Why the Train to the Alps Is the Smartest Move for The Upcoming 2025–26 Ski Season.
As the ski industry leans into sustainability and travellers seek smoother, stress-free journeys, rail travel to the Alps is having a moment. With the 2025–26 season shaping up to be the most rail-accessible yet, skiers can now swap airport queues for panoramic train rides, and carbon-heavy flights for low-emission locomotion. From direct Eurostar services to curated packages by trusted tour operators, here’s how to ride the rails to the slopes — and why it’s worth it.
More and more companies have been sending us in details on what they have to offer this coming winter. We’ve covered most in detail already but here’s a digest of what’s available. Tickets and holidays are on sale now.
Train Tickets Only
The Eurostar Snow Train: Back and Better
Following its successful return last season, the Eurostar Snow Train is back with expanded schedules for winter 2025–26. Running from London St Pancras every Saturday, it connects via Lille to Alpine stations including Bourg-Saint-Maurice, Moûtiers and Aime-la-Plagne. Return options now span Saturdays and Sundays for more flexible trip planning. The journey takes under eight hours and includes free ski carriage and onboard amenities. For skiers heading to the Tarentaise — Les Arcs, Tignes, La Plagne or Val d’Isère — it’s one of the smoothest and greenest ways to arrive. Here’s a more detailed news story we wrote about it in July.
RailEurope: Book Your Own Route
Independent skiers can grab train-only tickets through RailEurope, including access to the Snow Train and broader European rail networks. Tickets are now on sale from cities like London, Brussels, Amsterdam and Paris to the Alps, with return fares starting around £224. RailEurope simplifies the process with easy booking and multilingual support. Whether you’re creating a bespoke itinerary or just want to skip the flight, it’s an efficient platform for green travel planning. Scenic, reliable, and low-carbon — it’s train travel made simple. Here’s a more detailed repot on the Rail Europe service.
Full Ski Holiday Package By Rail
IGLU Ski Rail-Inclusive Packages
IGLU Ski offers streamlined holiday packages that combine the Snow Train with accommodation, transfers and lift passes. Their rail holidays drop skiers close to resorts like Les Arcs, La Plagne and Val d’Isère with minimal onward travel. IGLU’s user-friendly site compares rail versus air options and includes detailed guides on what to expect. For those trying train travel for the first time, it’s a hassle-free way to book everything in one go — with sustainability baked into the journey.
Sno.co.uk: Low-Carbon Luxury
Sno.co.uk has become a champion of low-emission skiing, and their 2025–26 train packages reflect that commitment. With journeys to top French resorts via Eurostar and TGV, their offerings focus on chalets and hotels in Les Menuires, Val Thorens, Tignes and more. Sno highlights the carbon benefits — up to 14 times less than flying — and packages often include lift passes and gear hire. With dynamic pricing and filters by resort, sustainability, and ski level, its skiing made smarter.
Inghams: Bigger Rail Footprint
Inghams has expanded its train holiday offerings for 2025–26, tripling Eurostar capacity and adding new resort pairings. Destinations include French favourites like La Rosière, Méribel and Courchevel, alongside connections to Austria, Italy and Switzerland via Paris. Their packages blend convenience with choice: accommodation, transfers, optional ski extras, and full ABTA protection. With growing interest from eco-conscious skiers, Inghams is helping push rail travel into the mainstream ski market. Here’s a more detailed report on Inghams offer.
Peak Retreats: Boutique Rail Escapes
Peak Retreats brings rail travel to France’s more tranquil, authentic resorts. Their 2025 Easter packages pair Eurostar to Paris, TGV connections, and private transfers to destinations like Peisey-Vallandry, La Rosière, and Tignes. With high-quality self-catered accommodation and strong local knowledge, they offer value and charm for families and serious skiers alike. Peak Retreats also ensures ski gear travels free and offers tailored guidance throughout the booking process. We ran a more detailed report on what Peak Retreats offer here.
Crystal Ski Holidays: New Rail Options
Crystal Ski Holidays now offers packages that include Eurostar travel to the Alps, complete with transfers and accommodation. Their itineraries connect to resorts like Sainte-Foy, Les Arcs, Tignes and La Rosière via Paris and Bourg-Saint-Maurice, combining low-emission travel with all-in convenience. Crystal’s ABTA-backed bundles also include lift passes and optional extras, making them a strong choice for skiers wanting to go flight-free without the faff.
Travelski Express UK: Direct from St Pancras
Travelski Express delivers rail-inclusive packages from London direct to the Alps. With Saturday and Sunday departures, skiers can hop aboard at St Pancras and wake up near Val Thorens, Les Arcs, Tignes or La Plagne. Packages include accommodation, transfers and lift passes, and bookings are made through their UK site. Travelski appeals to those after a direct route and minimal planning — with zero airport time and maximum slope time.
After a nine-year break, Travelski’s French operators has also revived the overnight sleeper from Paris to the Alps -as a charter service. This can be used to link UK skiers (via Eurostar) to resorts like Méribel and La Plagne but so far its unclear how straightforward it will be for Brits to book on it, with Travelski in the UK focused on the London service via Lille. There are to be 14 return trips from 19 Dec to 20 Mar, the train offers 660 berths, a restaurant car, private cabins, and dedicated female-only accommodation—part of a broader push for eco-friendly travel.
Independent Advice From The Experts
SnowCarbon: Train Travel Made Easy
While not a tour operator, SnowCarbon is a great resource for skiers looking to plan rail holidays. The site collaborates with ski companies and offers detailed resort guides, booking tips, and expert insight into European rail connections. It’s especially useful for finding lesser-known rail-accessible resorts or combining services across providers. For skiers who want to ditch the plane and embrace the train, SnowCarbon is a helpful starting point.