Eurostar Ski Train back for 2021-22 (sort of)

[mad_rich]

Seems that La Compagnie des Alpes, which operates a lot of ski resorts, is contracting with Eurostar to operate a once-weekly ski train again.

Seems like tickets will only be available as part of a package, not direct from Eurostar. Operates under the brand 'Travelski Express'.

A shame it's only once a week, and charter, but it's better than nothing.

News story (in Dutch) https://www.standaard.be/cnt/dmf20210910_92440186

Via @seat61 on Twitter.

Another story in French https://www.altitude.news/business/2021/09/10/eurostar-revient-savoie-compagnie-des-alpes/
And in English https://www.webdisclosure.com/finance/stocks/compagnie-des-alpes/news/1008553.html

Looks like it will operate overnight on Fridays Southbound, Saturday daytime Northbound.

 

[jamesontheroad]

Are there any other long-distance international trains to France/Switzerland/Italy/Austria? I can think of Snälltåget's Malmö-Austria night train (and pub!)

 

[AlbertBeale]

Are there any other long-distance international trains to France/Switzerland/Italy/Australia? I can think of Snälltåget's Malmö-Austria night train (and pub!)

Well, trains from abroad to Australia really would count as long-distance!

Leaving aside any typo issues(!), in normal times there's a train from Russia to Nice ... I'd reckon that would count as long-distance. However I don't think it actually touches Switzerland, though it travels through Austria and Italy en route.

 

[jamesontheroad]

Typo noted and corrected!

 

[Roast Veg]

Are there any other long-distance international trains to France/Switzerland/Italy/Austria? I can think of Snälltåget's Malmö-Austria night train (and pub!)

There's the SNCF Paris-Milan, and quite a few EuroCity services from the northern parts of Germany to Switzerland/Italy and Austria. NightJet also ply the latter two routes as well.

 

[StephenHunter]

The Vienna-Paris Nightjet starts in December.

 

[biko]

Are there any other long-distance international trains to France/Switzerland/Italy/Austria? I can think of Snälltåget's Malmö-Austria night train (and pub!)

From the Netherlands you can reach the alps in different ways (and all are pretty long-distance):
- ICE Amsterdam - Basel
- Nightjet Amsterdam - Vienna / Innsbruck
- Seasonal Ski Thalys Amsterdam - Bourg St Maurice
- Charter trains in the winter between the Netherlands and Austrian Alps (don't know the exact destinations)

 

[Bald Rick]

Seems that La Compagnie des Alpes, which operates a lot of ski resorts, is contracting with Eurostar to operate a once-weekly ski train again.

Seems like tickets will only be available as part of a package, not direct from Eurostar. Operates under the brand 'Travelski Express'.

A shame it's only once a week, and charter, but it's better than nothing.

News story (in Dutch) https://www.standaard.be/cnt/dmf20210910_92440186

Via @seat61 on Twitter.

Another story in French https://www.altitude.news/business/2021/09/10/eurostar-revient-savoie-compagnie-des-alpes/
And in English https://www.webdisclosure.com/finance/stocks/compagnie-des-alpes/news/1008553.html

Looks like it will operate overnight on Fridays Southbound, Saturday daytime Northbound.

Good news. La Compaigne des Alpes owns the resorts of La Plagne, Les Arcs, Tignes, Val d’Isere, La Rosie, Maribel and Les Menuires, which constitutes pretty much all the ski areas served by the ski Eurostar (the exceotions being Courchevel and Val Thorens). So it is very much in their interest to have this train running.

 

[43 302]

Does this mean a return of the 373s or are 374s able to operate these services?

 

[popeter45]

Does this mean a return of the 373s or are 374s able to operate these services?

374's are cleared for this route so prob will be one
accouding to vagonWEB they already ran then back in early 2020

vagonWEB » Řazení vlaků

www.vagonweb.cz

any idea if this will be the day or night train?

 

[StephenHunter]

Also, will they stick Travelski vinyls on the side?

 

[mad_rich]

Night train Southbound, day train Northbound according to the article.

I'm too old to travel overnight in a seat(!), so I don't think I'd use it. Unless you can buy one-way or mix and match with TGV - unlikely, based on how it's being sold.

 

[mad_rich]

I've just had an email from Eurostar that these are now available for booking. As expected, only as part of a package, with a 7 day lift pass.

I'd like to see what they do with your bags when you arrive in Moutiers at 0530 on Saturday morning - ready to ski and with a lift pass burning a hole in your pocket - and your accommodation won't let you in for another 8 hours.

Ski train to the Alps | London to the Alps | Eurostar

The Eurostar Ski Train takes you to the slopes. Enjoy a stress-free journey for your next trip to the Alps with Eurostar.

www.eurostar.com

 

[Bald Rick]

I'd like to see what they do with your bags when you arrive in Moutiers at 0530 on Saturday morning - ready to ski and with a lift pass burning a hole in your pocket - and your accommodation won't let you in for another 8 hours.

same as they have always done; put you on the bus up the 3 Vallées, put your bags in store at your accommodation, and get on the snow early doors. That’s certainly what I’ve done.