That's La Plagne

6 Tips for Booking Cheap Ski Train Tickets this Winter

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If you're planning a family ski holiday to France this winter, you're in for a treat. The snow-covered Alps are calling your name, and the best way to answer that call? By taking the ski train! Yes, you heard me right. Forget the hassles of airport security and cramped flights; the ski train is the way to go. In this article, I'll share why more and more people are opting for train travel to their European ski destinations and give you six expert tips to book the cheapest ski train tickets for your winter adventure.

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Why More and More People Are Booking the Train to Their Ski Holiday Instead of Flying?

Is the ski train more eco-friendly?

In a world where we're becoming increasingly conscious of our carbon footprint, the ski train offers a (not quite guilt-free) but better way to reach your snowy paradise. The Eurostar train is known for its commitment to eco-friendliness over flying to your ski holiday. By choosing train travel, you're reducing your environmental impact compared to flying, making it a responsible choice for your family ski holiday.

Is the ski train cheaper than flying?

As with most things travel-related, prices can fluctuate and do so quite dramatically. Having said that, you can, of course, find cheap flight deals quite often with EasyJet and other airlines. So, I would always recommend using a flight comparison site like Skyscanner to look at what the flights will cost you.

I have usually booked flights for myself, moving back and forth between France and the UK. However, if you start to factor in driving to the airport, airport parking and tolls, ski transfers, extra luggage allowance of ski bags, etc., the price quickly becomes more realistic, especially when compared with the trains.

The breakdown of my recent train journey that I found and booked with Rail Europe cost me just under €400 return from Aime La Plagne to Birmingham Central. Flights were going to cost me about €250, plus €100 for a suitcase, plus 80€ for my train tickets (and my trains did not match up with the flight times so that I would have spent about 4 hours at the airport).

You can see quite quickly the price of the train journey becomes very competitive.

Another great thing to be aware of is that there is no seat allocation fee on the Eurostar and French high-speed trains (TGV). Unlike airlines that charge extra for choosing your seats, the ski train lets you pick your spot at no additional cost. This is especially beneficial for families who want to sit together without breaking the bank.

Is taking the train faster than flying to your ski holiday?

In my opinion, the ski train offers a hassle-free journey from the UK to the Alps. I have done this as an adult travelling alone, and whilst I have yet to do it with my kids, I am confident that it will be an easier and smoother journey with them than via airports and flying.

Taking the ski trains and the Eurostar to a ski resort eliminates the need for long check-in procedures and transfers associated with air travel. You'll save precious hours, which you can spend enjoying the slopes or relaxing in the picturesque surroundings of La Plagne ( or another European ski resort, of course!)

Here are the timings of my journey from La Plagne to Birmingham (I did the exact reverse on the way back):

Departing La Plagne at 10 am to get the first train:

30-minute drive to Aime La Plagne train station
5 hours (including a 1 hour 20 mins stop in Chambery) Aime – Paris Gare du Lyon
15 mins Paris Gare du Lyon – Paris Gare du Nord
1 hour 15 mins Paris Gare du Nord – London St Pancras
10 mins Tube to London St Pancras – London Euston
1 hour London Euston – Birmingham

Total train time: 11.5 hours door to door.

To fly, it would have taken me :

- Departing La Plagne at 5 am to get the first train:
- 30 mins La Plagne to Aime La Plagne train
- 4 hours 40 mins: Aime train station – Geneva

*The train arrived 3 hours before my check-in, and on departure, my flight home arrived after the trains had stopped, so my husband would have had to pick me up.*

2.5 hours check in / 1.5-hour flight / 30 mins to collect suitcase Geneva – Birmingham

Total flight time: 11.5 hours door to door

More Luggage Allowance

Worried about packing all those ski essentials? Fret not! With the ski train, you can take two large cases and a piece of hand luggage at no extra cost on all Eurostar crossings. This means you can pack all the warm layers, ski gear, and snow boots you need for a fantastic family ski adventure. Plus, you can easily include a ski boot bag in the standard luggage allowance.

With a lot of airlines that feed the European ski resorts, you will find yourself limited in the amount of luggage and ski equipment you can fly with. It can quickly become an expensive journey. Have a look at these recent articles about the different airline policies for ski luggage allowance this winter ski season.

Eurostar luggage allowance – correct as of September 2023

Adults can bring up to 2 pieces of luggage (up to 85 cm long), plus one piece of hand luggage
Children can bring one piece of luggage (up to 85 cm long) plus one piece of hand luggage.

Ski luggage allowance on Eurostar

If you are taking the Snow train (i.e., the train direct from London to Lille and then on to your final destination, then the guidance from Eurostar on ski and snowsports equipment is as follows:

“On our Eurostar Snow train to Chambéry, Albertville, Moûtiers, Aime-la-Plagne, and Bourg-Saint-Maurice, we allocate extra space on board so you can take one pair of skis or one snowboard on board with you in addition to your standard adult luggage allowance. For safety reasons, skis and snowboards have to be kept in a protective case that covers the whole item. On all other trains, they’re included as one of your two pieces of luggage.”

In addition to your standard luggage allowance! Which means you can take a suitcase, a boot bag, a hand luggage and a snowboard or ski bag. All included in the price of your standard ticket.

WARNING: If you are booking the Eurostar separately and not the snow train (i.e., via Paris), then just be aware that your ski bag then becomes one of your pieces of luggage included in your standard ticket. So you can take: a suitcase, a hand luggage bag and a ski bag.

Find out more on the Eurostar site here.

Children’s Eurostar luggage allowance

If you are taking the ski train with children, then know that kids travelling on a child ticket can take:

1 piece of luggage (up to 85 cm long)
1 piece of hand luggage

If your child is under 4 and is sitting on your lap for the journey (i.e., without their own seat booking), then they don’t have their own luggage allowance.

However, regardless of the ticket your children are travelling with, you are allowed to take 1 pushchair and 1 car seat per child in addition to your standard luggage allowance and at no extra cost.

What to Expect Taking the Train to the Alps this Winter

Before we dive into my expert tips for booking cheap ski train tickets, let's set your expectations for the train journey. Picture this: comfortable, allocated seats, stunning scenic views as you wind through Europe, and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for families. It's a far cry from the chaos of airports and cramped airplane seats.

6 Top Tips for Booking the Cheapest Ski Train Tickets this Winter

1. Inghams for Package Ski Holidays with Train Tickets

One of the easiest ways to book your ski train journey is by opting for a package deal. Inghams is the first and only ski company offering ski holidays that include travel, transfers, and accommodation, all in one convenient package. This can often be a cost-effective way to secure your ski train tickets along with a comfortable stay in your ski resort of choice.

2. Book Eurostar via Lille (Only Available Until 4th February)

For a limited time, Eurostar is offering a fantastic deal for ski train 2024. You can book your Eurostar tickets via Lille at an early bird price of just £99 each way. It requires a change at Lille rather than the more familiar Paris, but Lille is a super straightforward platform change. Act quickly, as the ski train via Lille is available until the 4th of February and only has 104 seats available on the Eurostar crossings.

3. Book Train Travel Independently via Paris

If you prefer a more independent approach, consider booking your train travel separately through a platform like Rail Europe or Omio. This option gives you more flexibility in choosing your travel dates and times. This is the option I have taken in the past, and although you do have to move from Paris Lyon station to Paris Gare du Nord, it is a fast, straightforward metro (tube) journey that takes less than 10 minutes.

You can read more in-depth about Omio and my review of Rail Europe here.

4. Book Early for the Best Prices

Ski train tickets tend to sell out fast, so booking early is essential. Not only will you secure your spot, but you'll also have access to the best prices. Keep in mind that there's often limited availability, so the earlier you book, the better. Additionally, consider flexible tickets that allow changes up to 7 days before travel, providing peace of mind in case your plans change.

5. Travel Hack Your Rail Travel

Maximize your savings by using a railcard if you have one. While railcards won't discount Eurostar tickets, they can provide savings on additional train connections during your journey.

Another smart move is to join Club Eurostar, where you can earn points for every pound you spend on Eurostar travel.

Plus, if you read any of my travel hacking blogs, you’ll be tired of hearing this one! But sign up for the Eurostar newsletter to stay in the loop about special offers and promotions.

Check out these pages for a deeper dive into ski holiday travel hacking.

6. Special Fares for Children and Groups

Travelling with kids? Children under 4 travel for free on Eurostar, and those aged 4 to 11 enjoy special fares. If you're part of a group of 10 or more, you can receive up to a 10% discount. Simply request a quote directly from Eurostar, providing your crossing details, and they'll get back to you within 24 hours.

BONUS TIP: If your schedule allows, try to travel midweek. Savvy Eurostar users know that the cheapest tickets are often available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. While ski holidays usually operate on weekend-to-weekend schedules, if you can swing it, you'll find more budget-friendly options during the quieter midweek periods.

That’s La Plagne and how to book the cheapest ski train travel this winter

In conclusion, there are plenty of compelling reasons to choose the ski train for your family's next European ski trip. From its eco-friendliness and cost-effectiveness to the generous luggage allowance and comfort, it's a fantastic way to kickstart your ski holiday.

Armed with these six expert tips, you're well-prepared to find and book the cheapest ski train tickets for your journey. Remember to act fast, explore package deals, and take advantage of discounts and rewards programs to make the most of your ski train experience.

Now that you're armed with knowledge, it's time to pack your winter gear, gather your family, and embark on an unforgettable ski holiday aboard the ski train 2024. See you on the slopes!