Ski hire near Alba Hotel Meribel

Hi,

Has anyone stayed at the Alba in Meribel (opposite Rond-point) and hired skis from anywhere other than the shop beneath the hotel. I'm trying to work out how long a walk it is down the hill to nearest alternatives , will have 9 and 6 year old... thanks

Having had 6 and 9 years old kids it would have to be something special to get me to walk them down and up what looks like a ruddy great hill rather than to get the same thing on my doorstep.