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Eurostar (again). Winter “direct” Service for 2025/6

Posted Tue 30 Sep 2025

Back on the Eurostar again this afternoon. This time for a CL game with The Toon but it is looking a bit tired now. The departure and arrival stations certainly need updating but the good news is the “direct” Snow Train (it’s not, you need to change at Lille) has a Sat to Sat option not the ludicrous Sat to Sun only last season.

Our last trip on the Snow Train (the Ski Train was the old school overnight carnage journey with a disco carriage – glory days!): The Last Snow Train of the Season

Still a long checkin, (longer than an easyJet flight), security delays and there’s not many train stations with motorway access like nearly all airports!

There is also a massive single point of failure in that tunnel when there are technical issues, fires or strikes – there’s always another flight route / operator / country immediately available when flying.

Obviously the environmental and sustainability arguments are immense to skiers but the fact that Eurostar won’t be running on renewable electricity for around another 5 years is staggering. Much reduced CO2 emissions of course.

Route and schedule for 2025/2026 season

Duration: The total journey takes just under 8 hours to Bourg-Saint-Maurice.
Departure dates: For the 2025/2026 season, trains will run every Saturday from December 20, 2025, to April 5, 2026, offering greater availability.
Return options: A key change for 2025/2026 is the choice of returning on either a Saturday or Sunday, offering more flexibility for travelers.
Stops in France: After a connection at Lille, the train continues to several stations in the French Alps, including Chambéry, Albertville, Moûtiers, Aime-la-Plagne, Landry, and Bourg-Saint-Maurice.
Reachable resorts: From these stations, travelers can access major resorts such as Val d’Isère, Tignes, Les Arcs, La Plagne, Courchevel, Méribel, and Val Thorens via short transfers.

Key benefits

Sustainability: Train travel produces significantly less CO2 emissions per passenger than flying, making it a more environmentally conscious choice.
Convenience: The service eliminates the hassles associated with flying, such as airport queues and strict liquid restrictions. Check-in times are also much shorter. (All of these could be argued though).
Spacious luggage allowance: Passengers can bring two suitcases, one piece of hand luggage, and a pair of skis or a snowboard at no extra charge. This allowance is more generous than most airlines.
Relaxing journey: The trip provides scenic views of the European countryside. Onboard amenities include ample legroom, free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and catering from the Eurostar Café.

Tickets and booking

Tickets went on sale: Tickets for the 2025/2026 season became available on July 10, 2025.
Fares: Fares start from £99 each way in standard class, though peak dates tend to be more expensive.
Package deals: Some ski tour operators, such as Inghams, offer holiday packages that include the Eurostar Snow train, transfers, and accommodation.