Snow Train Alternatives - Rail Travel for your Ski Holiday

If you prefer to travel by train for environmental reasons, or want to avoid long flight or coach transfers to your ski resort, there are still several alternatives for train travel to the slopes:

Eurostar Direct Ski Train

There are two Eurostar Direct Ski trains that run weekly during the winter from London St Pancras or Ashford International stations direct to 3 stations in the French Alps: Moûtiers, Aime La Plagne and Bourg-St-Maurice.

  • Overnight service (Jan to Apr) leaves the UK on a Friday night and arrives in the heart of the mountains early on a Saturday morning.
  • High-speed day service (Dec to Apr) arrives in just 7 and a half hours, travelling throughout the day on a Saturday.

Seats on Eurostar Direct Ski trains can be booked from Tuesday 7th July 2009. Prices start from £149 return per person. Please note: Early booking is recommended during school holidays, as peak dates do book up quickly.

For fares and timetables see the Rail Europe Eurostar Direct Ski Train Timetable.

Eurostar plus a connecting TGV or overnight train

Take a Eurostar to Paris or Lille, then a connecting French day or overnight service to the heart of the mountains. Many high-speed day trains and overnight trains from Paris operate daily during the winter months.

  • Overnight services - offer reclining seats or flat-bed couchette accommodation for a more comfortable journey.
  • High-speed day services - many connect with regional trains to provide a comprehensive and flexible service to the Alps.

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

For details and fares use the Eurostar enquiry form below.