In 1991, we first skied in Combloux and we bought our first two apartments (now dubbed B and X) the following autumn, from the start we let these through Pied à Terre (Bernie and Tina).
In 1994, we first advertised in "Chez Nous" and began to take our own bookings; and since early 1996 when Pied à Terre stopped trading, we've managed everything ourselves.
In 1997, we started the www.bycar.com site to advertise our apartments and it quickly came to account for 90% of our bookings. The web enables us to provide far more information than paper leaflets and we've always tried to stay one step ahead with online facilities.
Late in 1997, we bought studio C from friends and first let it for New Year; and in summer 1999, we bought our fourth apartment, A.
In year 2000, the "front de niege" was redeveloped just below la Cry. The mountainside was reshaped, excellent facilities were put in for children and beginners, and new car parks were created which incidentally gave better access to our apartments.
Also in 2000, Valerie and Xavier bought Pinnochios pizzeria from Bruno and Lena and expanded into the old shop next door. It changed hands again early in 2005, was renamed "la Stala", and has been further extended and improved including a new oven. The ambiance and the pizzas are better than ever.
In 2001, the old Postillon Tabac closed its doors because Thierry bought and developed the ground floor of the old Warens hotel, across the street. With a large interior, separate paper shop and attractive outdoor seating area, this is now the most popular meeting place and has made a profound improvement to the village.
Late in 2001, we introduced a new 24 hour facility for key collection and deposit, which was a timely response to the increased availability of cheap flights.
In 2002, Combloux and all the neighbouring resorts introduced the hands-free lift passes, which we now regard as basic necessities.
In summer 2002, the new plan d'eau, ecological lake was opened and made big national headlines as the first of its type. Interestingly, it has a superb site near the old "Hotel Mont Blanc" with the same magnificent views of Mont Blanc that made Combloux one of the most exclusive holiday destinations in the 1930s.
During summer 2002, the old Princesse lift was completely dismantled and replaced by a new eight-man gondola, which provides very much faster and easier access to Mont d'Arbois.
Winter 2003, Combloux opened a new black run, forking left off Porrez, and the "Auberge de Porrez" was also opened.
In November 2003, we added a fifth apartment - on behalf of a friend, but booked exclusively through this site.
Winter 2005, the link to Giettaz (Tete de Torraz) was opened, which increased the "JACO" ski area by 25% and also involved a new six-man chair on Christomet and new four-man chair back to Summit des Salles.