An Account of the Inaugural Catered Chalet Breaks to Chamonix
As far back as 1770 the first lodge opened in Chamonix ski resort. Prior to this Chamonix France was a uncivilized and tough rural hamlet where the populace captured their own animals and produced their wheat.
Chalets at that time were used to stock herds during the spring and summer. The cows milk was preserved by turning it into different types of cheese and preserved in the valley for eating during the hard winters. During the winter season the barns were secured, and all valued possessions were put safely in a shed.
Who devised the catered chalet holiday is nameless, it was likely some keen chaps who recognized a pattern which was new and exciting. For entrepreneur Erna Low it all started when she was a homesick graduate who couldn’t see her family back home in Austria as much as she liked. Therefore in the early 1930’s she took a risk and put a ad in the London Times to ask clients on a skiing holiday. For only £15 they journeyed to and from the skiing resort, enjoyed dinner and board in the only chalet, and took skiing hire and tuition. The holiday was strenuous , there weren’t any lifts, no quick release fixings, simply leather boots, however it was such a hit that Erna Low kept on taking friends on holiday, seeing to it that she sourced superb hotels and ski guides.
These Skiing breaks during the formative years were a long way from the luxury we receive now. Back then hot water was in short supply, washrooms were shared with all of the punters, and there was no a cook; all the guests were expected to muck in. It was a real gamble who might be in the lodge for a week, one might be enjoyably surprised to meet brand new friends, or spend a week of hell with people you didn’t get on with.
The chalet holiday was later publicized on its additional benefits. Your own chef, who would serve you continental breakfast and a four course dinner and cooked you afternoon tea, lots of warm water for bathing.
