Travelling by train to the Alps is now the journey of choice for thousands of skiers and boarders every season. Convenient, easy and great value – rail and train transports you to the heart of the slopes in complete comfort and great time. Because you arrive first thing on Saturday and depart last thing the following Saturday, the train gives you maximum time on the slopes.

There are a range of alternative options to get you to the French Alps by rail. Either you can travel on the Eurostar Direct Ski train which runs convenient weekly services by day or overnight from London St Pancras or Ashford International stations direct to 3 stations in the French Alps.

Eurostar Direct Ski train

travel to the heart of the French Alps on a Eurostar Ski Train, running from late December to early April. Prices start from £149 per person. There are two Direct Eurostar Ski trains to choose from:

• Night service – Get eight days on the slopes as you depart Friday evening (arriving first thing on Saturday), returning the following Saturday night
• High-speed day service – Arrive in just 7 and a half hours, travelling through the day on Saturday

Resorts served in the French Alps

Direct to three stations – Moûtiers, Aime la Plagne and Bourg St Maurice – the Eurostar Ski Train services many popular resorts, including:

• Courchevel
• Les Arcs
• Tignes
• Méribel
• La Plagne
• Val d’Isère

Three great reasons to take a Eurostar Direct Ski train are:

1. You get more time on the slopes – The overnight service gains you an extra day compared to flying
2. It’s green – Compared to many forms of transport, travelling to the slopes by train leaves a greatly reduced carbon footprint
3. You can upgrade to Leisure Select – First-class seats for leisure travellers with meals and drinks served at your larger (reclining) seat.

You can buy Eurostar Direct Ski train tickets with:

• Rail Europe – European rail travel direct to ski resorts including the Eurostar Ski Train

Eurostar and Connecting European Ski trains

Or, for a more flexible option you can take a Eurostar to Paris, then a connecting French day or overnight service to the heart of the mountains. Many day services are high speed and connect with regional services to provide a comprehensive service to the Alps. Overnight services offer reclining seats or flat-bed couchette accommodation for a comfortable journey. Many services run daily from Paris throughout the winter season making them ideal for a quick getaway, or longer stays.

Every European winter sports destination is within easy reach when you take the Eurostar from London, Ebbsfleet or Ashford. A quick, convenient connection with a ski train to your chosen destination will deliver you safely and in comfort direct to your resort.

Three great reasons to go by rail are:

1. It’s totally flexible – You choose when you travel, and there’s no time wasted when you travel overnight to your destination
2. It’s green – Compared to many forms of transport, travelling to the slopes by train leaves a greatly reduced carbon footprint
3. It’s good value – Prices are great value and there are no hidden extras, such as additional charges for your bulky kit

Connections to the French and Swiss Alps

From ultra chic resorts to the best powder in Europe to great value family skiing – the French and Swiss Alps have it all and are easily accessible by train. Eurostar connects with trains taking you to:

Annecy, Briançon, Bourg St Maurice, Chamonix, Val d’Isère, Morzine, Grenoble, Serre Chevalier, St Moritz and Klösters

Connections to the Pyrenees

Less well-known than the Alps but with fabulous snow and outstanding après-ski, Eurostar connects with trains that take you to:

Lourdes, Barèges, Les Angles, St Lary, Pas de la Casa and Soldeu

Connections to Italy and Austria

Easily within ski train range (travel overnight to maximise your time on the slopes), you can get to resorts such as Bardonecchia and St Anton.

You can book Eurostar trains 120 days before departure and most other European 90 days before departure. French trains normally go on sale in mid October for travel from mid December onwards.

You can buy Eurostar and connecting European ski train tickets with:

• Rail Europe – European rail travel direct to ski resorts including the Eurostar Ski Train
• trainline – Rail travel within UK and across Europe to ski resorts
• International Rail – Thousands of journeys across six continents

You may also like…

• The best scenic rail routes in Europe including the Glacier Express
• Eurostar opens the gate to Switzerland for cheaper and more efficient ski travel
• Snowjet offers cheap flights direct to the alps and your skis travel for free
• Tokyo calling… non stop flights to Utah now boarding

Tags: Alps, Austria, Eurostar Direct Ski, France, Germany, Italy, Rail Europe, Snow Train, Switzerland