The direct Eurostar ski train service between the heart of London and the centre of the French Alps is coming back this coming winter, but with a new name, The Travelski Express.
It will also be operated in a different way, as a charter by Europe’s largest ski resorts operator, the Compagnie des Alpes, rather than directly by Eurostar themselves.
Eurostar announced they were axing the service last year ahead of the 20-21 ski season, before the season itself was cancelled for Brits hoping to ski in the French Alps. At the time Eurostar’s decision caused outrage amongst those who were hoping that post pandemic there would be a genuine move to try to tackle the climate emergency and encourage rail travel.
The service, which takes 8-9 hours to travel between London St Pancras and French stations service resorts including the 3 Valleys, Les Arcs and la Plagne and Tignes and Val D’Isere, will operate under the name “Travelski Express.”
Credit – Eurostar
The service will be provided exclusively via Travelski, a wholly owned subsidiary of Compagnie des Alpes, which will sell it as a dynamic package deal that combines transportation, shuttle service, lodging, and ski passes.
In a statement the Compagnie des Alpes said the ski trains’ reinstatement was because the company wanted to:
“…Strengthen its commitments in corporate environmental, social, and societal responsibility. To this end, the Group has set the following environmental objectives: achieve Zero Net Carbon emissions (scopes 1 and 2), a positive impact on biodiversity, and zero non-recycled waste by 2030.”
The Travelski Express will operate over 16 weekends during the 2021-2022 ski season, departing from London- Saint Pancras station on Friday’s nights, for non-stop service to the Moûtiers and Bourg Saint Maurice stations. Non-stop return service will be scheduled for Saturdays from Bourg Saint Maurice and Moûtiers to London-Saint Pancras.
“The “Ski in France” experience will begin in the heart of London!” the statement added.
Pricing details have not yet be released but packages should be on sale later this month. It is not yet known if you will be able to purchase rail tickets only.
“In the face of an unprecedented health crisis that led to the total closure of our activities for the entire winter season last year, Compagnie des Alpes is working closely with its partners to promote a swift and robust recovery of the mountain economy. The Compagnie is taking concrete steps that include the continuity of its investment commitments and innovative, zero carbon projects,” said David Ponson, Director Mountain/Ski Area Operations and Outdoor Activities at Compagnie des Alpes.
