Your stories

Here are a selection of some of the ski holidays by train that you've enjoyed.

We'd love you to share your stories of previous trips, so please send them in.

If you've got a trip planned, let us know too, so we can share any travel tips with you.

 Alpbach in Austria, travelling on Eurostar and City Night Line; by John Redding

John says: "My wife Joanna and two children, Augusta and Fenella, travelled to Alpback in Austria by train for the February 2012 half term, with Skiline.  It was our first experience of an overnight train trip and we loved it.

"For anybody contemplating this trip, you need to catch a train at St Pancras mid afternoon on the Friday.  Intrepid train travellers also need to be willing to pack up a picnic for dinner on Friday night but as there are effectively no luggage restrictions this is not a problem.

"The trip to Paris was quick and entirely event free.  There is then a 15 minute walk to Gare du Est so wheel along suitcases and ski bags are an advantage.  There are also taxis readily available.
The overnight train was great.  We settled ourselves in our compartment.  The train leaves at 8pm so we were fairly quickly into dinner and a video of “Chalet Girl” courtesy of our daughters’ laptop.

"Beds were made and lights out at about 11pm and we all slept remarkably well until Munich.  With a 30 minute stop there is plenty of time to get some coffees, hot chocolates and croissants and we then travelled through the German and Austrian countryside for the remainder of the journey.

"The return trip was even easier.  The train leaves at 9pm so that you have all of the final Saturday to ski and plenty of time to shower, eat dinner and make the train.  The next thing you know is that you are being woken up by a friendly train guard delivering coffees and then you are in Paris.

"For anyone travelling to any of the resorts near Innsbruck I would thoroughly recommend it.The holiday was great overall, we really liked Alpbach.  The fact that it was the best snow since 1907 helped things of course!"

Megeve in France with travel on Eurostar + TGV by Susan Turnbull

Susan says: "We chose to catch the first Eurostar to Paris which arrived bang on time and gave us over an hour to get to Gare de Lyon – an easy transition on the RER.  As it was my birthday, we opted to go first class after arriving in France and the legroom and seats were amazing - automatic reclining!  It was a few hours to Bellegarde where we changed for the smaller TER to Sallanches.

 
" We boarded the TER train (no reservations so it was a bit of a free for all) and set off on what turned out to be an incredible journey with breathtaking scenery and arrived at Sallanches only 10 minutes behind schedule.  Our taxi ride was pretty quick and the drive to Megeve was through a LOT of snow.  It was so nice to arrive in Megeve feeling relaxed, without the stress of flying and waiting around in airports.

"Megeve is perfect for beginners, plenty of nursery slopes and debutante passes available and lots of easy greens to find your legs on.  The choice of ski instructors is good.  We went at the end of January and there were barely any queues for chairlifts and cable cars - quieter than on peak weeks we were told.

"The atmosphere in Megeve was lovely, it felt like a small village with lots of cosy restaurants all of which served delicious food and it was really pretty, although it was so cold that we were able to use our balcony as a makeshift fridge so we could make our own breakfast and a few dinners to save on costs!  There was an exhibition of Dali sculptures (9 dotted around the village including one at the summit of one of the mountains) which added something extra.

"I’d highly recommend travelling by train for the comfort, relaxation and freedom it gives you.  And I’d highly recommend Megeve, I will definitely be going back!"

Val Thorens in France, with Eurostar Direct overnight; by Ryan Chitty

Ryan says: “Travelling to Val Thorens by train was an enlightening experience to say the least. I had never taken an overnight sleeper before, but I will be doing it in the future whenever possible to go skiing. Boarding the train at King’s Cross was simple and far less intrusive than going through an airport.

“The main benefit first and foremost is not having to think about your luggage limit as you can take as much as you can carry on the train. We took a load of food and drink with us to see us through the journey too (plenty of wine!) and had fun sharing snacks, stories and drinks with our fellow passengers.

“The return journey was more placid, as you may expect after an exhausting week of skiing, but again the short transfer to the train station at Moutiers was welcomed. Both journeys went without a hitch and I would recommend the direct train to anyone, provided you don’t mind sleeping in a chair (they are large and comfortable).

“Avoiding the super early start at Gatwick and the views from your window when the sun rises are great, but the standout bonus of train travel for me was the fact I got two extra full days of skiing in, having arrived early on the Saturday and left after supper a week later. Next time maybe I’ll take in a night in Paris en route!”
 

Les Arcs in France, outward by Eurostar + Corail, back by Eurostar Direct; by John McNamara

John says: "If you want fast access to the slopes there is not much better than Les Arc which, is the closest to Bourg St Maurice, has spectacular views of Mont Blanc and good snow throughout the season.

"The ride out from St Pancras was effortless. I drifted off and was fixated on the graffiti which greets you as you enter the centre of Paris by train.

"A quick cab ride to Gare D'Austerlitz and I dumped my bags in the electronic luggage centre so I could check out Paris' scenery. Three hours later I returned and boarded the overnight sleeper which snakes its way through the Alps into the heart of Ski Central - Bourg St Maurice with amazing access to a plethora of ski resorts. The journey from Paris is straight forward - you can choose a 4 bunk or 6 -I decided on the latter option for 39 pounds and it was surprisingly enjoyable.

"Slipping into the ultra thin sleeping bag stitched to the bed I had to add several layers to ensure I didn’t wake up throughout the night, before I knew it I was glancing at the 3 foot powder which greets you as you step out of the station. Forty minutes later I was in Arc 1800 courtesy of the Funicular railway which whisks you up to the mountains.

"After an amazing week of blue sky and sun I left Les Arc refreshed and invigorated, totally unaware of what was about to come. When I boarded the overnight direct train to St Pancras I was lucky I managed to end up in a quiet coach but that was still packed to the rafters with ski gear. The conductor repeatedly reminded us that it was a busy train and that we should keep ski gear clear of all exits. I desperately tried to get to sleep as the train banked continuously from left to right, my head rocked relentlessly, and I dreamt I was taken part in a Rodeo. Times were desperate, bodies lined the walkway desperate for comfort.

"This was not what I had in mind. There was no party on this train, just a bunch of tired and bleary eyed skiers and boarders who secretly pined for their own beds. If I had a neck cushion, things may have improved but I doubt to the degree of comfort, that I am used to expecting. One thing was clear: from now on it was the overnight sleeper - especially on the return journey.

"Once you have been brutally exhausted from a week of skiing, drinking and partying it’s time for a real bed – I wish I’d taken the sleeper train back to Paris and then a morning Eurostar from there."

 

Les Gets in France, travelling on Eurostar and Corail Lunea; by Benita Ferrari

Benita says: "Travelling by train seemed to be the most logical and pleasurable way for all 10 friends to get to the mountain. Plus some of us didn’t know each other before the holiday very well or at all, so after a couple of entertaining train rides, we felt more like a cohesive group ready for good times ahead.

"I particularly liked the relaxed approach to the whole journey, and how easy it was! We met at St Pancras and enjoyed a nice glass of champagne before boarding the Eurostar, and from there it was all very seamless. We didn’t have to wait for anyone to check in luggage or pick it up either, and we could easily manoeuvre our luggage from one train to the next, as it was all at ground level.

"I really liked the ski slopes as they were challenging enough for me to learn new skills and the ski area was HUGE! So we were spoilt for choice with what to do for the day.

"On the way back we ate at a French restaurant around the corner from the Cluses station – a charming French restaurant certainly made us feel right at home – the service was delightful as was the meal - before taking the sleeper train home"

Les Menuires in France, travelling on Eurostar, TGV and Corail; by Kieran Mansley

Kieran says: "In January 2011 I organised a trip for me and a few friends to Le Bettaix, staying with the highly recommended Silver Lining Chalets in a small hamlet close to Les Menuires in the Three Valleys region of france.  As it was organised only a few weeks in advance some of the overnight sleeper trains were either sold out or very expensive, but I still wanted the advantage of extra skiing days so I chose a different way.  

"The journey started with a standard train into London after work on Friday, and then a late evening Eurostar to Paris.  The pricing of the Eurostar tickets meant that the Premier class was slightly cheaper than the Standard so we had the advantage of more space and a light meal with wine included as we travelled.

"We booked into a basic motel room in Paris for the night.  There are a cluster of these (Etap, Ibis, and Formule 1) around the Portes du Montreuil and Portes du Vincennes metro stops in Eastern Paris.  These are cheap but clean and comfortable and just a few stops from Gare de Lyon where our journey continued the next morning.

"The next day we took an early morning TGV arriving in Moutiers in time for lunch.  Again, last minute ticket pricing meant that 1st class was a similar price to standard, so we had that extra bit of luxury for little extra cost.  From Moutiers it was a short bus journey (booked in advance with Altibus) up to Les Menuires and we were on the slopes for an afternoon of skiing.

"Despite needing to book a motel room this all worked out cheaper than the overnight sleeper trains or the direct Eurostar, and was a very comfortable way to travel.

"For the return journey we could have done the same in reverse, but the sleeper train in that direction was cheaper, so that was the way we went.  A week's skiing ensured we had no trouble getting to sleep soon after boarding in Moutiers, and slept soundly till we arrived in Paris around 6am.  From there it was a easy journey across Paris, with time for breakfast, before getting the early Eurostar back to London on Sunday morning.
 

Les Arcs in France, travelling on Eurostar and TGV; by Kieran Lee

Kieran says: "We travelled in the daytime, taking the Eurostar at 7.25am from St Pancras and then transferred from the Gare du Nord to the Gare du Lyon via the RER. We then caught the TGV to Bourg St Maurice, funicular to Arc 1600 and free bus shuttle to Arc 2000. We returned in the daytime the following Saturday.

"It was a very relaxing day's travel, if a rather long one. It was great to avoid the airport scrum but also see France from the ground. You get a real sense of how rural much of the country is when compared to England. It also gave me time to catch up on some reading and to watch some DVDs (we took a portable player with us).

"We took a lot of food and drink with us (sandwiches, crisps, tea etc), mainly to cut down on cost. This was a recession-busting holiday! We did top up with a couple of baguettes from Brioche Doree at the Gare du Lyon and treated ourselves to a few beers (£5 a can) on the return Eurostar leg.

"We booked a self catering apartment in the Varet which did the job adequately. As I spent a season in Arc 2000 (2002/2003) I was familiar with the ski area, which is varied and vast. It's normally a brilliant place to ski and board, however, poor snow conditions took away some of the enjoyment because off piste was tracked out.

"I would definitely consider going by train again – I would consider taking my wife and three-year-old daughter as it would be easier to entertain a youngster on a train than in a crowded airport."

Avoriaz in France, travelling on Eurostar and Corail Lunea; by Rosie Carmichael:

Rosie says: "At half term the train was cheaper for us - two adults and a 16 year old - than plane and you get closer to the resort, easier with luggage, and greener. There was an easy time table as well and it proved far less hassle than flying.  We went overnight and were on the slopes by 11am, with a fab picnic on the Swiss border at 1pm.

"From Paris overnight it was a very French experience as it is what all the French students and families in Paris do. Our son was a little concerned about the concept of sharing a 6 berth couchettes with 3 unknown people but this was not a problem, he thought it was quite fun really.Brasserie Austerliz at Gare d’Austerlitz – excellent – simple, tasty, very convenient, though not cheap.  Lamb shank and crème caramel c. 80 euros for 3 so I suppose for what we had it was not too bad price wise. We also took a huge picnic for the train. We had breakfast in Gare du Nord on our return - nothing out of the ordinary but fine, in a sit down place by the Eurostar terminal.

"Avoid taking huge bags as you luggage has to slide under the couchettes or go up high on a shelf – we had no problems with a ski bag and mid sized back packs.

"The ski holiday was great! We’d been to the area before. It was possible to do cross country as well as downhill and meet up for lunch on 3 days. I would definitely look at doing the train again. Thank you to snow carbon for the excellent web site and ideas."

La Clusaz in France, travelling with Eurostar and Corail Lunea;  by Robin Lansmann:

Robin says: "Five of us went by train - so that we could arrive in resort early morning and leave late evening – for two extra days skiing.

"Compared to flying there was less queuing and a shorter transfer. Less stress generally.

"In the resort there were relatively good prices and we liked the fact that there were more local French skiers and not full of ‘foreigners’ like us!"