advice > transport

RAIL AND TRAINS

Increasingly people are opting for rail travel with the Channel Tunnel and Eurostar offering an efficient and speedy passage to Europe.

The Eurostar Ski Train offers both day and night departures from London to Aime La Plagne, Bourg St Maurice and Moutiers which are at the heart of the alps and put you in reach of the majority of ski resorts. Trains can often be faster than flying once you have accounted for the hassles of flying such as long periods spent checking in (you are only required to check in 20 minutes early when travelling on the euro star). These mean that flying is not always the best option for a quick hop into Europe.

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                         Eurostar Snow Train

                         Rail Europe

Greener

The Eurostar Train is carbon neutral at no extra cost. With its arrival destination being in the heart of the Alps, transfers are minimal which helps to keep the carbon footprint of your vacation down as well as the cost.

Luggage

Eurostar allows passengers travelling to the Alps to take an extra item of luggage such as a snowboard or pair of skies on board, in addition to the normal allowances (two reasonable sized bags and one hand luggage).  Just like your seat reservation, you will be reserved space for this luggage to ensure everything fits.

Tips

• YOU MUST REMEMBER YOUR TICKET, you’ll need the real thing rather than your email confirmation so that it can be read by the ticket machines. When booking you can print the ticket at home, ask for it to be sent by post or ask to pick it up from the departure station.
• It’s rather obvious but a common mistake ... you’ll need your passport and won’t be allowed on the train without it.
• Arrive with reasonable time to spare before your departure time to ensure a smooth transition through to the departure Lounge.

Food

For those travelling on standard premier ticket a light evening meal and breakfast is included on the night train whilst lunch and afternoon tea is included on the day train. If travelling on a standard ticket you will still be able to make use of the buffet bar which is open until midnight.

Beware there are alcohol limits in place. Up to 4 bottles of beer, or one bottle of wine, or one 50cl bottle of spirits can be taken onto the train. Anything in excess of this will be confiscated for the duration of the trip.

Departures

From St Pancras International, London/Ashford to French Alps 

(The ski train will run from 19 December 2010 to 16 April 2011.)

French Alps to Ashford, St Pancras International, London

 Trains from the Alps to London/Ashford do not stop at Aime-la-Plagne.

Map of the SnowTrain destinations and the resorts they feed

Dark blue line= route served by Eurostar trains

Light blue line= bus/taxi transfers to resorts

(Map courtesy of http://www.seat61.com)

Transfers

Fares