Essentials for short trip?

[popmimiboo]

We're off to Geneva for a week at half term and are planning on spending just a couple of days at a ski resort. My eldest DC, 15 and 12, have been on school ski trips before, 8 year old is a total novice.
I can't ski due to a knee injury (and am rubbish anyway) but DH will go on the beginners piste with them and I think they can do some sledging etc?
So, anyhow, I wondered if any seasoned skiiers could:
A. Give me some advice as to how to make the most of 2 days
And, B. Give me a basic list of what equipment I need to get the DC. (Obviously they will need quite a bit of paraphenalia but I don't want to shell out a fortune for such a short trip!)
Any tips would be very welcome

[GailTheFish]

If your two eldest have skied before, they might be quite limited by only skiing on the beginners' slopes. Could you put them in ski school for some of the time, or stretch to a private lesson for one morning? Or if you could go to a snow dome before you go that might help them to find their ski legs, so they're not spending the first day remembering how to put their skis on etc.

Otherwise, two days is plenty for a short trip! I'd recommend starting early and having a late lunch, to make the most of the snow in case it turns slushy in the afternoon - though the snow near Geneva is really good at the moment by all accounts.

[GailTheFish]

In terms of what they'll need, I'd suggest:

• ski jacket and bottoms
  
• one set top and bottoms thermals
  
• ski socks x 2 pairs
  
• hat, ski gloves, neck warmer
  
• t-shirt/long sleeved tee
  
• you might need another layer on top if it's really cold, but France in Feb isn't normally too bad
  
• helmet
  
• goggles/glasses

[GailTheFish]

Reading back, that first post was a bit negative - I'm sure they'll all have a great time even on the beginners' slopes (and hope you will also have so e time for R&R if you're not skiing!).

[popmimiboo]

Thanks, Gail. My 13 year old was quite good by all accounts, she got her 2nd étoile, so she is raring for more ski action, but DS would prefer to stay on the beginner slopes with his dad and DD2. DD1 would love to join a group lesson but I can only find weekly rates for them, I'm not sure if she could just do the odd session? I don't think she'd be keen on a private lesson, alone! Hmm.

I can't wait for some me time with fresh air and vin chaud while they head off to tire themselves out

[Shockers]

I'm just place marking as off to work. Useful thread... thanks!

[PestoSnowissimos]

Don't forget suncream & lip balm & woolly hats

[Scotslasslivinginfrance]

2 days is a nice amount of the for them to ski. As you are not skiing it may work for everyone else to ski together in the morning and then if the 8 year is tired or has had enough and the older ones are making good progress, then they could head up the mountain for a few runs with dad in the afternoon.

An instructor maybe an option but it depends on the levels of the older ones as it will be tricky to manage with the little one being a beginner.
gails list is quite thorough. I would suggest trying to borrow what you can from family and friends as it is only for 2 days, alternatively if you are buying things check out tkmaxx and also lidl/aldi (strange I know... But my friend managed to pick up some cheap gear from here last year) for cheap ski wear.

Snow boots are a must, not wellies! For both the ski resort and Geneva is also quite cold at the moment and slushy as they had snow and I would just wear these all week to cut down on packing.

Not sure if you are flying or driving... But at the rental place you can also hire helmets. You can get away with good sunglasses to avoid the additional expense of goggles and you will also need sun cream / block...

Where are you skiing? Enjoy ...

[Scotslasslivinginfrance]

Xposted with PP.

You should be able to do half day or full day private lessons and and I'm sure with it being half term there will also be groups to join.

Let me know where you are going as if you are near me I can forward some links.

[popmimiboo]

Snow boots are the one thing we already have, I think (must check sizes.)
Scotslass -nosy question -are you in the Geneva area? We're visiting as we're planning on moving there in the nearish future...

[popmimiboo]

We're going to the Vallée Verte area -I think "les Habères?"

[PestoSnowissimos]

Lift passes

but

if you contact ESF in advance to arrange lessons, you may find that the cost of the lesson includes the lift pass. I would suggest you email ahead & find out your options.

[Scotslasslivinginfrance]

Just sent you a pm pop.