Tickets for the Eurostar service that runs direct between London and Southeast England and key ski stations in the French Alps have gone on sale this morning (July 19, 2017) for next winter.
The service runs from the Christmas to Easter holidays inclusive with a choice of an overnight service on Fridays to Saturdays, or a daytime service on Saturdays. At peak periods (school holidays) there’s a third option of a Saturday overnight service too.
Ticket prices have been pegged at around the same cost as last year, from £150 return per person, but those looking to travel in the busiest periods (school holidays) in particular are advised to book early to ensure they get seats on one of the 900 passenger high speed trains.
Unlike airlines skiers are able to take two suitcases and their ski equipment at no extra cost and with no weight limit, within reason.
Arriving on a Saturday morning by taking the Friday overnight service and returning on the following Saturday overnight or Sunday daytime service gives 8 days on the slopes compared to the usual six, including two Saturdays when the slopes are usually very quiet and lift tickets sometimes discounted because most other skiers are on their ‘changeover day.’
Travelling by rail also involves less stopping and starting compared top flying and is better for the environment.
Travel time, depending on where you board and where you get off, varies from between approximately 8 and 11 hours with trains travelling at up to 200mph.
Trains depart from London St Pancras and from Ashford International in England and there’s a choice of three stations close to ski resorts in the French Alps. One close to the 3 Valleys, another close to La Plagne and a third close to Les Arcs, La Rosiere and a short bus transfer from St Foy, Tignes and Val d’Isere.
The 2017/18 seasonal ski services will run weekly from 22 December 2017 until 7 April 2018 and tickets are available from eurostar.com or by calling 03432 186 186, at Eurostar stations or from travel agents.
