Eurostar is resuming the train route between London and the French Alps, offering skiers and snowboarders an eco-friendly and convenient travel option, instead of driving or flying.
Branded as Eurostar Snow, the trains begin operating in December 2024, four years after being halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Trains will leave London every Saturday and return each Sunday, through March 2025, giving passengers one or two full weeks to enjoy the snow.
The Eurostar Snow service will allow passengers to bring their ski and snowboard equipment at no extra cost, along with two bags per person.
This makes it an attractive alternative to flying, especially for those who travel with bulky ski gear, by avoiding extra checked baggage fees. Travelers also get to avoid the strict 100ml liquid restriction for carry-ons that applies at European airports, adding to the convenience of taking the train.
The revival of the snow train has been well-received by environmental groups and local Alpine politicians, who see this as both a sustainable travel option and a boost to the local economy.
And it is especially welcome with the closure of the Mont Blanc Tunnel between Italy and the French Alps for extensive repairs, forcing long drive-arounds to get to resorts such as Chamonix.
Eurostar Snow Stops at Popular French Alps Resorts
The ski train will stop at popular Alpine destinations, including Chambéry, Albertville, and Bourg-Saint-Maurice, along with several smaller stations.
If you’re heading for Bourg-Saint-Maurice station, there are busses waiting to bring you to Val Thorens, Val d’Isère, Courchevel, La Tania, Tignes, Meribel, or Les Menuires.
Find out more about these resorts here.
The journey between London and Bourg-Saint-Maurice will take around eight hours. It is not direct – passengers will have to change trains in Lille.
Trains will depart from London St Pancras International every Saturday between December 21, 2024 and 1 March 1, 2025 and return from the Alps every Sunday morning between 29 December 29, 2024 and 2 March 2, 2025.
The Eurostar Snow service departs London departs at 09:01, arriving in Lille by 11:25, with the connecting train to the Alps leaving shortly after at 11:50.
Price of the Eurostar Snow train from £99 one way in Standard or from £149 one way in Standard Premier.
Since its initial launch in 1997, the Eurostar ski train has been a popular choice, transporting around 25,000 passengers annually before its cancellation.
Find more information on the Eurostar Snow website.
ecoXplorer Evelyn Kanter is a journalist with 25+ years of experience as a newspaper and magazine writer, radio & TV news producer & reporter, and author of guidebooks and smartphone apps – all focusing on travel, automotive, the environment and your rights as a consumer.
ecoXplorer Evelyn Kanter currently serves as President of the International Motor Press Assn. (IMPA).
ecoXplorer Evelyn Kanter also is a member of the North American Travel Journalists Assn. (NATJA) and the North American Snowsports Journalists Assn. (NASJA).
Contact me at evelyn@ecoxplorer.com.
Copyright (C) Evelyn Kanter
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