In 1770 the inaugural lodge was completed in Chamonix village. Prior to this Chamonix France embodied a savage and rugged agrarian town where locals caught their own animals and grew their wheat.
Farms back then were used to farm dairy cows over the spring and summer. The milk was conserved by transforming it into different types of cheese and preserved in the farm for consumption during the cruel winters. During the winter the barns were fastened, and all valued possessions were locked in a tiny hut.
The person who came up with chalet holidays is unknown, it was likely various enthusiastic chaps who realised a pattern which people liked. For Erna Low it commenced whilst she was a unhappy postgraduate and couldn’t afford to visit her parents back home in Austria as much as she liked. And so in the early 1930’s she gambled and took out a small advertisement in the Times to tempt guests on a skiing vacation. For only £15 they traveled to and from the town, had meals and accommodation in the sole chalet, and took skiing gear and lessons. The trip was difficult , there were no lifts, no safety fixings, simply leather shoes, but it was so popular that Erna continued to take skiers on vacations, making sure she utilized supreme lodges and guides.
Ski breaks in the early years were a far cry to the luxury we can have today. Back then hot water was in limited supply, washrooms would be shared with all of the punters, and there wasn’t a cook; all the clients had to muck in. No one knew who may be in the accommodation for the holiday, you might be pleased to meet fresh allies, or not gel with the group.
Catered chalet holidays were later on publicized on its new bonuses. A chef, who would serve you continental breakfast and dinner and even made you cakes, lots of hot water for bathing.