The History of the Very First Chalet Trips to Chamonix Village
As far back as 1770 the inaugural lodge was opened up in Chamonix town. Prior to this Chamonix Haute Savoie embodied a wild and tough farming town where people captured animals and grew their cereals.
Chalets back then were used to breed herds over the summer. The cows milk was preserved by changing it into different types of cheese and stocked down in the valley for use over the difficult wintertimes. In the winter season the farmhouses were locked, and valued possessions were secured in a liitle shed.
The person who devised the chalet holiday is unknown, it was likely some passionate folk who realised a pattern which was new and exciting. With Erna Low it commenced whilst she was a homesick student and could not see her family in Austria as often as she liked. And so in the early 1930’s she gambled and put a small advertisement in the broadsheets to tempt guests on a winter trip. For £15 they journeyed to and from the town, were provided with food and lodging in the only chalet, and had ski gear and tuition. The holiday was laborious work, there weren’t any ski lifts, no quick release fixings, simply leather shoes, however it was so successful that Erna Low continued to take people on vacation, making sure she found supreme chalets and skiing instructors.
Ski vacations in the beginning were a long way from the luxury ski chalets we receive now. Hot water was in limited supply, the bathrooms would be used by all of the customers, and there was no a cook; the punters were expected to help out with the chores. No one knew who might share the lodge for a week, you may be pleasantly surprised by meeting fresh acquaintances, or not gel with the group.
Ski holidays were later on publicized on its other bonuses. A cook, who served you continental breakfast and dinner and baked you afternoon tea, numerous bathrooms warm water for washing.
