Trainmountain | Ski Train News

Snowfall is burying the Alps

2012-01-09T05:38:00.000-08:00

Last year all the talk was about how the Alps were drying up, and how global warming meant that avid skiers had to venture to North America to get their powder fix. What a difference a year makes.

Many ski resorts in the Alps currently have snow depths of over 400cm on the upper slopes, and whilst that is great news for those venturing to ski resorts across the Alps, it also brings an avalanche risk, so take care peeps. According to welove2ski, road links to St. Anton, Lech and Ischgl have all been cut off due to heavy snowfall.

A buried house in St. Anton - photo from @macharza

Driving conditions are also difficult in Switzerland, with accumulated snowfall since Thursday reaching more than two metres in some parts of the country. Train travel has also become difficult, with many snow train destinations such as Bourg St Maurice being cut off.

The freak weather was due to a storm named Andrea. She started on Thursday and continued for three consecutive days, with winds reaching up to 200 km/h. As a result of the snow and winds, the avalanche risk remains 4/5 in most ski areas.

Photo from @Leetownsend - Road Closed in France

Is it a bad thing to have too much snow? Many think so, check out the article at PlanetSKI.eu.

2011 / 2012 Eurostar Ski Train

2011-11-27T03:59:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again folks, the snow train is about to commence!

As with last year, the main route to the Alps is via. the Eurostar ski train. From 17 December 2011 to 14 April 2012 you can hop on the ski train at St Pancras International or Ashford International and arrive at the resorts of Moûtiers, Aime-la-Plagne or Bourg-St-Maurice after a 11/12 hour journey.

You can grab Eurostar tickets through our search booking form, which takes you directly to the Eurostar site, or use the ski train specific form below;

More information about specific stations and ski resorts can be found on the Eurostar site. Happy skiing for the forthcoming season!

5 Days Left for the Eurostar 10% Off Sale!

2011-11-27T03:13:00.000-08:00

UPDATE - this sale has now ended. For all Eurostar tickets please use the main search form located here

Eurostar are running a flash sale of 10% off for any winter getaways to Paris, Brussels or Lille, between 1st December 2011 and 9th February 2012. The promotional codes you need are below;

From	To	Promo Code
London	Paris	LONPARIS
Ashford	Paris	ASHPARIS
Ebbsfleet	Paris	EBBPARIS
London	Brussels	LONBRUSSELS
Ashford	Brussels	ASHBRUSSELS
Ebsfleet	Brussels	EBBBRUSSELS
London	Lille	LONLILLE
Ashford	Lille	ASHLILLE
Ebbsfleet	Lille	EBBLILLE

Happy travelling!

Here comes the snow!

2010-11-24T07:30:00.000-08:00

The Alps are starting to look very wintery indeed, and it looks like most of Europe is about to be gripped in a cold snap.

Courchevel 1850, Picture by Supertravel.co.uk.

According to weather forecasts, snow is predicted to cover 90% of the UK by 29th November, prompting the Met Office to issue a heavy snow warning. Snowfall is also forecast across the rest of Europe, particularly across the Alps

The team over at Welove2Ski have a great overview of the current snow conditions, and what to expect over the coming week.

First Deutsche Bahn Trains roll into St. Pancras

2010-10-20T09:23:00.000-07:00

German railway company Deutsche Bahn has completed it's first run on the High Speed 1 network after holding its first test of a high-speed train carrying passengers in the Channel Tunnel.

Deutsche Bahn sent one of its ICE-3 trains into the tunnel for the first time last week - but the test on Saturday night was the first with passengers on board.

After first announcing the tests connecting London St. Pancras to Amsterdam, Frankfurt and Cologne, Deutsche Bahn now state their new Siemens trains will enter service by the end of 2013, but the company have also not ruled out an earlier launch, perhaps in times for the Olympic Games in 2012.

Eurostar tickets are currently available at competitive prices to the airlines, but with competition looming consumers may now get cheaper prices.

Eurostar Belgian Route Changes

2010-10-18T05:39:00.000-07:00

Important information for any passengers who are travelling through Belgium.

As of 12th October 2010, Eurostar will no longer offer complimentary onward travel from Brussels to other stations within Belgium. Passengers will now be required to purchase a separate ticket in advance of travel upon arrival at Brussels Midi station.

Alternatively you can buy tickets online in advance at http://www.b-rail.be/main/E/.

Deutsche Bahn to test trains in Channel Tunnel

2010-09-07T05:25:00.000-07:00

The German railway company Deutsche Bahn has announced it will test a high-speed train in the Channel Tunnel between France and England on October 19th.

Until now Eurostar has monopolised the Channel Tunnel, and this test could eventually provide more competition and customer choice in Europe.

Deutsche Bahn has apparently asked for access to the tunnel on several occasions, with a view of providing a high-speed rail link between London and Frankfurt.

The ICE (Intercity-Express) trains are the fastest way of travelling on the Deutsche Bahn network, reaching speeds of up to 320 km/h (200mph). Although Eurostar broke the UK rail speed record by reaching 208 mph in 2003, Eurostar trains travel at an average speed of 186 mph.

Eurostar Ski Train Tickets on Sale!

2010-07-25T10:36:00.000-07:00

It's the news all snow train regulars have been waiting for - Eurostar ski train tickets for the 2010/11 season have gone on sale as of 13th July.

Eurostar tickets start at £149 return for a non-flexible ticket, and those looking for a little more luxury can upgrade to a Standard Premier return ticket from just £229.

Eurostar operate a Day Train and a Night Train to ship snow lovers to and from the Alps. The Day Train service will operate from London from 19th December 2010 to 9th April 2011, and the Night Train is currently scheduled to run from 7th January 2011 to 1st April 2011.

Rail Europe Snow Train Cancelled for 2010/11 Season

2010-07-25T10:11:00.000-07:00

It's another unfortunate winter of discontent for Rail Europe, as they have cancelled their winter snow train service for a second year.

This is a big blow for snow train regulars, but thankfully Eurostar are still running their Direct Ski Train service, which commences on 19th December 2010. Tickets for the new Eurostar season went on sale on 13th July, so book early to avoid disappointment! Use our Eurostar tickets page to search for tickets on your travel dates.

Trainmountain Blog Changes

2010-07-25T09:59:00.000-07:00

It's been several months since the last Trainmountain Blog post and, like buses, you're now going to get several at once.

With the FTP publishing changes at Blogger back in May, we've had to redirect the blog to a new URL - Blog.trainmountain.co.uk. We've migrated all the old posts, so hopefully if you land on an old page, you'll still be redirected to the new URL. Let us know if you have any problems!

Only 2 Snow Trains Remaining for the 2009/10 Season

2010-04-05T05:21:00.001-07:00

What a season it's been. Superb conditions across most of the Alps from December through to April, but - just like the sound of the last orders bell in a bar - snow lovers are well aware that the season is coming to a close. As you read this, the hardcore skiiers and partygoers are having a drink on you and saying farewell to the 09/10 season in Mayrhofen.

BUT, before you pull out those speedos and bikinis remember there are still two snow train trips remaining!

The last Eurostar snow train weekend is the 17th April, so if you feel like one more session on the slopes, get it booked and have a vin chaud on us.

Fill in the search form on our Eurostar tickets page, and enjoy!

Eurostar Resumes Limited Service

2009-12-22T01:27:00.001-08:00

Following on from the news yesterday that Eurostar had cancelled trains to the continent for a third day, Eurostar posted a message on it's website early this morning saying that a restricted service would run from 7:30am to 6pm GMT.

Eurostar said that only those passengers who originally had reserved seats for Saturday or Sunday would be eligible for travel on Tuesday. Eurostar said it would give priority to passengers “with special needs, such as the elderly or those with young children.” Those with tickets for Monday and Tuesday will be eligible for travel on Wednesday, Eurostar said.

Eurostar conducted tests on Monday to determine the cause of the breakdowns that left thousands of people stranded Friday on five London-bound trains in the Channel Tunnel.

It is still not clear why the wintery conditions this year - which are no worse than previous years - have caused so many problems.

Keep an eye on the Eurostar site for more information.

Eurostar Trains Cancelled

2009-12-21T04:30:00.000-08:00

Ongoing bad weather conditions in Northern France have forced Eurostar to cancel it's services today for the third day in succession.

The first snow train to leave for the Alps was due to leave on Saturday, but with 2,000 passengers on five trains stuck in the Channel Tunnel over Friday and Saturday, thousands of other travellers had Christmas travel plans disrupted.

In the lastest statement released last night, Eurostar said:

"As we suspected, the acute weather conditions in northern France have caused the disruption.

Every year we carry out a ‘winterisation’ programme of the entire fleet which to date has successfully protected our trains. We now know, however, that we need to further enhance the snow screens and snow shields in the power cars of the trains.

We have already started making the modifications and to ensure that these new protection measures work effectively we are conducting a further series of test runs.

We sincerely regret having to take this decision and we understand how frustrated and disappointed travellers will be, particularly those who have been waiting to travel for the last two days.

We strongly advise passengers whose travel is non-essential to change their booking to a later date or claim a refund on their tickets.

For customers who have been unable to travel over the last few days, Eurostar will cover the cost of out-of pocket expenses, for example, hotels and taxis. Full details of our compensation policy are on www.eurostar.com”

Cheap Deals boost Eurostar Summer Sales

2009-10-18T11:05:00.000-07:00

British holidaymakers heading to Europe on cheap deals helped boost Eurostar sales over the summer, the company has said. Eurostar said offers such as its £59 return helped to boost sales by 8%. Eurostar also said the 11% growth in outbound passengers outstripped a 7% increase in travellers inbound from Europe, with 2.6 million travellers using the train between July and September. All that despite a week pound against the Euro.

Many believe this is a sign of the start of an ecomonic recovery, although Eurostar Chief executive Richard Brown has a more cautious opinion. He said: "In recent weeks a number of our major corporate clients have eased their business travel restrictions...although it is early days, this may be a sign of an upturn."

With already more visitors, it could be a good winter for Eurostar. With Rail Europe having cancelled it's snow train for the upcoming season, ticket sales should be on the up over the next few months.

Eurostar tickets for snow trains to the Alps commence in just 2 months, and ticket sales for the ever popular snow train are already on sale for the 09/10 season.

Eurostar Ski Train tickets now on sale

2009-07-07T02:18:00.000-07:00

Eurostar snow train tickets for the forthcoming winter season go on sale today. Last week Rail Europe announced they were cancelling their snow train service, so snow train regulars will be pleased there is still train access to the Alps.

The Eurostar ski train service will run from 19th December 2009 to 17th April 2010, and you can board at St. Pancras International or Ashford International. The ski train will take you to Moûtiers, Aime-la-Plagne and Bourg-St-Maurice. For transfer times to ski resorts from each station, have a look at our Snow Train Destinations page for more information.

There will be twice weekly departures from St. Pancras International; one day ski train leaving on a Saturday morning, and an overnight ski train leaving on Friday evenings. The overnight Eurostar ski train arrives around 7am in the morning, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the slopes!

You can book your ski train ticket direct at Eurostar.com

Rail Europe Snow Train Cancelled for 09/10 Season

2009-07-02T04:29:00.001-07:00

Sad news folks. Rail Europe announced yesterday that the overnight snow train for the coming winter season has been cancelled. Despite being better for the environment, the snow train appears to be the latest victim of the current economic climate. The statement reads:

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.

But, lest we forget, you can still reach the French Alps by train. Eurostar runs a day train and a night train, which can whisk you to the Alps at 186 mph. Tickets for the coming winter season will be available in the next few weeks, so check back for more details. Eurostar tickets can be bought online, and check the Eurostar site for more details.

Only Three Snow Trains Remaining for 2009!

2009-03-08T04:16:00.000-07:00

Writing this update is a bit like hearing the last orders bell at a bar - you know its coming but you don't want to hear it.

Snow train travel has been a roaring success once again this year, with most of the snow trains to and from the Alps being completely sold out.

But for those who haven't had their snow fix for 2009, there are still three snow train journeys remaining, and Rail Europe are offering £50 off the next two journeys. Here are the details:

1) Depart Fri 13th March, Return Sat 21st March - £219 - BOOK NOW!
2) Depart Fri 20th March, Return Sat 28th March - £219 - BOOK NOW!
3) Depart Fri 27th March, Return Sat 4th April - £269 - BOOK NOW!

The last Rail Europe snow train of the season departing on the 3rd April is already sold out.

See you in Val Thorens?

2009-01-15T09:58:00.000-08:00

My ski trip is finally sorted for 2009. There's a group of 6 of us off to Val Thorens. According to j2Ski, we've timed it perfectly as the forecast shows a dump of snow on the radar for Sunday and Monday!

So how do we get to Val Thorens? You can get the Eurostar from London and grab a connecting service in Gare du Nord in Paris. The snow train will then take you South, where you eventually stop at Moutiers. Val Thorens is approximately a 35 - 40 minute transfer.

So if any of you are heading over to Val Thorens next week, I hope to see you on the slopes! We have a few fancy dress outfits planned, so if you see Captain America on the slopes give me a wave!

Eurostar January Seat Sale - £59 Return

2009-01-13T01:36:00.000-08:00

Eurostar's January sale is still in full flow. There are 200,000 seats available to Paris and Brussels from just £59 return.

There's just over 2 weeks left for the sale, so if you fancy a last minute jaunt to the continent, then book your Eurostar tickets online now!

Snow Train. Made of Snow.

2009-01-13T01:17:00.000-08:00

Check out this cool picture from the Harbin 2009 Ice & Snow Festival! It's an actual snow train. No problems about carbon reduction here! The passenger carriages have even been partly carved out for visitors to go inside.

Merry Christmas from Trainmountain!

2008-12-23T05:26:00.000-08:00

Trainmountain wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

If you've visited the Alps over the last week you'll know they've got more snow than North America! Eurostar's snow train services commenced on Friday, so here's a reminder to book your Eurostar tickets early to get the best fares! Rails Europe's snow train service commences on the 16th January...so maybe see you on board!

I'm still undecided on which resort to visit in January. Any thoughts welcome. I've been to Tignes for the last 4 years, but I'm thinking variety is the spice of life, and I need a change. Where should I go? Answers on a postcard please :)

On Your Marks, Get Set, Snow!

2008-11-02T07:16:00.000-08:00

The heavy snow forecast for the Alps late last week did not disappoint, with many of the lower altitude resorts getting a dump of snow.

I've been waiting for images like the ones below since the end of the last ski season, and it looks like the 2008/09 season is now upon us. Check out the images below, taken from the Ski Club site!

Zermatt at 2050m on Thursday;

Chamonix - top of the Montenvers railway on Thursday;

Even Scotland began it's ski season on Friday with the Lecht ski area opening up 3 lifts.

How exciting! Remember, Rail Europe's snow train service commences on the 16th January next year, so book early to avoid disappointment. Eurostar's day ski train service commences on 20th December, and the night snow train commences on Boxing Day. If you're looking for a slightly different Christmas present grab the snow train and head for the slopes between Christmas and New Year. Go to our Eurostar tickets page and have a look for train availability. Prices start from £179 return.

Overseas Properties and the Snow Train

2008-10-25T06:18:00.000-07:00

With the new ski season only a few months away, news about snow trains is hitting the mainstream press. The Telegraph published a good article yesterday which talks about the benefits of the snow train, as well as the increased trend of UK consumers purchasing properties near snow train stations.

The article notes that ski and snowboard lovers have woken up to the convenience of the snow train, which travels direct to the Alps from London.

According to the article snow trains have a made a difference to the French property market.

"More of our buyers are after properties near stations, especially for the ski train", says Andrew Hawkins of Chesterton International.

Another happy customer is the CEO of ad agency Saatchi and Saatchi, who owns a chalet a 15 minute drive away from Bourg St Maurice. He occassionally buys Eurostar tickets, or travels with Rail Europe. "Both train journeys knock the spots of flying", he says. "The whole journey takes about eight hours. I bring some work, read and arrive refreshed, whereas I am stressed out if I fly." He continues, "...it's an exciting way to travel.....The mountain scenery during the last two hours of the journey is amazing: it's a really uplifting way to start a holiday."

The property development which is closest to a ski train station is Le Grand Coeur, which is just five minutes walk from Bourg St Maurice station. Here, over 60 apartments are being built in traditional-style chalets with spectacular views.

For those who don't have a huge budget for overseas property, MGM are selling one to four-bedroom flats with underground parking from £148,000.

Animal Snowcamp goes Eco

2008-10-17T03:36:00.000-07:00

Great to see the guys over at Animal Snowcamp pushing the cause for global warming for their camp in 2009. Not only are they providing a 5% discount if you travel by snow train this year (and free beer, of course) but they are also staying at the BoardnLodge EcoLodge in the Tarantaise region of the French Alps.

Believe it or not, the Animal pro team are also opening up their doors to skiiers for one week this year too. But for those thinking of joining the snowboard crew I'd suggest stocking up on your banter before heading over.

Animal snowcampers are being encouraged to grab the snow train from St.Pancras International on the Friday night so as to join up with the rest of the camp at their base in Bourg. St Maurice early on Saturday morning. You can travel by snow train with Rail Europe or grab some Eurostar tickets to get you there.

For more information about the event, which runs Saturday to Saturday 24th Jan - 31st Jan, 31st Jan - 7th Feb, then 14th Mar - 21st March and finally the mixed ski & snowboard week on 21st Mar - 28th March, then head to Animalsnowcamp.com.

Eurostar disruptions after Channel Tunnel Fire

2008-09-23T05:50:00.000-07:00

Eurostar services are still being disrupted following the fire in the tunnel on September 11th.

Due to ongoing problems in the tunnel, Eurostar is currently running a reduced service. Customers are advised to check the Eurostar site for updates and should reschedule their travel to after 1st October, if possible.

Eurotunnel spokesman John Keefe said: "Once we have got two-thirds of the north tunnel back in operation, the number of people boarding trains and the number of trains running will be almost back to 100% on Eurostar."

Eurostar have increased the number of trains to Paris from 12 a day to 15 as of yesterday. Before the fire on September 11, Eurostar was running 17 trains a day to the French capital.

Trains are having to slow down when they divert to the south tunnel to navigate past the fire-damaged section of the north tunnel.