That's La Plagne
The Ultimate Guide to Travelling to a Ski Holiday by Train
Updated September 2023.
How YOU can save money and reduce your carbon footprint by taking the train to your next family ski holiday.
Travelling to a ski resort by train is not only an eco-friendly option, but it can also save you money and provide a stress-free journey. Especially if you are booking your first ski holiday or a family ski holiday.
In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn everything you need to know about travelling to a ski resort by train, from booking your tickets to packing your bags. Get ready for a fun and sustainable winter ski holiday!
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Why train travel to your ski holiday might be the perfect option
Travelling to your ski holiday by train can be a relaxing and enjoyable experience. While it initially looks like the train journey is longer than the 1.5 / 2-hour flight, when you factor in the travel to the airport, the transfer from the airport to the ski resort, including the traffic, the train journey is often faster and cheaper option.
Train time
- St Pancreas Eurostar to the Tarentaise Valley = 8 hours
- Plus, a 40-minute transfer to your ski resort.
- TOTAL: 9 hours.
Flight time
- London to Geneva: 1.40 mins
- Minimum check-in: 2 hours
- Baggage collection: 1 hour
- Transfer to resort: 3.5 to 4 hours
- 6+ hours in peak weeks
- TOTAL: 9+ hours
Plus, the train journey can be part of the adventure, especially for families and those travelling with kids. The comfortable seating, luggage allowances, scenic views, and the ability to stretch your legs and move around, train travel can be a great way to start your ski holiday. Plus, you won't have to deal with the hassle of boarding and disembarking multiple vehicles. As any parent travelling with kids knows, it is often the most challenging part of keeping your children entertained and happy.
Train travel: the sustainable option for your ski holiday
"...according to the French government, the transport sector generates more greenhouse gases than any other, representing 31% of all emissions. Drilling down into the detail, 94% of greenhouse emissions are due to road transport, 4.4% to air and the rest to the rails – a proportion so small it is considered ‘negligible’ by the French government."
Traveling by train to your ski holiday can be a more sustainable option in the face of climate change. The ski industry is already feeling the effects of global warming, with resorts relying on snow cannons and even glaciers melting earlier than usual. In the summer of 2019, summer ski glaciers in France, Austria, and Norway had to close early due to rising temperatures.
By choosing train travel, you can reduce your carbon footprint and help preserve the snowy slopes for future generations to enjoy.
Check out this top review with Iain Martin, from Ski Flight Free.
How to choose the right train for your ski holiday
When travelling to a ski resort by train, it's important to choose the right route. Look for ski trains that have direct routes to your destination, as this will save you time and reduce the risk of delays or missed connections. You should also consider the type of train you'll be travelling on, as some trains offer more amenities and comfort than others. Research your options and choose the route that best suits your needs and budget.
I am based in La Plagne, and if you are looking at how to travel by train to La Plagne, then you might have heard that a snow train is no longer an option. THIS IS NOT TRUE.
Whilst the classic ‘snow train' that ran directly from London to the Tarentaise Valley doesn't run independently, there are still some great options for you.
The part that people often struggle with is how they will manage any train changes on the way to their ski resort. Actually, as of winter 23/24, Eurostar trains will be transferring through Lille train station and not through Paris. This is great news because, in the past, you did have to move from one Paris train station across to another train station. However, with the Eurostar now coming to Lille, you don't need to navigate outside of a station. There will only be a platform change at most! Then a second train to La Plagne – or other ski resorts – which is pretty fast and efficient.
Snow Train Travel Options
Ski Train Holiday Packages
Outbound journey
- The Eurostar Snow train departs St Pancras at 9 am
- You will change platform in Lille at 11:30 am
- You will depart Lille at 12:15 pm
- Arriving in Bourg-St-Maurice at 18:20 pm
- There are then transfers from there to your ski resort.
Inbound journey
- Extra ski day on the last Saturday – 7th day included for the price of 6 (including lift pass and ski equipment)
- Tignes/Val D’Isere guests will transfer to Base Camp Lodge Hotel. Les Arcs guests by funicular to Base Camp Lodge
- Dinner at Base Camp Lodge
- Sunday morning shuttle from the hotel to the train station
- The Eurostar Snow train departs at 08:11 am
- You will arrive in Lille at 14:30 pm
- You will then depart Lille at 15:30 pm
- Arriving back at St Pancras at 15:57 pm
Eurostar + TGV
If the direct ski train route via Lille is not currently available – e.g., booked out – ski train travellers can still book the travel independently and still transfer through Paris, which is what I have done previously. Look on Rail Europe for the cheapest train tickets for this.
Taking the train rather than flying to your ski holiday not only reduces carbon emissions but also allows for a more scenic and relaxing journey to the mountains.
- Moutiers Train Station
- Three Valleys (Meribel, Couchevel)
- Val Thorens
- Les Menuires
- Aime Train Station
- La Plagne
- Bourg St Maurice Train Station
- Les Arcs
- Espace Killey (Val d'Isere, Tignes)
- La Rosiere
- Sainte Foy
- Albertville for Megeve
- Belgarde-sur-Valserine station
- Chamonix area
- Briancon station
- Montgenevre
- Serre Chevalier
Book Your Train Tickets in Advance
One of the best ways to save money when travelling to a ski resort by train is to book your tickets in advance. Many train companies offer discounted fares for early bookings, so be sure to check their websites for deals. Additionally, booking in advance will give you more options for seat selection and train times, allowing you to plan your journey more efficiently. Don't wait until the last minute to book your tickets, as prices may increase and availability may be limited.
If you are travelling with children on the train, then it's also great to know that they receive substantial discounts, often up to 30% off and children under 4 travel for free (without a reserved seat).
TOP TIP: Read this article on how to keep kids entertained on long ski holiday journeys.
Where to book ski train tickets
Rail Europe is a price comparison website and has repeatedly found me the cheapest ski train travel tickets. You can easily filter your searches and book online to get the best ski train deals.
Eurostar
Website: Eurostar.com
Phone: 03432 186 186
Mon-Fri 8am – 7pm; Sat-Sun 9am – 5pm.
Booking fee: £10 per booking (not per person)
Eurostar can book journeys with the Eurostar Ski Train and Eurostar + TGV to a variety of selected stations. However, Eurostar can’t book journeys that involve local French trains.
Eurostar’s website is, of course, the best place to book the Eurostar Ski Train. However, it is also good for some Eurostar + TGV journeys.
Snowcarbon
Website: Snowcarbon.co.uk
Snowcarbon is an independent guide to help skiers and snowboarders find out how to travel to ski resorts by train. It isn't a site to make bookings with, but it is great for reading reviews and understanding what to expect from your ski train journey.
Pack Light and Smart
When travelling to a ski resort by train, it's important to pack light and smart. You don't want to be lugging heavy bags through train stations and up to your accommodation. Pack only what you need and invest in high-quality, lightweight luggage. Consider packing items that can serve multiple purposes, such as a jacket that can be worn on the slopes and in town. And don't forget to pack any necessary ski equipment, such as boots and helmets, in a separate bag for easy transport.
TOP TIP: Check out my ski holiday packing guide for everything from ski gadgets and medical bags to what to pack for skiing with babies… Separate downloadable checklists for everything you need to pack for your next family ski holiday.
Know the Ski Resort Transportation Options
Before you embark on your journey to a ski resort by train, it's important to research the transportation options available to you once you arrive. Some ski resorts offer shuttle services from the train station to the resort, while others may require you to take a taxi or public transportation. Make sure to plan ahead and book any necessary transportation in advance to avoid any stress or confusion upon arrival.
WARNING: If you are arriving during peak season and on a peak busy day – basically Saturdays – then you MUST book your ski transfer to the resort in advance. Most transfer companies will be flat out doing airport transfers and will not be available for the shorter train station to ski resort transfers.
Have a look at some of the following ski transfer options that will be able to take you to your ski resort from the train station:
You can read my full reviews of Ski Lifts, AltiBus and Alps2Alps in these articles.
Enjoy the Scenery and Relax on the Train
One of the biggest advantages of travelling to a ski resort by train is the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way. Sit back, relax, and take in the stunning views of snow-capped mountains, picturesque villages, and frozen lakes. Many train routes also offer onboard amenities such as dining cars, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating, making your journey even more enjoyable. Plus, travelling by train is a more eco-friendly option compared to driving or flying, reducing your carbon footprint and helping to preserve the natural beauty of the mountains.
Ski and Snowboard Travel
How to travel with snowboard and ski bags
If you're travelling with your skis and snowboards, it can often be stressful getting the equipment to your ski resort. Especially if you are taking a family ski holiday.
I've written a deep dive into how to travel with ski gear, which you can read in detail. But for a quick summary, here are my top tips:
- Rent ski equipment in La Plagne – or wherever else you are skiing! No need to travel with all the equipment, and you can rent top-quality, high-end equipment each ski holiday.
- If you do buy, prioritise ski boots first over skis or snowboards. Your own ski boots – or snowboard boots – will make a bigger improvement to your comfort and performance on the pistes than skis or a snowboard.
- Bags – You can get very lightweight ski bags and snowboard bags. However, think about things like:
- Padding to keep equipment secure
- Wheels on the bag (like suitcase wheels)
- Additional space – for multiple snowboards, helmets, ski clothing, etc.
- For ski transfers to your final destination, whether that is to La Plagne or another ski resort, most transfer companies are set up for ski bags as standard. However, always confirm with your booking how many ski or snowboard bags your group will be travelling with.
- If you take the ski train, luggage allowance – or weight – can be less of a concern. Another reason why snow train travel might be the perfect option if you are a larger party with several ski or snowboard bags.
- To save space travelling with snowboard equipment, it can be better to remove the bindings from your snowboard to give you more flexibility of space. Don't forget to pack your snowboard tool to put everything back together on the other side!
That's La Plagne & how to travel to your next family ski holiday by train
I hope you've found this article helpful and it's convinced you at least consider travelling to your next ski holiday by train.
- More environmentally friendly than flying, with a lower carbon footprint. Train travel is becoming the greener way to take your ski holiday this winter.
- More reliable. With fewer delays than airports and flights. Plus no crazy road traffic holding up airport transfers. Those travelling on the train are often the only ones to arrive on time at the resort.
- Quality. The French trains are much nicer than in the UK, with first class and the high-speed TGV providing the smoothest options.
- Travelling with children is much easier, which out all the standing around in lines, waiting on transfers and more.
- Luggage allowance. With airlines cracking down on how many bags you can take, travelling via train is so much more relaxed – perfect when you have ski and snowboard bags.
What would you like to know more about? Ask me in the comments, or check out my socials, and I'll do my best to find the right answer for you.
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