Serre Chevalier 2015: Basic kit list

This is the basic list.  We are expecting the resort to be snowy and the weather when skiing will be cold (apologies for stating the obvious!), so the thermal base layers and really good gloves will be important.

We don't recommend taking mobile phones and other expensive electronic paraphernalia as some of it always gets lost.  The staff will not have time to look for lost gadgets, so please only bring things that are heavily insured or that you are prepared to risk losing.  If pupils do bring mobile phones, we will be asking for their numbers.  If parents want to speak to a member of staff during the trip, one of us will have the College mobile phone, the number of which is 07854 983257.

General:

Normal everyday clothes for wearing around the hotel
Normal washing equipment for use in the hotel
Nightwear
Towel
Swimming kit (in case a visit to the local pool is arranged)
Outdoor clothes and suitable footwear for use in cold, snowy conditions
Hats, scarves, gloves etc.
Spending money changed into euros. Around 100 euros should be plenty.  Staff can look after money if given to us in a named envelope (not a bulky wallet).

For the skiing:

Thermal base layers
T-shirts, sweatshirts
Salopettes or ski trousers
Ski socks (several pairs)
Ski jacket
Ski gloves
Ski goggles
Balaclava or thermal face protection would be useful
(We will be wearing helmets, so most hats will not fit inside)
Ski goggles (normal sunglasses are not appropriate)
Sun cream, lip balm

We will have medical kit with us, but if pupils require us to look after any medical requirements whilst away, please clearly name and hand to a member of staff.  Accompanying staff hold current first aid certificates.

Equipment provided at Serre Chevalier:

Ski boots
Ski poles
Skis
Helmet
If you have your own helmet and wish to bring it, you may do so, but please pack it in the suitcase, not the hand luggage (airlines sometimes object to helmets in the cabin!).

Serre Chevalier weather

The snow has been falling in the Alps this weekend, and here is a weather widget that will give you updated forecasts for Serre Chevalier. This forecast is for the middle station of the lifts at an altitude of 2000m:

View detailed snow forecast for Serre Chevalier at:
snow-forecast.com

Serre Chevalier 2015: Travel Itinerary, videos

We have now received all the details about the travel arrangements. Any updates will be posted here. Please watch this blog for any delays or alterations to return times.

Saturday 12th December 2015   Outward journey
06:20   Arrive at Shoreham College to register and load the coach.
06:40   Leave for Gatwick
07:40   Check-in at Gatwick North Terminal
09:40   Depart from Gatwick, flight BA2754 for Grenoble
12:30   Arrive at Grenoble, get luggage, depart by coach for Serre Chevalier
16:15   (approx) Arrive at Clubhotel Frejus, Serre Chevalier

Please note that a packed lunch will be required, as the first meal provided is in the evening, although there will be food of some sort on the plane. We suggest buying a bottle of water at the airport after passing through security checks.

Saturday 19th December 2015   Return journey
08:55   Depart from Serre Chevalier
11:55   Check in at Grenoble airport
13:55   Depart from Grenoble, flight BA2755 for Gatwick
14:35   Arrive at Gatwick, collect luggage, board coach and depart for Shoreham
16:30   Arrive back at Shoreham College

All times quoted are local times, i.e. times in France are an hour ahead.
Hotel Address: Clubhotel Frejus, Villeneuve, 5240 Serre Chevalier, France
School trip phone (always carried by a member of staff on the trip): 07854 983257

I will be able to update this blog via smartphone during the journey if there are any alterations to the expected return time, so it would be a good idea to watch out for updates on the Saturday.

Here is a video from Skibound showing the Clubhotel Frejus:

- and a video showing the skiing at Serre Chevalier: