As far back as 1770 the inaugural tourist hotel opened in Chamonix. Prior to this Chamonix France was a wild and rugged agricultural village where the people captured their animals and harvested their oats.

Chalets back then were used to raise dairy herds over the summer. Milk was conserved by turning it into cheese and butter and preserved in the valley for use during the long winters. During the snow season the barns were fastened, and any valuables were secured in a liitle shack.

The person who came up with the chalet holiday is unknown, however it was in all probability numerous zealous folk who realized a idea that worked. For Erna Low it started whilst she was a homesick student who could not afford to visit her family back home as frequently as she wished. And so in 1932 she gambled and placed a advertisement in the Times to tempt clients on a winter vacation. For only £15 they journeyed to and from resort, had dinner and board in the only inn, and had ski hire and tuition. Holidays were arduous work, there weren’t any ski lifts, no safety bindings, only hard leather shoes, but it was so successful that Erna continued to take groups on trips, seeing to it that she found superb accommodations and skiing instructors.

The chalet holidays during the early years were a long way to the standards we can receive today. Hot water was in short supply, bathrooms had to be shared by all of the guests, and there wasn’t a cook; the punters needed to muck in. No one knew who may share the accommodation for a vacation, one could be agreeably surprised to meet fresh acquaintances, or have an uncomfortable week amongst strangers.

skiing holidays were later advertised on their other pluses. A cook, who would serve you continental breakfast and dinner and even made you afternoon tea, lots of hot water.