooms would be shared by all of the guests, and there wasn’t a chef; the clients had to muck in. It was a complete lottery as to who may share the accommodation for the trip, you may be surprised to meet new allies, or have an uncomfortable week amongst strangers.
Ski holidays were later on marketed on its extra benefits. A chef, who would serve you continental breakfast and a four course dinner and provided you a cake, and {more hot water.
