Here are answers to some of the questions you've been asking. If a question you have isn't listed here, please contact us. We'll reply to you and also add also add the answer to this page.
Do I need to book a return, or can I travel one way?
You can book either a return or single ticket, allowing you to mix and match times and routes,or fly one way if you want to.
Can I combine a daytime outward journey with an overnight journey on the return, or vice versa?
Yes, absolutely. Daytime and overnight journeys each have different advantages, so by combining you can experience the benefits of each.
Does it cost the same to book via snowcarbon as directly with a rail company?
Yes, exactly the same. But when you book with snowcarbon we sometimes receive a small commmission that helps us towards the cost of running and developing the site.
Is it cheaper to travel to a ski resort by plane or by train?
When booking independently, sometimes it's cheaper by plane, and sometimes cheaper by train, sometimes the same. The important thing to consider is the overall cost of flying, including getting to the airport, airport transfers and all the not-so-little charges that airlines add on. These really add up. Tour operators often offer rail-inclusive packages at very competitive rates too, so these are worth checking out. When you are booking very last-minute, independent train travel is expensive but larger tour operators may have rail-inclusive packages available. As a general rule, there are far more options and better prices with the train if you book further in advance. For more info see our guide on how to book the lowest fares.
Are transfers from the station to the resort (if the station isn't in the ski resort) included in the price?
When booking independently no. When booking a tour operator rail-inclusive package, almost always.
Is it possible to do a ski weekend travelling by overnight trains?
Yes, in many cases. Most sleeper trains run every night, so you can pick trains to suit, and ski on your day of arrival and day of departure.
How can I be the first to out when trains and packages become available to book?
Subscribe to snowcarbon's newsletter (on our homepage) and follow us on Twitter.
I would like to stop in Paris on the way, or way back. Can I do this or will it be more expensive?
In principle, this won't affect the price of your journey in when booking independently, although it will depend to some extent on the price of tickets on the particular Eurostar you are taking. You could also choose to take a late Eurostar and spend a night in Paris in order to get a very early TGV to the Alps. However, with certain tour operator packages these stop-in-Paris options may not be available.
Can I book last minute?
Yes, but you may find the lower fares have sold. Aim to book at least four weeks in advance. If you're booking late, consider a rail-inclusive package from a tour operator.
Can I include a ticket from any station in the UK or do I need to book this separately?
To get the lowest fares it is always better to book separately the journey from a UK rail station to the Eurostar terminal (London St Pancras, Ashford or Ebbsfleet).
Can I change my travel dates or times after booking?
The lowest fares are usually for non-exchangeable, non-refundable tickets. Other tickets have some degree of flexibility. You can check the ticket conditions (either online, or on the phone) before you book.
How long does it take to check in on Eurostar?
Check-in and security usually takes around 10 minutes altogether and is very easy. However Eurostar recommend arriving for check-in a miniumum of 30 minutes before departure for ordinary Eurostars (e.g. to Paris or Lille) and 60 minutes for the Eurostar Ski Train.
Are skis and snowboards carried free of charge on Eurostar?
Yes, you can take one pair of skis or one snowboard per person on Eurostar for free. There is some confusion caused by this page on Eurostar's website, which makes reference to an 85cm maximum length for baggage items. This maximum length doesn't apply to skis or snowboards on any their trains, whether this is a Eurostar to Paris or the Eurostar Ski Train.
How many baggage items can I take in total on Eurostar?
You can take two large items of baggage (skis or snowboard count as one of these) and one item of hand luggage.
Are there any baggage restrictions on European trains?
No, none at all.
Can I leave my luggage at a Paris station so that I can spend time sightseeing in Paris for a day?
Yes. At Gare d'Austerlitz there is a left-luggage deposit with lockers that can fit skis as well as bags and cases. At Gare de Lyon there is a left-luggage deposit but it can only take bags and cases, not skis.
Can I change station in Paris easily, with a taxi?
Yes, see our guide to how to change station in Paris.
Can we ensure that we all sit together or share the same couchette?
Yes. Any booking will naturally put the party in seats next to each other on daytime trains, and in the same couchette compartment on overnight trains. However, it can be worth clarifying this on the phone before booking, especially if you have a large group or family in the case of overnight couchette compartments.
Will I need to share a couchette compartment? Are there any single-sex couchettes?
Most standard-class couchette compartments sleep six. On most trains female-only couchettes can be requested (on the phone).
Is bedding provided in couchettes?
Yes, freshly laundered sheets, pillows and quilted-blankets are provided, and a small bottle of water per person.
Is there a website I can use to check train times within Europe?
Within Europe a good site is www.rail.ch.
What other rail travel/holiday websites are useful?
You might also have heard of www.seat61.com, which is an excellent site about travelling by train from the UK all over the world. For ideas for holidays by train into Europe in summer, www.greentraveller.co.uk is great.