Connecting to the French Alps
Take the Eurostar Snow train from London, grab a connection in Lille and hop off at Chambéry, Albertville, Moûtiers-Salins-Brides-Les-Bains, Aime-la-Plagne, or Bourg-Saint-Maurice.
Get to the heart of the French Alps effortlessly
Step onto the Eurostar Snow train, departing every Saturday throughout winter, and glide to wonderful ski resorts in hours.
Set off from London, grab a connection in Lille, and hop off at Chambéry, Albertville, Moûtiers, Aime-La-Plagne, or Bourg-Saint-Maurice. Your French Alps holidays start here on our spacious, comfortable trains, with free seat reservations and luggage allowance for two bags and all your gear for the slopes.
Sit back and enjoy some tasty food and drinks from Eurostar Café and plenty of charging ports as you watch the mountains roll past. It’s the best route for sustainable travel on a ski trip - forget hanging around at baggage carousels or worrying about weight limits on luggage. Did we mention there are no hidden fees for luggage either? This is high-speed, low stress travel.
Where does the Eurostar ski train stop?
Before you pack up and book, it’s worth knowing where we’ll take you for a convenient gateway to your winter holiday.
The Three Valleys ski area
With over 600kms of piste and 320 ski runs, Three Valleys is the biggest ski area in the world. Our Eurostar Snow train will drop you off.
So, no surprise that there is something for everyone here, from beginner areas to all types of extreme terrain. The Three Valley's area consists of more than 12 villages, including Courchevel, Méribel, Les Menuires and Val Thorens, as well as the smaller, but equally appealing, La Tania and Saint Martin de Belleville.
Accommodation options go from budget to super-luxe, and dining options from fast food to Michelin starred. You’ll also find vibrant nightlife and lots to do off the slopes. Uncover more of the Three Valleys ski area before you visit.
Val Thorens
As the highest skiing destination in Europe and voted the best winter resort in the world seven times, a ski holiday in Val Thorens could be the break of a lifetime. It’s 2,300 metres above sea level and holds snow on its peaks from November to May. The Ski Cross World Cup kicks off here, as well as ice driving for the Andros Trophy.
- For a Van Thorens hotel, check out the Altapura, La Datcha chalet or self-catered Hameau de Kashmir. Hôtel Marielle is particularly good for kids' activities.
- Grab a light meal at Le Rond Point snack bar or enjoy finer dining at Le Chalet de Pierre and other restaurants.
- Val Thorens nightlife is incredible. DJs play long into the night at Bar 360, a party hub 15 minutes’ walk from the village.
- Take our Eurostar to Alps train and get off at Moûtiers. It’s only another 36km to Val Thorens.
Courchevel
Although it has a reputation for wealthy visitors, don’t let that put you off Courchevel ski holidays. This clutch of four villages is the perfect spot for beginner and intermediate skiers to hone their skills. Lifts, slopes and a road from Moûtiers link each community.
- The best hotels in Courchevel include the four-star Portetta, the more affordable three-star Hôtel Les Ducs de Savoie and numerous catered chalets.
- Three restaurants here hold Michelin stars. But instead, you might opt for Italian eaterie La Cendree.
- The Aquamotion aquatic centre has a pool for children and an adult-only spa priced from €10.
- Our Moûtiers Snow train places you on the doorstep to Courchevel.
Les Menuires
If you’re on a tighter budget, a Les Menuires ski trip is great for taking in the sights and sensations of the Alps. Tens of thousands of French holidaymakers arrive here every year, enjoying the slope-side accommodation and diverse Alpine pursuits including fat biking.
- Although Les Menuires is slightly less beautiful than other resorts, the four-star Hôtel Kaya has a luxury spa, and chalets are nestled by the pistes in Reberty, 1km north toward Val Thorens.
- Some of the best Les Menuires restaurants include L’Alpage, serving filling Savoie food, and Le Grand Lac, which boasts a wide sun terrace. They’re almost all child-friendly.
- Several dance clubs dot the resort. Head to Le Leeberty for Euro house and electronica or Le New Pop for the hits.
- Access Les Menuires from the Moûtiers station and grab a coach or taxi for the remaining 27km.
Méribel
You won’t find a more central base for your Three Valleys visit than this famous ski resort. Lush woodland and slopes from 1,000km to almost 3,000km make it ideal for the whole family or a large group of friends. There are four villages to explore in the heart of the valley.
- Thanks to one of the region’s most generous arrays of self-serve chalets, a huge number of Brits choose Méribel ski holidays. The four-star Grand Coeur hotel offers extra luxury.
- When you’re hanging your skis up for the day, visit the Parq Olympique for a pool, gym or spa session. Kids can try ice skating or husky sleigh rides.
- Fancy some table dancing in Méribel bars? Enjoy a night out at the Le Coeur de Cristal.
- Méribel has a station which is a quick connection away from Moûtiers.
St. Martin de Belleville
Eurostar ski holidays are your ticket to the charming alpine village, St. Martin de Belleville. The wood-and-stone farmhouses, ancient clock tower and gentle atmosphere suit anniversary breaks or families with children aged 3-13.
- Beautiful farmhouse conversions are ready for guests. Above the village’s winking lights, you’ll also find the four-star Hôtel Saint-Martin.
- Snap up lunch at Le Chardon Bleu. Then for dinner, sample the Michelin-starred mountain bistro, La Bouitte.
- While there are easier nursery slopes elsewhere, St. Martin de Belleville runs a junior club for children over 30 months old.
- Our Snow train can drop you off at Moûtiers station just 20km north. All you have to do is book a taxi or a quick journey by coach.
La Tania
For a quieter, friendlier slice of skiing, you can’t go wrong with La Tania. This small community with no traffic is carpeted in trees — one of the safest picks you can make for a ski train 2023 escape. Winter sports have left their mark from the beginning – La Tania was developed for the 1992 Albertville Olympics.
- The majority of chalets here have ski-in/out access. Rest up at the Les Chalets de la Tania, Pierre et Vacances' Résidence Le Britania or 123 other self-service spots.
- During school holidays, there’s night skiing. You might also enjoy paragliding lessons and snow groomer rides.
- La Tania ski holidays aren’t complete without live music at Pub Le Ski Lodge or a cocktail at La Taïga.
- You only need to take a 20-minute taxi or shuttle bus ride to arrive at La Tania from Moûtiers.
Explore the Paradiski area
The huge Paradiski area includes Les Arcs, Peisey-Vallandry and La Plagne and covers 425km of piste, catering well for every level of skier or snowboarder. You’ll find a good choice of green, blue, red and black runs. With most of the accommodation ski-in/out, you can maximise your time on the slopes.
Off piste in Paradiski, there are plenty of good restaurants for all budgets, enough nightlife for hardened partiers and winter activities for all tastes and ages. When you make your ski train 2023 or 2024 arrangements, you’ll be bound for the trip of a lifetime.
Les Arcs
France’s first purpose-built ski resort, Les Arcs links to the La Plagne valley via the double-decked Vanoise Express gondola. It still leads the way in some respects for dining, lodgings and recreation designed for anyone unclipping their ski boots for the day.
- Swift piste access is all yours with Les Arcs hotels such as Résidence Charmettoger, 300 metres from the slopes, and the five-star Taj-I Mah.
- Nestle into the warm ambience of the Chalet du Solliet for food and drink. Otherwise, head to the Igloo Village for chilled wine and shaggy seating.
- A Eurostar ski train to Bourg-Saint-Maurice places you seven minutes from Les Arcs.
La Plagne
11 villages form the beautiful core of La Plagne. As neighbours to Les Arcs, visitors often shuttle between these areas, but there’s plenty to see and do right here. La Plagne’s ski resort attractions have made it a jewel in the Paradiski area.
- One of La Plagne’s communities — 1800 — has the most chalets in Paradiski. Elsewhere in the centre, you’ll discover the four-starred Araucaria and Hôtel Cocoon.
- Nightlife takes a backseat. Instead, these villages are incredibly child-friendly with numerous nursery slopes.
- Test your winter sports skills on one of Europe’s seven Olympic bobsleigh runs.
- From Aime-La-Plagne, you’ll arrive in 40 minutes by bus or taxi.
Peisey-Vallandry
1,600km on the mountainside, at the lip of a forest, sits the peaceful retreat of Peisey-Vallandry. It’s excellent for beginner-to-expert runs and connecting with other resorts – La Plagne and Les Arcs are either side. You’re also on the cusp of Vanoise National Park — 53,000 hectares of woodland.
- Plan Peisey and Vallandry are two distinct villages with countless places for couples and families. Most hotels are three-star, while the higher end Chalet Himalaya awaits with a hot tub.
- Le Rilax specialises in crepes and snacks. Enfants Terrible, on the other hand, lies at the summit of the Vallandry chairlift for vintage 60s-style dining.
- Children can enjoy the local snow garden or splash in the pool at L'Orée des Cimes.
- Regular coach transfers take you the 20km from Bourg-Saint-Maurice station.
Espace Killy
The Espace area, now known as Val d’Isère — Tignes, is considered one of the best in the world and has hosted major ski events including the Winter Olympics downhill races. Our Eurostar to Alps snow train gives you unfettered access to these peaks and valleys.
There’s plenty of skiing for everyone, from well-designed nursery slopes to world-class terrain parks for freestylers. Kilometres of wide blue and red pistes are bound to keep your group busy as the sun slips toward the mountains.
After a hard day’s skiing or snowboarding, wind down with bars, shops and restaurants in Espace Killy. There are also Val d’Isère hotels and Tignes attractions to enjoy without breaking the bank.
Val d’Isère
Keen to party and pivot through some challenging runs? Val d’Isère ski holidays are the dream winter escape. A black piste and the Grand Motte glacier stand tall for the most daring visitors. Or instead, you can explore great bars and a famed cycle route.
- Accommodation suits every budget, from the top-end Chalet Skadi to family-owned Auberge St. Hubert.
- There are several La Folie Douce clubs in the Alps, but the most famous one is here. Expect intoxicating music from 3PM late into the night.
- Children in Val d’Isère aren’t left out. Holiday Village welcomes kids from 18 months to 13 years old.
- The Eurostar ski train drops you off at Bourg-Saint-Maurice, half an hour away by local bus.
Tignes
With a large collection of slopes over the 2,000-metre mark, this resort has broad, panoramic inclines to leave you breathless.
- Cosy self-catered residences include the Jhana, Ferme du Val Claret and Village Montana.
- Restaurants in Tignes have unbelievable views. Try the region’s oldest dining spot, Sachette, or Lo Soli at the summit of the Chaudannes lift.
- Ice skating and indoor water sports — some child-friendly — are very popular across these five villages.
- Take our train to Bourg-Saint-Maurice and head 30km south to Tignes.
Other popular resorts
Uncover more of the Alps on our Snow train with a few lesser-known resorts.
Sainte Foy
It’s like discovering a secret buried in the snow. Sainte Foy is a quaint, modest base for your ski trip, 1,550 metres high in the Haute Tarentaise valley. If you’re just starting to learn or keen to teach your loved ones, there’s no better place for on- and off-piste magic.
- Down from the Sainte Foy ski resort, you can relax at the three-star Hôtel Monal, or slip into a spa at Le Ruitor or les Fermes de Sainte.
- Les Maison à Colonnes serves excellent steaks, fried potatoes and desserts. Alternatively, book dinner in a private igloo.
- Kids under seven receive free skiing lessons — a rarity in the Alps.
- Catch the Snow train to Bourg-Saint-Maurice. From there, it’s a mere 15 minutes to Sainte Foy via cab or coach.
Valmorel
Families, beginners and intermediate skiers adore Valmorel for its diversity. You have six communities to cross with around 150Vkm of piste ranging from 1,400 to 2,100 metres. The Valmorel ski resort also connects with St. Francois Lachamps, which together form the Grand Domaine.
- Valmorel hotels include the three-star Hôtel du Bourg close to shops and cafes, and La Grange aux Fées for ski-in/out stays.
- Grab a well-deserved drink at Le Petit Prince their sun terraces.
- Book an airboarding ride (inflatables) or take the kids on a snake glisse (a line of linked sledges).
- Moûtiers station is closest, but you’ll need to organise transport in advance for the remaining 18km.
La Rosière
The main ski area here, Espace San Bernardo, is the only French-Italian winter recreation spot in the Northern Alps. You’ll likely meet a healthy peppering of both nations. We think La Rosière is a standout option for Eurostar ski holidays.
- Catered chalets have recently raised their game for luxury. We’re fond of Les Eucherts and Residence Le Miravadi.
- Italian dishes are easy to find in La Rosière restaurants such as the La Thuile.
- La Rosière isn’t known for wild nights. Instead, take your family to the Junior Academy or along smooth green trails until they pick things up.
- Hop off our Snow train at Bourg-Saint-Maurice and catch a regular bus to the resort.
Book your Eurostar Ski Holiday
Snow in your visor. The wind in your hair. Miles and miles of sparkling mountains clipping the horizon. It’s what skiing holidays are all about. Whichever destination you choose, a Eurostar ski holiday could be the trip of a lifetime.
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