Reaching the ski slopes by train is becoming ever more popular as increasing numbers of skiers realise that it has many advantages over air travel.
1 – You can travel to the heart of the mountains with a variety of routes to choose from, including direct services from London on Eurostar to Bourg St Maurice during the day or overnight.
An all-new additional direct Eurostar service this year can take you to Lyon from where local services run to stations close to famous ski resorts at Bourg St Maurice, Chambéry, Cluses and other destinations. It means you no longer need to change stations in Paris; just change platforms at Lyon Part Dieu station.
There are also overnight services from Paris to Bourg St Maurice or high-speed day services (TGV) from Paris to Bourg St Maurice and a host of other ski destinations.
It’s not just France; ski areas in Italy, Switzerland, Andorra and Austria can also all be reached by train.
2 – Unlike with air travel, there’s a generous luggage allowance and no additional charges for ski, boot or board carriage. Passengers can carry two items of luggage plus hand luggage on board most European trains, and ski equipment is simply classed as an item of luggage.
3 – It’s a relaxing experience too, with a short and simple check-in process – no need to arrive at the station 2 or 3 hours in advance or separate liquids from other luggage! Once on board, seats are comfortable and roomy. Passengers can move easily around the train to visit the on-board bar/buffet carriage for a drink or snack. On arrival at the station, transfers to resort are usually much shorter than for passengers travelling by plane – some resorts even have their own stations.
4 – You’ll get more time on the slopes due to the early arrival and late departure of overnight trains. Flat-bed accommodation on board allows passengers to get a good night’s sleep to be ready for a full day of skiing while most people are still waiting for their flights to depart from the UK.
5 – Finally it’s good for your conscience – rail is by far the most environmentally friendly way to travel to the mountains and up to ten times greener than flying.
Reservations and information – to find out more about taking the train this winter, visit voyages-sncf.com, call 0844 848 5848* or visit the Voyages-sncf Travel Centre at 193 Piccadilly, London W1J 9EU. (*Calls to 0844 numbers cost 7p per minute plus the phone company’s access charge.)
