English Corpus

In 1770 the 1st tourist accommodation was completed in Chamonix town. Prior to this Chamonix Haute Savoie France embodied a savage and tough farming place where the locals hunted their animals and farmed their wheat.

Farms back then were used to breed animals over the summer. Milk was preserved by making it into cheese and butter and preserved in the valley for eating over the bleak winter times. In the winter the chalets were locked up, and valued possessions were locked in a tiny shed.

Who devised the chalet vacation is unknown, it was in all probability several enthusiastic people who recognised a set up which was novel. With Erna Low it all began whilst she was a nostalgic alumna and couldn’t see her folks back home as much as she liked. So in the early 1930’s she took a gamble and put a small ad in the broadsheets to invite clients on a winter break. For only £15 they traveled to and from resort, enjoyed food and accommodation in the only hotel, and took skiing equipment and lessons. Holidays were arduous , there were no chair lifts, no quick release bindings, only hard leather shoes, but it was such a hit that she carried on taking groups on holidays, ensuring she found first-class accommodations and skiing instructors.

These ski trips in the early years were very different to the luxury we can receive now. In the early days hot water was in short supply, washrooms had to be shared with all of the punters, and there was no a chef; all the punters needed to help out with the chores. No one knew who might be in the accommodation for a trip, you might be enjoyably surprised to meet new acquaintances, or grimace at the thought of having to spend any more time with them.

Chalet holidays were later publicized on its extra bonuses. A chef, who would serve you continental breakfast and an evening meal and provided you cakes, lots of warm water for washing. And with Chamonix travel options so plentiful these days it makes your ski holiday so easy.