### Clue: Characters representative of the 17 on trial, legs akimbo, as attendants off piste? (6,5)
### Answer: CHALET GIRLS 
 ### Explanation: Definition: attendants off piste
  CH(International Vehicle Registration code for Switzerland, from Confederation Helvetique,characters representative of the Swiss,answer to 17A) **placed before**(on) **anagram of**(akimbo) TRIAL LEGS. 
Defn: Girls who temporarily keep house for holidaying skiers,chalet attendants off the ski slope,piste.  Read more on:    Here's an excerpt: "Somewhere between these stereotypes – Barbarella and Cinderella – lies the real chalet girl…."