Eurostar ski train 2023/2024
The Eurostar ski train is back for 2023/2024 and tickets are now on sale!
Start a search for trains from London to St Pancras to Chambéry, Albertville, Moûtiers, Aime-la-Plagne or Bourg-Saint-Maurice today.
The Eurostar ski train will run from London to the slopes on Saturdays and return on Sundays between 16th December 2023 and 4th February 2024.
With a quick change at Lille along the way, it's the perfect way to start a holiday on the slopes. There’s plenty of storage space for skis and snowboards and comfortable seats to relax in - what better way to travel to the Alps?
Tickers are now on sale with Trainline – grab yours today!
Why take the Eurostar ski train?
As if travelling by train isn’t enjoyable enough, for those who ski and snowboard, there are additional perks when taking a Eurostar Snow train over using other modes of transport.
Taking the Eurostar ski train instead of flying has its advantages:
- It can reduce time spent in departure lounges – plus, check-in is super speedy!
- It can shorten the transfer time from your destination to the Alps – no more waiting around at the airport for a transfer
- It's a more sustainable way of travelling than some alternatives, so you'll be doing your bit to protect the environment.
- Eurostar has a generous bag allowance on its trains – no need to pay extra to take your skis on board!
- You’ll be able to bring your own food and drink on board
If you’re planning a trip to the Alps this winter, here’s some more information about why you should travel by train:
Generous baggage allowance
The Eurostar Snow train has extra storage space for skis and snowboards. Each passenger can take a pair of skis or a snowboard for free, as well as having their normal luggage allowance (two suitcases, plus one small piece of hand luggage). There's no weight limit for bags – although you should be able to carry them safely – and skis and snowboards should be packed away in a protective case.
Keep in mind that skis and snowboards only go free on Eurostar’s ski train service specifically (where you change at Lille). If you're planning to travel to Paris on the Eurostar, and then change onto an SNCF service to the Alps, the skis and snowboards will count as part of your luggage allowance.
Faster check-in
Eurostar recommends arriving at the station one hour before the scheduled departure time for the ski train. The entire check-in process takes approximately 20 minutes, so you'll have plenty of time to eye up which series you want to binge-watch on your phone! For Standard and Standard Premier class passengers, the gate closes 30 minutes before departure.
Bring your own food and drink
There are no restrictions on bringing liquids and food on board the train, so feel free to bring along a sandwich or snack from home. It'll keep the young ones happy and save money. That said, if you’d like a touch of luxury, choose to travel in Standard Premier and you’ll get a meal served at your seat during the journey.
You can also bring a bottle of bubbly or vino for the journey. For the sake of the other passengers, though, we'd suggest leaving the smoked mackerel at home.
What is the Eurostar ski train?
The Eurostar ski train is a service to the French Alps, taking passengers from London to the Alps via Lille.
For the 2023/2024 winter season, the Eurostar Snow train is running from 16th December 2023 to 4th February 2024. It runs every Saturday from London to the slopes and returns on Sundays.
When travelling on a Eurostar ski train, you get all the comforts and facilities you would get on any other Eurostar train, meaning power sockets at most seats, large chairs and access to the café bar, Café Metropole.
There is extra space on these trains to help carry the skis and snowboards – which travel for free – so don’t think you have to travel light or pay a premium for your larger luggage. You’ll have your full luggage allowance (two bags no larger than 85cm on any side) plus a free spot for your skis or snowboard.
Eurostar ski train times
The timetable for the Eurostar Snow train is pretty straightforward. The service runs once a week, departing on Saturdays from London St Pancras International, through the Channel Tunnel to Lille, where you need to make a quick change before heading through northern France towards the French Alps.
The ski train calls at the following stations in the Alps:
- Chambéry
- Albertville
- Moûtiers-Salins-Brides-Les-Bains
- Aime-la-Plagne
- Bourg-Saint-Maurice
It usually takes around 8 hours to reach Bourg-Saint-Maurice. You can check train times easily using our Journey Planner above. We will always show you every available train for the date you’ve chosen, the total journey time and the price, allowing you to weigh up the cost versus flexibility of each route.
How long will the journey take?
How long the train journey will take to your favourite ski location depends on where you’re heading, and whether it’s a journey to or from the Alps. We’ve rounded up the times in the tables here. If you want more information, head to our Journey Planner.
London to the Alps: Saturdays
|
6 hours, 4 minutes | |
|
6 hours, 47 minutes | |
|
7 hours, 29 minutes | |
|
7 hours, 57 minutes | |
|
8 hours, 19 minutes |
The Alps to London: Sundays
|
8 hours, 46 minutes | |
|
8 hours, 23 minutes | |
|
8 hours, 5 minutes | |
|
7 hours, 31 minutes | |
|
6 hours, 36 minutes |
Where does the Eurostar ski train stop?
With everyone beginning their holiday as soon as they get on the train, there’s always a great atmosphere on board the Eurostar ski train. Find out more about where the train stops, and which station is best for your ski resort.
After hopping on the train at London St Pancras International, you’ll be heading on a high-speed train all the way to the French Alps via Lille. The Eurostar Snow service stops at Chambéry, Albertville, Moûtiers, Aime-la-Plagne and Bourg-Saint-Maurice.. All the top resorts are accessible by coach from these train stations – including La Plagne, Méribel, Courchevel, Tignes and Les Arcs.
Moûtiers
Ski resorts - Courchevel / Les Menuires / Méribel / St Martin de Belleville / Valmorel / Val Thorens
The third stop on the Eurostar ski train is Moûtiers-Salins, which is the gateway to Les Trois Vallées (The Three Valleys) ski region. Home to resorts such as the popular Val Thorens and Les Menuires, this is one of the busiest ski regions in the French Alps.
Aime-La-Plagne
Ski resorts - La Plagne
Named the most popular ski resort in the world, La Plagne welcomes over 2.5 million visitors every year. With 11 separate ski ‘villages’ in the region, there is a huge variety of runs across the area and plenty to explore.
Bourg-Saint-Maurice
Ski resorts - Sainte Foy / Les Arcs / Val d’Isere / Peisey Vallandry / Tignes / La Rosière
The final destination of the Eurostar ski train is Bourg-Saint-Maurice, the last town along the Tarentaise Valley. With plenty of different resorts, everyone’s welcome, regardless of your level of experience. Make sure you take in the beauty of Bourg Saint Maurice itself if you’re not too exhausted from skiing!
Return journey from the Alps
The return service to the UK will depart every Sunday from 17th December 2023 until 4th February 2024.
What tickets can I buy for the Eurostar ski train?
Tickets for the ski train are on sale now! You can travel in two classes: Standard, and Standard Premier. For more information on what you can get in each class, take a look at our guide below.
Standard
The most affordable class on Eurostar trains. Standard carriages include spacious seats with raised backs to support your head, power sockets that accommodate both UK and European plugs, and free WiFi. You can buy food from the onboard restaurant carriage, Café Metropole, or bring it along with you.
Standard Premier
A step up from Standard class, Standard Premier carriages have more spacious seats and greater legroom than Standard. Seats are also arranged in a 2+1 formation, so the carriages feel more spacious. You will also be served a complimentary light meal and free coffee or tea. Needless to say, you’ll have access to all of the amenities available to Standard passengers, including free WiFi and at-seat plug sockets.
Frequently asked questions
Do skis go for free?
Yes, your skis or snowboard travel for free. Eurostar Snow trains have extra storage for skiing equipment. Bear in mind that your equipment will have to be safely stored in a container, otherwise, it won’t be accepted on board. Skis and snowboards don’t count towards each passenger’s 2 bag luggage allowance, so you’ll be able to bring another two bags on board with you - good luck carrying it all!
How early should I arrive at the train station?
We advise that you arrive at the station around 45 minutes to an hour before departure. This will give you ample time to go through security and passport checks. On the return leg, passport checks will take place at Lille Europe, so you can afford to arrive at the train station in the Alps closer to the departure time. Just make sure you don’t cut it too fine!
Is alcohol allowed on board?
Yes, alcohol is allowed on Eurostar services. Each passenger’s allowance is four cans of lager or one bottle of wine. Large bottles of spirits are not allowed.
How long is the journey?
Journey times vary depending on which destination in the Alps you’re travelling to. For instance, the total journey time from London to Bourg-Saint-Maurice is 8 hours and 19 minutes. We’ll always show you the total journey time and prices when you search for a route with us.
How do I get to my ski resort?
There will be coaches running to the various resorts from each train station. Coaches are not included in the cost of your ski train ticket. You can also hop in a taxi, though this may be more expensive (and less eco-friendly!) than a coach.
Where can I buy tickets for the Eurostar ski train?
Eurostar ski train tickets are on sale now with Trainline. Find them in our Journey Planner – look out for journeys with one change, at Lille Europe. The ski train will run from 16th December 2023 until 4th February 2024, with trains heading out to the Alps on Saturdays and returning to London on Sundays.
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