Skiing is one of the best ways to enjoy the snow that’s sprinkled across the mountains in Europe each winter. Perfect for the active, or just those who enjoy spectacular views and plenty of hot chocolate, we show you the best way to reach the peaks this ski season.
What is the Eurostar ski train?
The Eurostar ski train is a twice-weekly service that usually operates between December and April from London St Pancras to 16 ski resorts. These include Courchevel, Les Arcs, Tignes, Sainte Foy, and Val d’Isère. It carries 24,000 people each season, taking around eight hours to cover 830 km to Bourg St Maurice.
Cosy up in your chalet post-slope session
Is the Eurostar ski train running?
This year, the TravelSki Express are offering a week-long package deal with Eurostar, which offers a direct train from St Pancras to Moutiers or Bourg St Maurice and a 7-day lift pass. Running from 28th December 2021 until 8th April 2022, you’ll depart from London on the Friday night and take the overnight ski train to your chosen destination.
Once you arrive in either Moutiers or Bourg St Maurice, you’ll be able to get a direct transfer to one of several resorts. You’ll be able to select from 6 different resorts in Tignes, La Plagne, Les Arcs, Val d’Isere, Les Menuires and Meribel, all of which have a variety of accommodation options, including self-catered and chalet.
Once you arrive, you’ll have a full 7 days to enjoy the slopes and the après ski before getting your return transfer back to St Pancras on the following Saturday.
How can I travel to French & Swiss ski resorts this winter?
Reach your favourite European ski destinations this season with LeShuttle. Our service has numerous benefits, helping you to get on the slopes this winter with ease.
No baggage restrictions
You can safely travel in your car, packing everything you need for the trip without the baggage restrictions of flights. Ski gear can take up a fair bit of space, so having the extra room in your own car is perfect. You can pack those extra thermals after all!
Contactless travel
You will find it far simpler to socially distance travelling this way. Our current service has one-way-systems and safe, clean terminal buildings to keep you and our staff safe. You can read more about our Covid-19 travel regulations here.
A speedy crossing into France
Our shuttles travel between Folkestone and Calais in just 35 minutes. You can get into France quickly, then set the pace from there as you can drive at your leisure planning your own stops on the way to your final destination.
Snow-capped mountains are still easily reached this year
Driving to the Alps from Calais
From Calais, a drive to The Alps takes around 10 hours, depending on your final resort destination. We recommend splitting the journey into parts, so you can make the most of the scenery. Driving to ski resorts in The Alps such as Chamonix, Tignes, and Val Thorens isn’t difficult as there are well connected main roads leading there, with the most beautiful mountain roads such as Col d’Iseran and Petit St Bernard to enjoy too. Be prepared for tolls, but expect a comfortable journey to the ski resorts, all from the safety of your car.
High-speed trains from Paris or Lyon
The TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) is France’s high-speed train service. A popular route runs from Paris, taking you to The Alps in roughly 5 and a half hours depending on your final resort destination. For example, from Gard du Nord, Paris you can take trains to Bourg St Maurice, then head to La Rosière ski village. From Lyon it takes around 4 hours including transfers to reach The Alps.
Of course, like the Eurostar ski train, you will have baggage restrictions in place when you travel by train. You may also have to make transfers in busy stations. Make sure you consider all your options before travelling.
Head up to the snowy peaks for your next ski adventure
Start your skiing holiday with LeShuttle
Driving to ski resorts in France and beyond couldn’t be simpler with LeShuttle. Our shuttles can get you from Folkestone to Calais in just 35 minutes and from there you can set the pace for your snow-capped adventure.