July 2nd, 2009 - Posted by: Powder Monkey
Snow Train Cancelled for Winter 09/10
Rail Europe announced yesterday that there would be no Snow Train service to the French Alps during the coming ski season. According to an official statement on Rail Europe’s website, the overnight sleeper service is another casualty of the recession:
We’re really sad to announce that the Snow Train won’t be running during the coming ski season. Unfortunately, the current economic climate and poor exchange rates along with an increase in our operating costs, has meant that the service would not be financially viable.
The skiing public were as divided about the Snow Train experience as the general public are about Marmite, so undoubtedly some fans will mourn the loss of the service.
Rail Europe pointed out that there are other rail options for traveling to the Alps including an overnight Eurostar service. However, unlike the relative comfort offered by the couchettes on the Snow Train, on the Eurostar you travel sitting upright.
There are also weekly Eurostar services during the day but the real lure of the Snow Train was that by traveling overnight you gained an extra day on the slopes.
Of course, you can gain that extra day by either driving or flying to the Alps on a schedule that suits you.
If you drive, count on at least 8 hours driving on the French side.
Flights to French alpine airports take less than 2 hours but transfers from the airport to resort can be time consuming. Do your research and pick the local airport for your chosen resort and you could save yourself a lot of time.
Tags: Eurostar, Recession, Snow Train
Posted in News from the Alps, Skiing in France, Travel to the French Alps | 4 Comments »
July 2nd, 2009 at 10:32 pm
Of course you can always book the overnight train from Paris to Bourg St Maurice or Moutiers direct through http://www.voyages-sncf.com/. Same journey with similar trains with couchettes.Just not the chartered snow train. More info here – http://www.ski-concierge.com/blog
August 16th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
The latest (August09) Rail Europe is showing that the ski train is running 09/10 season… see website http://www.raileurope.co.uk/Default.aspx?tabid=490
Eurostar Direct Ski Train Travel to the heart of the French Alps on a Eurostar Direct Ski Train, running from late December to early April. Prices start from £149 return per person.There are two Direct Eurostar Ski Trains to choose from:
•Night service – Get eight days on the slopes as you depart Friday evening (arriving first thing on Saturday), returning the following Saturday night. Service operates from 1 January until 2 April 2010.
•High-speed day service – Arrive in just 7 and a half hours, travelling through the day on Saturday. Service operates from 19 December 2009 until 10 April 2010
September 7th, 2009 at 12:06 pm
Thanks for your comment Richard.
I don’t think this is what used to be known as the Snow Train (with the sleeping compartments). I think this is the overnight Euro Star I mention in the post.
It’s good to know that there are still some viable rail options though.
September 18th, 2009 at 8:02 am
Your blog is so informative ? Great work!!!