The Swiss mountain guide and hotelier Pierre Pont (1831–1912) began building the Grand Hotel Chandolin in 1893. It was planned by the architect Louis Henry Maillard from Vevey. Up to 50 workers were employed on the building site. They were supported by 40 mules, which transported the building materials from the valley to the building site. The mortar for the house was made in a lime kiln built on site. Furniture, windows and doors were also made on site. After a construction period of four years, the hotel opened in 1897. However, the lack of a heating system designed for the size of the hotel and an unreliable power supply prevented year-round operation for the time being.