Trip info — Easter 2027

Pickup points and times for the 2027 trip will be confirmed nearer the date. Expect three pickups along the route to Dover, with the coach leaving the first stop in the late afternoon on Friday 2 April 2027.

Return is Saturday 10 April 2027, in the same order in reverse, arriving back early-to-mid morning.

Once confirmed, we'll publish them here and email everyone direct.

Luggage on this trip is strictly limited — every bag has to fit on the coach alongside ski equipment. Please pack compactly.

• One bag or case per person (plus a small rucksack for the coach).
• No large hard-sided suitcases. A small to medium soft case or rucksack is ideal.
• A fresh outfit for each evening really isn't necessary — the chalet is warm and informal.

For the coach (small rucksack)

• Water bottle (with water in)
• Food for the evening meal on the outbound journey, or money for ferry/services
• Glasses or contact lenses (if needed)
• Stuff to do on the coach — book, headphones, etc.
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Small pillow (not essential but recommended)
• Any medication — including travel-sickness pills if needed
• Passport and GHIC card
• Some Euros and Swiss Francs
• Battery pack and charging cable
• A cake — one per family (afternoon tea on the trip; please don't send more than one!)

General items (main bag)

• Comfortable shoes for around the village
• Indoor footwear for the chalet (trainers, slippers)
• Casual clothes for evenings
• Pyjamas
• Underwear, socks, etc.
• Toiletries — wash kit, toothbrush, hairbrush, sanitary products
• Towel (bedding is provided, but towels aren't)
• Smarter clothes for the last-night party
• Bible, notebook, pen
• Hat (not essential)
• European travel adapter with narrow connections (Swiss sockets are slightly different from standard EU)

Skiing and snowboarding kit (main bag)

• Small rucksack for carrying lunch, drinks, extra layers on the mountain
• Waterproof jacket and salopettes
• Layers — long-sleeve thermal preferred
• Warm waterproof gloves
• Ski socks — at least 3-4 pairs, they get smelly
• Thermals
• Ski goggles, plus sunglasses (sunglasses must be suitable for skiing)
• Buff or scarf
• Helmet — you must bring your own. Equipment hire does not include a helmet. It must be a certified ski/snowboard helmet (look for EN1077 marking) — bike helmets and other types aren't suitable.
• Suncream and lip block — SPF 50 recommended

Please don't bring your own ski equipment or snowboard unless you've checked with us first.

Where we stay

Chalet im Rohr · 3822 Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland, run for us by Gold Hill Holidays.

Bedding and towels

Bedding is provided. You need to bring your own towel.

A typical day

• Early breakfast and packed-lunch making
• Train up the mountain by 8:30
• A session of lessons with our Gold Hill Holidays instructors, plus a session of free ski in ability groups with a leader (the order swaps day to day)
• Lunch on the slopes (yes, with chocolate)
• Back to the chalet for cake and downtime
• Three-course dinner, evening meeting, small groups, sleep

Phones

Phones are useful on the mountain so we allow them in the daytime. Phones go into a phone bank overnight so everyone gets proper sleep — they're returned at breakfast. Bring an alarm clock if your young person needs one in the morning.

If a young person is left without a phone or it's stored overnight, leaders can help them call home anytime, and Oliver's number is always available to receive calls.

West Runton Holidays cannot accept liability for loss or damage to devices during the trip — bringing them is at your own risk.

Evenings

After dinner there's a short Bible talk and a story from one of the leaders. The last night is a glow-in-the-dark party — wear something white or bright!