The Eurostar ski train from London to the French Alps: giving visitors the chance to add a weekend ski trip in France to their UK itinerary.
Picture it: Winter in London.
You’re cozying up with hot cups of Earl Grey in between visits to the British Museum and Borough Market. You’re as snug as a bug in a rug, but something’s missing from this picture-perfect winter holiday.
Snow.
London doesn’t see loads of snow, and when it does, you shouldn’t expect a sled-worthy scene. If only you could suddenly transport yourself to the French Alps just for a simple weekend of snowy bliss…
Oh wait, you can!
Image credit, Getty Images, Marco Maccarini. Location, France.
The Eurostar ski train is your ticket to traveling to the Alps from London with ease.
Eurostar ski train: go from London to the Alps
Yeah, seriously.
We know there’s that English Channel in the way, but nothing will stop us from getting Britain’s skiers and snowboarders to some of the best ski resorts in Europe (not to mention a few of the best après-ski bars in Europe, as well).
Here’s everything you need to know about the Eurostar Snow train.
Is the Eurostar Snow train the same as the Eurostar ski train?
Tomayto, tomahto. Officially called the Eurostar Snow train, you’ll hear this route linking London and the French Alps referred to as the Eurostar ski train as well.
Where does the Eurostar ski train stop?
The Eurostar ski train is considered a Eurostar direct ski train, departing London St Pancras, stopping for a train transfer in Lille, then continuing on to Chambéry, Albertville, Moûtiers, Aime-la-Plagne and Bourg-Saint-Maurice.
What days does the Eurostar ski train run?
The Eurostar ski train runs only on Saturdays and Sundays. More specifically, it only leaves London on Saturdays and only returns to London on Sundays.
Will the ski train run in 2024?
Yes, the Eurostar ski train will run from London to the French Alps in 2024. The Eurostar ski train 2023/2024 schedule is already out: service runs between December 16, 2023, and February 4, 2023, departing Saturdays and returning on Sundays.
Image credit, Getty Images, Ross Woodhall. Location, Rhone-Alpes, France.
Where does the snow train go?
The Eurostar ski train to Bourg-Saint-Maurice also includes stops in Chambéry, Albertville, Moûtiers, and Aime-la-Plagne. Remember that the connection in Lille is not a ski-resort stop on the snow train to the Alps.
How to go from London to the Alps on the Eurostar ski train
First thing’s first: you’ve got to know where to go in London to get all the way to France.
London St Pancras International railway station is where you need to start. Some savvy travelers know it as the rail line that you can ride beneath the English Channel to Paris. Potterheads will know it as the other train station next to Platform 9 ¾ at Kings Cross. London to Alps train tickets can be purchased at the station or before you arrive through Trainline.
- London to Alps train time: 8 hours if you disembark at the final station, Bourg-St-Maurice
- London to Alps train cost: $199 for a Standard ticket; $266 for Standard Premier
- London to Alps train tickets: Super easy to purchase through Trainline
And yes, you can bring your own skis and snowboards on the train as part of your included luggage allowance.
Remember, there’s a train transfer in Lille, and it ain’t exactly a sightseeing stop either. Instead of rushing to grab something to eat at the train station, take advantage of the amenities on the Eurostar ski train: namely, the food and drinks served in Café Métropole. Pastries, sandwiches, cottage pie, espresso, hot chocolate, and even alcohol are served on board.
🚆 Trainline tip: A Standard Premier ticket on the Eurostar has the perk of the meal being served right at your comfortable seat, which means you can stream your favorite movies and shows using the free WiFi without interruption.
Take a nap and wake up in the French Alps. The Eurostar ski train stops in this order:
- Chambéry
- Albertville
- Moûtiers
- Aime-la-Plagne
- Bourg-Saint-Maurice
Download the Trainline app to purchase Eurostar ski train tickets today and read our guide to skiing the Alps.
Header image credit, Getty Images, Francois-Roux. Location, France.