 or Rail Europe ( raileurope.com ). La Plagne, France The 11 villages that make up the resort of La Plagne are dotted across some tantalising terrain, with much of the accommodation being ski-in/ski-out. There's a vast range of activities here, including electric Moonbikes — a cross between a snow-scooter and a skidoo, ideal for exploring the terrain once the lifts close. You can also stay in a luxury converted snow groomer, under the stars at the top of the Arpette slopes. The journey Depart London St Pancras on Saturday on the new Eurostar service via Lille (times to be confirmed) arriving at Aime la Plagne. From there it's a 40-minute transfer. Rail journey time 7 hours, 25 minutes Journey highlights The scenery en route to the Tarentaise. How much? Return rail fares as part of a Travelski package are yet to be announced. They including accommodation and lift passes, booked directly with Travelski ( travelski.com ) or appointed travel agents such as Skiline ( skiline.co.uk ) or Snowfinders ( snowfinders.co.uk ). Travel tips and essentials Useful resources for rail travel to the Alps The Rail Map of Europe){kind=link}
The direct ski train has been cancelled – here’s everything you need to know about alternative ways to travel by rail this winter
It has been announced that the direct ski train to the French Alps from London will not run during the upcoming 2023/24 season – a blow for skiers hoping to travel by rail to the mountains.
Instead, the popular service will be replaced by a combination of two trains: a Eurostar to Lille and then an onward connecting Eurostar Continental train from there to the Tarentaise region of the French Alps.
This season the train will stop at six stations: Chambery, Albertville, Moûtiers, Aime la Plagne, Landry and Bourg St Maurice, giving skiers a wider choice of resorts than before. In a statement, the Eurostar Group said it “will offer a new solution for UK-based customers looking for a green way to travel to the Alps.”
While for the past two years, the service was chartered entirely by French tour operator Travelski and marketed as the Travelski Express, this season other tour operators will be invited to sell rail-inclusive packages using the service. Eurostar may also sell seats independently, but is yet to confirm.