The History of the Very First Skiing Vacations to Chamonix
It was 1770 when the inaugural hotel opened in Chamonix Mont Blanc. Prior to this Chamonix Mont Blanc France constituted a wild and rugged agrarian town where people captured animals and grew their own wheat.
Farms at that time were used to farm dairy herds during the summer. The milk was kept by turning it into different types of cheese and kept in the farm for use over the harsh wintertimes. In the winter the farms were fastened, and valued possessions were locked in a shack.
Quite who came up with chalet holidays is obscured by time, however it was in all probability numerous enthusiastic chaps who realized a idea which people liked. With Erna Low it all began whilst she was a unhappy postgraduate and couldn’t visit her siblings back home in Austria as frequently as she wished. Therefore in 1930 she took a risk and took out a ad in the papers to invite guests on a ski vacation. The cost was £15 and they travelled to and from the skiing resort, had meals and accommodation in the solitary pub lodging, and took skiing equipment and lessons. Skiing was strenuous , there were no chair lifts, no quick release fixations, only strong leather boots, but it was such a hit that she continued to take people on vacations, making sure she utilized first-class chalets and instructors.
These ski vacations in the beginning were a long way to the luxuries we experience today. Hot water was in short supply, bathrooms had to be shared out with all of the punters, and there wasn’t a chef; all the guests needed to muck in. It was a complete lottery as to who might share the lodge for a trip, one may be pleasantly surprised to meet new friends, or not gel with the group.
Chalets France were later publicized on its additional benefits. A chef, who served you continental breakfast and an evening meal and prepared you afternoon tea, plentiful hot water.
