What kind of weather in the Alps end of March?

[sparklets]

I am a secondary school teacher and have been 'persuaded' to accompany a school ski trip to the Alps, France/Italy border, at the end of March. I am not a skier and will not be skiing instead providing emotional support and oversight back in the town for students not skiing etc. Maybe leading the odd walk in the lower areas of the mountains

I have never really done this before and I am wondering about clothing - is there likely to be much snow around at that time of year? will I be alright with walking boots type shoes or will I need snow boots?

And what realistically will I need in terms of jumpers/ ski jackets?

I dont really want to invest in anything new but dont want to be cold!

Any advice gratefully received!!!

Could be anything. I have been on Easter school trips skiing in short sleeve base layer and getting properly tanned and also been in a lot of snow. Late snow is rarer now though.

You will be fine with walking shoes / boots though.

Extremes. Could be heavy snow, windy or glorious sunshine vest top sitting on a sun terrace. Go prepared for either. Good sunglasses and sunscreen , layers and decent grip footwear.

You'll be fine with jeans plus thermals, and a padded coat/jacket.

Walking boots fine if waterproof, though you might want to take wellies just in case.

However, I would at least try skiing. It's a fabulous sport - and much easier to learn nowadays because modern skis are very different to what I learned with.

How high up is resort ? As if high (eg 1500/2000 m then there could be snow in actual resort so u may need snow boots/ gloves If it’s lower eg round 1000 then less likely to have snow underfoot. For non skiers there maybe eg toboggan runs / ice skating, there often are various activities connected with snow.

I wouldn't take wellies, you will just get cold feet. No replacement for boots.

Waterproof hiking boots (above ankle) are fine. Waterproof gloves are good as well. Snow/ski gloves are too thick and cumbersome for normal wear in my opinion.

I would wear trousers with a thermal legging underneath and a waterproof overtrousers if you really go into snowy areas. Jeans are awful if wet and drying takes ages. Friends take hiking trousers for going outside and normal trousers for inside/going to dinner etc.

Otherwise, layers, jumper, t-shirt, thermal shirt for underneath.

Suncream and sunglasses.