Tourism: the development of winter sports

It was not until after the First World War (1914-18) that tourists started to come to the mountains all year round. Until then, visitors were seeking cooler temperatures and fresh air in Summer. But technical progress opened up holiday possibilities in the other seasons. The arrival of central heating and hot water in the hotels facilitated the popularity of "winter sports".

The beginning of the 20th century changed mountain life. Although skiing was still an original but marginal activity, the villages started to realise the possibilities. Megève was one of the first winter sports resorts and the first cable lifts were built in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and Saint-Gervais-les-Bains... Scandinavians taught skiing to Pays du Mont-Blanc inhabitants and the first Winter Olympics were held in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc in 1924. More and more tourists flocked to the pioneering villages. All the ingredients existed to create the "saga of white gold".

This saga continued with major events in the cultural heritage of the Pays du Mont-Blanc like the start of lessons in Praz-sur-Arly in 1950. The idea, revolutionary at that time, was to enable visitors to try every kind of winter sport. Resorts rapidly became a major factor in the local economy.

Ice-skating, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing... new activities attracting new enthusiasts regularly appeared during the 20th century. Innovations which have never ceased and which today still contribute to the Pays du Mont-Blanc's image as a precursor and laboratory for new ideas.