Our Guide to the Eurostar Ski Train

For a fast, convenient and greener way to the top French ski destinations this winter, book a seat on the Eurostar Ski Train:

The Eurostar direct Ski Train takes you into the heart of the Alps. Photo: EurostarTickets are now on sale for this service that travels direct from central London to the heart of the French Alps, from £149 return. With a generous baggage allowance, two services a week (overnight or daytime), and no lengthy airline check-in delays, it's a great way to travel to the slopes this winter.

>> Buy a Eurostar Ski Train Ticket

Where does it go? The Ski Train whizzes straight from London to the Alps, stopping at the destinations of Moutiers, Aime La Plagne and Bourg St Maurice. Click on the links below to see the full itineraries:

>> Ski Train London to Moutiers 
>> Ski Train London to Aime La Plagne
>> Ski Train London to Bourg St Maurice 

Which resorts can I get to? All the following resorts are easily reachable by bus or funicular railway from one of the three Ski Train stations. Click on the name of the resort to see our step-by-step guide to how to get there from the nearest station:

>> Courchevel  >> Les Arcs   

>> Les Menuires >> La Plagne   

>> La Tania    >> Meribel     >> Tignes    >> Val d'Isere     >> Valmorel      >> Val Thorens 

Map showing the main train stations and associated ski resorts served by the Ski Train:

Enjoying the stunning French Alps. Photo: Eurostar

How does it work? Two services a week depart from London St Pancras throughout the winter season, from 17th December 2011 - 14th April 2012. Board the overnight service after work on Friday, departing at 19:39, and you will awake in Moutiers (05:55), Aime La Plagne (06:25), or Bourg St Maurice (06:42) station, rested and ready to take the bus, taxi, or funicular on to your ski resort, and hit the slopes after breakfast on Saturday. Alternatively, opt for the Saturday daytime service departing from St Pancras at 10:00, and enjoy the beautiful views of the French countryside from the comfort of your carriage as you speed down towards the Alps (arriving in Moutiers at 18:13, Aime La Plagne at 18:31, or Bourg St Maurice at 18:51). 

One of the many benefits of the overnight ski train is that you can fit in two extra days' skiing on the relatively quieter Saturday changeover days - without having to pay for the extra nights' accommodation (ie. on arrival, because you arrive in the morning, once you've wiped the sleep from your eyes, you can hit the slopes before lunch; and on the last day, the departing train isn't until the evening, so you can fit in almost a full days' skiing).

Baggage Allowances. One of the major attractions of the Eurostar Ski Train is the extended baggage allowance, with no weight restrictions. Each passenger can now take an extra item of luggage on top of the standard 2 cases measuring up to 85cm at their longest length, plus one item of hand luggage. Eurostar have also set aside an area in each carriage dedicated to stowing your large luggage, so you can keep your expensive skis or snowboard close at hand. 

Check-in. Eurostar recommend that you arrive 60 minutes prior to the Ski Train's scheduled departure time (rather than the usual 30 minute check-in time for standard Eurostar services). Just the time necessary to walk to your platform, stow your luggage, and crack open a bottle of French wine to get your holiday underway. Which brings us on to...

Alcohol. Enjoy within limits!  You can take up to four cans or bottles of beer, one bottle of wine, or one 50cl bottle of spirits, but Eurostar reserve the right to confiscate any excess.

Seats: Note that the Ski Train overnight service does not provide sleeper carriages. Passengers in standard class on both the daytime and overnight trains (tickets from £149 return) are guaranteed a reclining seat, and those who opt for standard premier (from £229 return) can expect a carriage with more space and a larger seat. You may not have a bed, but what you lose on space you gain in time, since there is no need to change trains in Paris. If you would prefer a couchette carriage, though, consider taking a standard Eurostar to Paris and changing here to take the Corail Lunea sleeper train on to the stations in the Alps.

>> See alternative overnight routes to ski resorts in our Plan your Journey by Train section.

Food on board. There are several options for the hungry passenger on the Ski Train. If you opt for a standard premier ticket you can expect two lights meals, along with drinks, to be served in your carriage. See the Eurostar website for more details on the refreshments they offer. For those with standard tickets, or who need extra fuel along the way, the bar-buffet offers a range of hot and cold meals, as well as snacks and drinks to keep you going. This is open until midnight on the overnight service. You can, of course, also take your own food and drink on board.

Fares. Adult fares start at £149 return for non-flexible standard class tickets, and £229 return for non-flexible premier class. Children can travel from £100 return in standard class, and £185 return in standard premier. There are no hidden extras, only the cost of bus, taxi, or funicular journeys from the nearest train station to your ski resort (from €15 Adult return for the local bus shuttle service to most ski resorts.)

Arrival times and hotel check-in. The overnight ski train from London to the French Alps arrives at Moutiers at 05.55, Aime La Plagne at 06.25, and Bourg St Maurice at 06.42. Bus and taxi journeys from these stations to the resorts take between 30 minutes and a maximum of 2 hours, depending on your resort and the weather conditions, and the funicular journey to Les Arcs takes just 7 minutes. Whilst this means that you can be up in your resort in time for breakfast, it may be worth contacting your accommodation to arrange temporary luggage storage for your first morning of skiing, since check-in times are generally later than this.

Return journeys
Return services depart from the nearest train station to your resort (although travellers should note that Aime La Plagne is not served by return Ski Trains). Once again, you have a daytime or overnight service to choose from, departing either on Saturday morning or Saturday evening. The daytime train leaves from Bourg St Maurice at 9:50 or Moutiers at 10:27, and will have you back in London at 16:11 the same day. Alternatively, you can catch the overnight train from Bourg St Maurice at 22:00 or Moutiers at 22:54, arriving at London St Pancras at 07:16 on Sunday morning. Outbound and inbound trains also stop at Ashford International. Check the Eurostar website for further details if you wish to board or alight here. 

Less Carbon, More Fun... bon voyage!

>> Buy a Eurostar Ski Train Ticket

Travelling by train to the slopes is the greener way to travel. Photo Eurostar.