Chalet in Switzerland is an Alpine region wood building . It has a slanted roof and widely projecting overhangs, however it can now be found in many mountainous countries. The term chalet originates from Franco-Provençal speaking part of Switzerland and earlier referred to the shelter of a herdsman.
Many chalets in the European Alps were in the beginning used as seasonal farmsteads for dairy cattle brought up from the low-lying grasslands during the summer. The cowherds would live in the chalet and produce butter and cheese in order to conserve the milk acquired. These produce were then taken, along with the cattle, back to the low pastures before the start of the highland winter.
The chalets would remain secured and idle during the winter. Small windowless huts called mazots used to lock away valuable items for this period are seen around many chalets. Nowadays, chalets are family or group lodgings in mountain vacation spot. They can be booked from tour operators or private owners . Chalet is also used by the hospitality industry to represent separated cottages (semi-detached are known as duplex or triplex) in other settings, including seaside resorts and as an ancillary to motels. These chalets, similar to studio apartments, are self-contained with cooking and/or bathroom facilities. Chalets are very fashionable in United Kingdom coasts as self-catering leisure addresses.
In Switzerland, the chalets nowadays are almost exclusively rented out to tourists who want to live a slice of Swiss life without losing the comforts of modern living . They are rented by people who are holidaying in large groups for the hiking or skiing seasons. Usually the chalets are of 2 or more rooms with living, dining and kitchen for 5 to 11 persons. They are usually furnished and often have huge terraces. They are usually situated near the ski or hiking routes. Almost all south western Switzerland has chalets dotting its cities and towns.
