The Travelski Night Express will begin service this December and tickets go on sale this month. The overnight journey will take around eight hours a subsidiary of leisure group Compagnie des Alpes There will be a total of 14 return journeys between December 19 with fixed departure and arrival times aimed at giving travellers the longest time possible on the slopes The train will serve eight resorts in the Tarentaise Valley: The train will also serve two other stations en route: Aime “Departures will be on Friday evenings arriving on Saturday mornings and returns will be on Saturday evenings arriving on Sunday mornings allowing passengers to enjoy eight days of skiing,” said the company Tickets for the first journeys are scheduled to go on sale on the Travelski website later in May They will be included in a package that will also cover: The trains will have 660 berths plus a bar-restaurant car There will also be areas reserved for women traveling alone Read more in The Connexion People from the UK who take the service may wish to spend some time in Paris as part of the trip money saving deals and everything connected with snowsports – web site For the Spirit of the Mountains – PlanetSKI: Number One for ski news Content copyright © 2025, PlanetSKI Ltd. | Privacy policy | Terms & Conditions Bourg St Maurice acts as a local hub for events, transport and commerce. It's the year-round beating heart of the Les Arcs area, boasting a train station which not only links to the mountainside resorts by a rapidly-ascending funicular railway but also provides international connections such as the direct rail route to London There are regular events throughout the year and innumerable places to eat The bustling and characterful valley town sits in the middle of the Tarentaise valley Bourg St Maurice acts as a local hub for events, transport and commerce. It's the year-round beating heart of the Les Arcs area, boasting a train station which not only links to the mountainside resorts by a rapidly-ascending funicular railway but also provides international connections such as the direct rail route to London Being the biggest town in the area, Bourg St Maurice provides services, goods and entertainment to the people of Les Arcs and many other popular resorts. The train station includes a coach terminal, from which you can board buses to La Rosière, Sainte Foy, La Plagne, Tignes, Val d'Isère and There is no shortage of retail options with everything on offer from commercial centre hypermarkets to tiny high street boutiques Bourg is essentially big enough to have a cinema a campsite and weekly markets but small enough to remain friendly and manageable all surrounded by the spectacular mountainous landscape The economic capital of the Haute Tarentaise region Bourg St Maurice sits approximately 10km from the Italian border In the Gallo-Roman period the town was known as Bergintrum and was one of the last Gallic settlements before the route rapidly ascended over Col de Petit Saint Bernard into Italy Maurice became the patron saint of the area and the Tour de Rochefort which is the last remaining edifice of a defensive keep from this period Bourg St Maurice has a rich agricultural heritage with cheeses such as Beaufort being held in very high esteem The wide variety of regional produce available in the area can be found at weekly markets specialist shops (including the interminably-popular Coopérative Laitière store) and even the local supermarkets There are two annual agricultural festivals during the year the Salon de l’Agriculture in August and La Démontagnée in October when the cows goats and various other animals ‘come down’ from the mountain at the end of the summer and parade through the streets of the town centre arts and crafts (including lace-making and carpentry) of the Tarentaise region Les Arcs truly became a holiday destination in the 1960s when work began on Arc 1600 this new village was connected to Bourg St Maurice via a lengthy cable-car This was upgraded in 1989 to a two-train funicular increasing capacity at the same time Arc 1800 was being developed the funicular underwent a major refurbishment with stunning modern carriages and a new concourse area in the valley There is some interesting architecture in Les Arcs’ main town The medieval Rochefort tower reveals a medieval focus on fortification the quaint pedestrianised high street is lined with buildings sporting decorative architraves transoms and balustrades (just look up) and the grand early 20th century train station which gained a bus terminal for the 1992 Winter Olympics The town has a three-screen cinema, Le Coeur d’Or which often plays English-language movies (just look out for the ‘VO – Version Originale’ indicator on any UK or US-produced film being shown) There is also a large municipal pool where you can swim indoors or enjoy a jacuzzi during the winter the outdoor pool opens complete with its extensive sunbathing area Perhaps the main attraction of Bourg St Maurice is the number of places you can visit from it In winter it is less than an hour’s drive to a number of ski resorts Val D'Isère and even Les 3 Vallées there are roads leading straight from the town to spectacular mountain passes made famous by the Tour de France It is certainly difficult to get bored when you are surrounded by mountains There are equestrian centres within a few minutes’ walk of the town centre and the Isère river provides an internationally renowned course for white-water kayaking there are via ferrata protected climbing routes dotted around the area with the closest two probably being Les Bettières in Peisey-Nancroix and Le Roc du Vent near the Cormet de Roselend Throughout the year, the town hosts a wide variety of events, concerts and festivals, so it is worth keeping up to date with the Les Arcs events calendar reasonably-priced and traditional Savoyard fayre in a convivial atmosphere you really cannot beat Le Refuge on the high street although it is worth booking a table in advance serves more contemporary French dishes and is particularly pleasant in the summer months when the tables stretch out into the main square If your tastes are more international you can enjoy Thai cuisine at Cherry Garden opposite the Albert Martin Stadium Algerian tagines and couscous at L’Oasis adjacent to the bus station or even all-you-can-eat oriental and fusion food at L’Indochine If you're simply looking for a quick bite check out the coffee lovers’ paradise which always has a selection of fresh and healthy lunch (or brunch) options you will find both Station Pizza with its huge menu of takeaway pizzas and the friendly Kebab La Haute Tarentaise restaurant which serves great kebabs at a good price (ask for the samurai sauce) with events dominating the late-night scene but there are regular DJ evenings and concerts at a variety of locally-known ‘hot spots.’ For an early evening drink head to Chez Roger on the main road (D1090) through town or Le Tonneau which is a bit further down past the railway station On the tiny high street at the Iseran Kfé bar you can expect to find a weekly set from the vinyl-only DJs ‘48 Litres of Funk’ which can go on late into the night and L’Entrinque bar also regularly feature live music drawing big crowds With the large Espace Savoie venue hosting music of all kinds (pop you name it...) throughout the year and frequent outdoor concerts throughout the summer keep an eye on local events to keep ahead of the curve The vast majority of chalet accommodation is found in the easily-accessible mountain resorts of Arc 1600 there are still a number of larger properties available in Bourg St Maurice providing the perfect base for accessing both Les Arcs and the surrounding areas Bourg is the perfect place to stay if you want to explore multiple ski areas or enjoy a variety of summer activities There are always apartments available to suit every budget there is a selection of mid-range hotels in the valley catering for keen skiers and snowboarders in the winter and cyclists SeeLesArcs.com is a SeeTheWorld destination Discover and book Val d'Isere bus services Val d'Isère is nestled in a beautiful valley at the foot of the mountains with its chocolate box chalets and hotels spread between the central town and its outlying villages All of them are connected via free and regular shuttle buses Val d'Isère has greatly reduced the volume of car traffic in resort courtesy of its network of shuttle buses which are offered free of charge to visitors.  that link the different areas of the resort from morning to night every day of the season There is a detailed timetable and bus-route map at each bus stop and in real time on the Val d'Isère ski app Winter 2024/25: Val d'Isère-Tignes shuttles and the region's coaches will now stop at the brand new La Daille bus station Passengers will then need to take the free Red Line to reach the village.  NB: These timetables may vary throughout the year and during holidays contact the transport companies in advance to avoid disappointment Below is information on getting to Bourg St Maurice from the airport if you haven't booked a transfer in advance.  Please note, we advise that you book a transfer from the airport directly to resort before your holiday via this page: Val d'Isère transfers. Here is our transfer guide for further information: Val d'Isère transfer guide The nearby town of Bourg St Maurice is home to an international train station and this is where you'll alight if you take the TGV or Eurostar to resort in the winter where bus services from all of the nearby airports make a stop.  For more information on the best transport options from the airport see our getting here guide SeeValdIsere.com is a SeeTheWorld destination all of them are linked to the same great ski area and connected via free shuttle bus services Tignes also has direct buses to the nearest large town as well as with the neighbouring resort of Val d'Isère Tignes 2100: runs between Le Lavachet and Val Claret via Tignes 2100 Gare routière operating from 06:30 to 21:00 with night buses running from 21:00 to 05:45.  Tignes 1800: runs between Tignes 2100 and Tignes 1800 from 07:00 to 17:45 with night buses running from 18:00 until 02:00 every day Tignes 1550Pedestrians can also travel for free between Les Brévières and Tignes 1800 via the Brévières gondola This gondola is also kept open into the evening so that you can enjoy dinner or a spot of après-ski in one of the higher resorts.  If you wish to explore a little further afield during your stay there is a bus terminus (Gare Routière) in the centre of Val Claret and another at Le Lac where a couple of international coaches also stop Winter 2024/25: Tignes - Val d'Isère shuttles and the region's coaches will now stop at the brand new La Daille bus station Passengers will then need to take the free Red Line to reach Val d'Isère.  The nearby town of Bourg St Maurice is home to an international train station and this is where you will alight if you take the TGV or Eurostar to resort in the winter For more information on the best transport options from the airport see our getting here guide NB: Timetables may vary throughout the year and during holidays contact the travel companies in advance to avoid disappointment SeeTignes.com is a SeeTheWorld destination What if your dreams of escape were to take off from Paris and head for the snowy peaks? That's the promise of the Travelski Night Express, a new night train designed by Compagnie des Alpes subsidiary Travelski From winter 2025-2026 this train will link Paris to Bourg-Saint-Maurice in just eight hours with a panoramic view of the mountains of the Tarentaise valley The new line is designed to simplifyaccess to Savoie's eight legendary resorts - La Plagne Val Thorens and Courchevel - while reducing the carbon footprint of the trip A bar-restaurant car will also be available spaces will be reserved for women traveling alone The Travelski Night Express will operate 14 round trips between December 19 Holidaymakers will then be transferred directly to their resorts from Moutiers Returns to Paris will take place on Saturday evenings for Sunday arrival This train is part of an ultra-practical all-inclusive offer - transport the package offers flexibility in terms of duration: between 7 and 8 days of skiing Reservations open in May 2025 Refer your establishment, click herePromote your event, click here Fun and entertainment for all in Bourg Saint Maurice Check out what's on when you're in resort Throughout the spring holidays take the seven-minute funicular ride down to Bourg-Saint-Maurice on a Thursday afternoon and enjoy a full schedule of events where you can learn and watch new sports and activities all of them connected with frequent shuttle buses in the winter There are also regular funicular and bus links with the nearest large town There are free shuttle buses connecting Arc 1600 NB: These timetables may vary throughout the year and during holidays contact the transport companies in advance to avoid disappointment Plan Peisey and Vallandry are serviced by a free shuttle bus service which runs every 30 minutes from around 08:30 to around 23:30 There are also free bus services from Peisey-Vallandry to the cross-country ski area at Nancroix Landry train station is connected to Peisey-Vallandry via daily buses You'll need to pay for this service – tickets can be bought at the train station or the tourist office This service starts at around 08:00 until around 18:15 with increased frequencies on Saturdays Below is information on getting to Bourg St Maurice from the airport if you haven't booked a transfer in advance. Please note, we advise that you book transfers to Les Arcs from the airport directly to resort before your holiday starts.  Read our Les Arcs transfer guide for further information The closest bus station to Les Arcs is in Bourg Saint Maurice which is also where you'll arrive if you're coming by train.  Bus services from the airports and national lines stop at Bourg Saint Maurice from where you can get the funicular or a shuttle bus to your final Les Arcs village destination (see above) Find more information on the best transport options from the airport with our getting here guide The mainline train station for Les Arcs is in Bourg St Maurice and from there is a funicular railway goes up to Arc 1600 taking only seven minutes to reach the ski area.  The funicular runs every 20 minutes during the winter starting around 07:30 until 20:00 (and 21:00 on Saturdays) the funicular runs every 30 minutes from 08:30 to 19:30 If you already have your ski passes you can travel for free otherwise there is a fee for a single/return ticket The funicular is free for children under the age of five accompanied by an adult NB: These timetables may vary throughout the year and during holidays, contact the transport companies in advance to avoid disappointment.  Bookings are now available for the Eurostar ski trains for this winter High-speed ski train from UK to the French Alps Aime la Plagne and Bourg St Maurice offers a more eco-friendly way to get to a whole host of ski resorts including Tignes Leaving from London St Pancras International on Saturday mornings between December and March Eurostar also offers a generous baggage allowance with each passenger able to bring two suitcases and skis or a snowboard Once in Moûtiers, Aime or Bourg Saint Maurice, you can get a transfer or a bus service to the ski resorts: Return trains leave on Sunday mornings from: Cheaper prices are available in off-peak weeks but expect to pay more for popular times with Christmas and February half term usually selling out within minutes of going on sale.  Tickets are available from the Eurostar website at Eurostar stations or from travel agents The main draw for people coming to Les Arcs in winter is there’s a whole host of other activities to do in Les Arcs in the summer.  Whether you're just looking for something to do when the lifts close or you simply don't ski we promise you you'll have no time to get bored here Les Arcs is an outdoor activities paradise The Alpine town and its surrounding mountains offer hundreds of things to do for every ability and every age Some activities are perfect for solo travellers while others are more suited to romantic couples Families and groups will also find a wide range of things to do in Les Arcs from outdoor fun to bad weather indoor activities there is something for everyone in Les Arcs Below are our three favourite activities in Les Arcs but there are plenty more to choose from Check out the selection of things to do below for some holiday inspiration – you'll see that there are plenty of alternatives to skiing and snowboarding in Les Arcs Skiing and snowboarding are probably the most popular activities in the Paradiski downhill skiing and snowboarding only – there's a whole host of activities that involve boards strapped onto your feet including ski touring and split boarding There's much more than just skiing and snowboarding in Les Arcs in the winter The Paradiski mountains are the perfect setting to go snowshoeing and husky dog sledging whilst the ice skating rinks in Les Arcs town centre will keep the whole family entertained The Paradiski trails and bike parks attract hundreds of enduro and downhill biking aficionados every summer Almost 180km of trails meander through lush forests to reach stunning mountaintops with breathtaking views.  the Paradiski pistes turn into meadows and deep-forested trails to explore on foot From easy valley strolls to gruelling trail running ascents and descents everyone can explore the Les Arcs valley's beautiful sunny landscapes Les Arcs is a great place to go rock climbing for both beginners and experienced climbers Experienced climbers can tackle the mountain side rock and enjoy the fantastic views (just make sure you have all the right gear and safety equipment) For beginners there are a number of adventure companies or mountain guides who can take you out on your first climb and show you the 'ropes' Learn all the techniques and skills in the safe hands of a well-trained mountain guide Climbing is also a great activity for all the family just check with the guide beforehand what their minimum age is If climbing up sheer rock on the end of a piece of rope sounds a bit scary then Via Ferrata climbing offers an element of security that still allows beginners to enjoy the achievement of having scaled a mountain This form of climbing was invented by Italian soldiers in the Dolomites who used it to enable them to scale vertiginous faces easily and quickly These days it is a popular sport that makes the thrill of mountain climbing more accessible to children beginners and those who want a bit more security when they climb Following marked routes through the mountains you are helped along by steps bridges and ladders whilst being roped up for extra safety Suitable for adults and children over the age of eight guides can be arranged on request and there are a number of adventure companies who can organise your Via Ferrata experience The area of Les Arcs is perfect for a relaxed day out You can visit one of the "alpages" or high mountain pastures and learn how they make the famous Alpine cheeses An artisan and local produce market takes place every Wednesday at Bourg St Maurice during the summer There is a traditional Saturday market selling local produce all year round There is a museum dedicated to minerals in Bourg St Maurice where you can learn about the ancient profession of "cristallier".  The Maison de la Pomme in the small village of Chal-Hauteville-Gondon shows the importance of the humble apple in the local economy.  You can also visit the coffee roasting workshop "L'Or Vert" in Bourg St Maurice or a dairy specialised in Gruyère cheese in the Colombières area with varying terrain and fantastic views it is perfect for mountain biking enthusiasts of all levels Whether you enjoy a leisurely cycle around some of the lower level trails or a day's hardcore downhill mountain is more your ‘thang’ Les Arcs definitely has something to suit all tastes mountain biking is called VTT (Vélo Tout-Terrain!) Riding in the Alps is much more demanding than your favourite local route back in the UK To gain the most from your riding in the area it goes without saying you need to have a reasonable level of fitness You do not need to be a super man or woman but the ability to ride comfortably for up to three to four hours in the UK should see you enjoy the mountain routes but with its super-wide wheels it's at home on the snow as much as on the beach there are now electric fat bikes with in-built motors which make the experience a whole lot easier There are numerous lakes and rivers around Les Arcs where you can fish From natural lakes to the beautiful reservoir of Arc 2000 you must ensure that you have the correct fishing permit and are aware of the local fishing regulations There is a gym in Bourg St Maurice with a wide range of fitness classes and another one in the Aquatic Centre in Arc 1800 A number of hotels also have their own facilities to keep you trim while you're on holiday Whether you like to take a dip indoors or outdoors you'll be able to find somewhere to go for a swim in Les Arcs lots of chalets and apartments have their own swimming facilities however there are also municipal swimming baths that you can visit which often come free with your lift pass purchase.  Mille 8 in Arc 1800 has a large aquatic and fitness centre where you can go for a swim either indoors or outdoors water-jets and a river splash area for the kids to enjoy There is also an outdoor municipal pool down in Bourg St Maurice The sports centre at Les Arcs has an outdoor sports court where you can play basketball Facilities to play football are available at the multi-activity sports outdoor court in the sports centre at Les Arcs Sit back and admire the mountains from even higher up Daily panoramic helicopter flights are available (weather permitting) with a number of local flight companies Relax and enjoy the stunning views as you fly over the snowcapped mountain tops If you’ve never tried paragliding before then Les Arcs is a great place to learn how to fly Known as “parapenting” in France and Switzerland there are a great number of clubs and organisations in the area whose sole purpose is give you the experience of flying From the heights of the mountain tops you can glide down to the bottom of the valley on a tandem paraglider controlled by the instructor who manoeuvres the parachute whilst you enjoys the ride and fantastic views.  warm day when the thermals will keep you airborne for longer At the gateway to the Parc de la Vanoise is the 60-hectare Golf des Arcs offering a choice of two excellent courses surrounded by the fantastic mountain views Plus a driving range and putting greens.  There are mini-golf courses at Arc 1800 and Arc 1600 There are a few places in and around Les Arcs where you can enjoy horse riding Learn the techniques to safely ride a horse soak up the beautiful mountain views and enjoy the scenery all on horseback Visit the horses in Bourg Saint Maurice for something different to do in winter or summer In winter you can try Ski Joering which involves being pulled along on skis behind a horse or take a horse drawn sleigh ride or just come and visit the farm There are a couple of places to go bowling in Les Arcs It's a good thing to do if the weather turns bad or if you've got non-skiers or a larger group to entertain Catch the latest films and releases in Les Arcs on your winter or summer holiday. Some cinemas open their doors early on a bad weather day otherwise you'll find most screenings in the evenings Look out for VOST for English speaking films lift-assisted downhill skiing and snowboarding aren't the only things you can do in Les Arcs while having a pair of skis or a board strapped to your feet Whether it's going up the pistes that most people normally ski down or tackling a backcountry route ski touring and split boarding allow you to get off the beaten path while working a sweat up the slopes private instructors and companies can show you around or Enjoying the thrill of being on the pistes need not escape you if you're less mobile or have special physical needs Resorts all over the Alps offer equipment and fully qualified guides to help you get the most out of your experience or would like to try there will be at least one ski school or activity company in Les Arcs that offers this service Heli-skiing is not permitted in France but there are a couple of companies in Les Arcs offering panoramic helicopter rides that include heliskiing They pick you up in resort and take you over the border into Italy or Switzerland from where you will ski down accompanied by a mountain guide but definitely a once in a lifetime experience Télémarking is a form of downhill skiing where you are only attached to the binding at the toe so you have to lunge and bring your heel upwards Talk to one of the ski schools or private instructors who can teach you how to télémark and take you out on excursions using this technique Modern winter biathlon is a combination of cross-country skiing and rifle shooting that tests not only fitness but also patience and control In Les Arcs you can try your hand at this Olympic sport If you like cross-country skiing but want to add another challenge then biathlon is the perfect way to escape into the natural quiet surrounding mountains and then shoot stuff The idea behind speed riding is to combine the sensations of skiing and paragliding into one activity and then descend off-piste sections of the mountain using a mini-wing to enable you to access areas that you might not normally go Learning and having fun with speed riding comes very fast as long as you are a competent skier – you need to be able to ski red pistes with confidence in any type of snow.  Snowshoeing or, as the French call them, "raquettes à neige", is a perfect activity for bad weather conditions and a wonderful way for non-skiers to explore the mountains in and around Les Arcs. Either set out on your own or join a group led by a knowledgeable local guide and discover the hidden parts of the ski area The trails will take you to places from where you can enjoy stunning views clamp on your crampons and go hiking on one of the many nearby glaciers: the Glacier de la Chiaupe and the Glacier du Varet The breathtaking views and spectacular crevasses make this an incredible adventure Most mountain guiding companies and adventure companies will run organised excursions to the most accessible Be in charge of your own sled and team of excitable husky dogs After a brief explanation of how to make your team stop and start If this all sounds a bit much you can opt for a less physical outing where you sit in the sled and the guide does all the hard work so booking at least 48 hours in advance is a must They run from early December to the end of April (snow-permitting).  There's an outdoor ice skating rink in Les Arcs 2000 which is perfect for children and families and those who just want to enjoy the beautiful mountain views whilst playing around on some skates It's typically open from mid December to the third week of April If you thought toboganning or sledging was just for kids it can be fun for the whole family and especially in Les Arcs at the Rodeo Park and Mille 8.  There is also a luge track in Mille 8 in Arc 1800 - take the new Les Villards telecabine to get to the start of the toboggan track and set off on a 900m downhill run with alternating banked turns and forest sections The experience is enhanced by a light show sound system and the track finishes in a tunnel with video projections If it is calm and relaxation you are after then head to a luxury day spa or book in for massage therapies and beauty treatments A day spa is also the perfect activity when the weather turns You can keep warm and revive aching muscles in saunas steam rooms and jacuzzis or take a refreshing dip in a swimming pool Tennis is a great way to get the legs moving and to enjoy the sunny summer weather You can play a friendly game or have a lesson whatever you choose to do it's a great way to have fun with friends and family Open during the summer season there are tennis courts and training walls in Les Arcs Lessons are usually available in groups or privately Perfect as a family outing you can hire a court and when tiredness hits you can enjoy some refreshments and snacks at the tennis club or café There is a badminton court in Les Arcs sports centre There are three squash courts in the centre of Arc 1800 Nestled in the heart of Arc 1800, Mille8 is full of activities for everybody, from a freestyle park to a beginners area and a fantastic new swimming and spa complex a freestyle park complete with modules and snow sculptures a snow garden for little ones with igloos and play area and a large swimming and fitness centre with spa facilities The only features that have an entry fee are the luge track and swimming complex - everything else is included in your lift pass and everyone is guaranteed to leave with a big smile on their face Adventure parks are designed for children and adults to play exercise and have fun in the natural mountain surroundings Enjoy the thrills of more than 32 courses created in the trees trees and activities will be a great day for children and adults alike With all the protective gear provided and safety information given you can head out and enjoy the wilderness Qualified guides will be around the course throughout to make sure you are safe and having as much fun as possible Different courses and tracks can be tried and tested each one with a varying level of difficulty There are courses designed for children only and tracks for juniors and adults to enjoy In the summer months Les Arcs is an Alpine mecca for walking and hiking in the beautiful alpine mountains As the snow melts and the sun begins to shine the mountains make an excellent place to head out on a hike or walk Walking is the perfect activity for groups Pick from a number of routes ranging in difficulty from easy child friendly walks to challenging day long hikes Along the way enjoy the fantastic mountain views beautiful scenery and wildlife that is normally hidden in the winter months.  Check out our walking and hiking guide for more details on hiking in Les Arcs There are a number of companies who can take you mountaineering in both summer and winter private instructors and activity companies There are 20km of winter walking trails in Les Arcs which you can either enjoy by yourselves or on a guided walk with one of the activity companies. Take a look at the snowshoe map for their locations A pair of walking poles will come in handy for extra balance on icy patches and for checking snow depth before you go striding forth!  Top Tip: Buy ‘grippers’ for your walking boots to prevent slipping all of this can be bought from most local sport shops Don’t forget to check the weather forecast before you set out as conditions can change rapidly in the mountains If you haven't experienced white water rafting before then this is a definite 'must try' on your list of activities to do the Dranse river flows furiously as it is fed from the melt waters running off the glaciers high above the town There are various options available from a three-hour adrenaline rush to a full day excursion - this activity is guaranteed not to disappoint Kayaking is a fun watersport that can be enjoyed as a team or on your own paddlers face forward and have a double bladed paddle It's a versatile sport that you can enjoy on rivers You can take your inflatable or plastic kayak and make your way down the water Using the double bladed paddle you can control the speed direction and enjoy the experience and wonderful views in your own time A not-so-gentle but extremely refreshing summer activity is one way to describe canyoning Plunge yourself into the mountain streams via a series of abseil descents jumps and natural water slides – just make sure you choose a warm day You will make your way along rivers and rapids using the river bed as a natural obstacle course but anyone over the age of about eight can take the (very cold) plunge and try canyoning With the safety of a guide everyone can abseil down cascades splash into pools and ride the river rapids You can choose from short beginners’ routes or longer ones for the more adventurous Different companies will have their own policies on age limits but usually unless they are booked onto a children's activity course anyone under the age of about 14 years old will have to be accompanied by an adult A basic level of swimming ability is required for safety reasons There are a number of adventure companies that offer guided descents down the local waterways Hydrospeeding is one of the newer 'extreme' water sports to hit the market A fun and exhilarating way to get yourselves down a river using a large float be ready to cling on for dear life as you send yourself hurtling down the rapids This activity is a little more demanding physically than rafting or canoe rafting but allows you to discover the unique sensation of surfing down white water rivers no need to be a professional diver or swimmer you just have to be smart at using the water movements There's plenty of protection from the icy water elements as you'll be given a wetsuit Guides will brief you with a safety demonstration at the beginning and there’s a vehicle to meet you at the end of the rapids that will shuttle you back to your starting destination Stand up paddleboarding is becoming increasingly popular it's a great way to enjoy the mountain scenery and get away from the summer heat There are a number of watersports centres in Les Arcs offering paddleboarding There is no train station in Tignes but this doesn't mean that you can't come here by train More than ever encouraged as the sustainable and eco-friendly travel option getting to Tignes by train is still worth the effort with short transfer times from its closest major transport hub You'll get more leg room and it's a great way to enjoy the passing scenery Tip!You may be able to get money off your accommodation or transfer to the resort if you mention you're coming by train boasts an international train station with connections to London and Paris To get from Bourg Saint Maurice to the ski area there are local buses that can take you to Le Lac in around 1h15 These are rough journey times for a number of destinations There's no direct link between London and Tignes by train The Eurostar ski train goes from London St Pancras to various stations in the Alps including Chambery How much it costs depends a lot on when you travel February half-term and Easter are obviously more expensive Eurostar ski train tickets usually go out for sale in mid-July and that's when they're at their cheapest TGV train tickets from Paris to other French cities are normally available to buy 120 to 90 days before your travel time There are a few different options when trying to make your way from Bourg Saint Maurice train station to Tignes: Find the current bus timetables on our bus services page For more information on journey times or to book tickets online You can also book through the Trainline Tip!Book early! Journeys at Christmas, Easter and the French half term weeks get packed out quickly you'll probably be carrying additional luggage like ski boots Train lines tend to have more generous allowances than airlines If you can make travelling by train work for you you'll be helping to reduce your impact of your trip on the environment Read more about skiing and the environment Timed hill climb solo or relay race between Bourg St Maurice and Arcs 1600 Time to get the trainers out and turn our thoughts to summer with this timed trail run over six hours you do the maximum number of laps uphill on foot on a marked walking trail Celebrate the end of winter with this challenge: do as many loops of a set course between Bourg St Maurice and Arcs 1600 in six hours The route: 5.1km distance and 817m of elevation gain and descent by funicular - to save your knees This challenge can be tackled individually or in a team of two.  There is also a fastest individual climb category for the speediest time from Bourg to Arcs 1600 and a youth race from Les Granges to Les Arcs with a less brutal elevation gain of 421m over 4.3km A six hour trail run from Bourg Saint Maurice to Les Arcs 1600 Les Arcs has a selection of lift pass options available in summer, enabling you to enjoy the mountains on foot or on a bike. Even popping across to neighbouring La Plagne is very easy Which ticket you buy depends on how long you're here and what you plan to do up there Children aged under five years old and people aged over 75 years old Proof of age required at the moment of purchase. These passes are only available at the lift pass offices in resort The modern funicular that links Bourg St Maurice and Arc 1600 is free to use for pedestrians throughout the summer season so there's no excuse not to explore the Les Arcs mountains The Les Arcs / Peisey-Vallandry Bike Park is a world-class collection of around 180km of trails featuring eight downhill runs ranging from easy greens to challenging blacks six enduro trails and two cross-country routes plus three accessible e-bike trails and five beginner areas to learn in complete safety Mountain bike passes in Les Arcs cover four sectors in resort: Bourg St Maurice-Arc 1600 Arc 1950-Arc 2000 and Peisey-Vallandry.  There are nine lifts giving access to the mountain bike trails: Funiculaire Vallandry and Lonzagne (bikes are not allowed on the Varet and Aiguille Rouge lifts Lift passes are available from single trips to seven days and for the whole summer season You can even purchase a Paradiski extension and enjoy the La Plagne mountain bike trails although you must already have bought at least a one day Les Arcs pass to be eligible for the extension confirm at the time of booking; further Terms and Conditions may apply There is a wide area to explore on foot in Les Arcs in the summer months from shaded forested trails to stunning views from the top of the Aiguille Rouge lift you can access the mountain from the funicular in Bourg St Maurice You can even purchase a Paradiski extension and enjoy the hiking trails over in La Plagne although you must already have bought at least a one day Les Arcs pass to be eligible for the extension.  The funicular from Bourg St Maurice to Arc 1600 is free for pedestrians to be confirmed at the time of booking; further Terms and Conditions may apply Les Arcs offers special summer multi-activity passes Early booking discount up to 20%! Buy your HERO Multi PASS and HERO CAMP up to 10 days before your arrival The sooner you buy the bigger the discount For these multi-activity passes different packages are available. Find out the list of activities on offer and where they take place on this year's Hero Les Arcs brochure: All activities are subject to availability confirmed at the time of booking; further Terms and Conditions may apply Read more about the summer lift system in Les Arcs and find out more about the variety of summer activities you can do on your visit.  For winter, take a look at our ski pass prices guide for summer lift pass price comparisons Fun MTB relay race around the streets of Bourg Join in or just come and watch this mountain bike relay race where teams of two ride through the streets and obstacles of Bourg St Maurice The course of around 1km is full of pitfalls and competitors race in teams of two to complete as many laps as they can in an hour (or half an hour for the children's race) To make the event more fun come dressed in fancy dress and further info via the website linked above Prize giving ceremony is at 21:30 at Place de la Mairie with a party and DJ set afterwards There are a number of car parks dotted throughout the resorts The only time you're guaranteed to get a parking space is in the quieter periods outside of the school holidays at February Ideally leave your car at your accommodation and use public transport but if this is not possible here are some tips There are a couple of places in Les Arcs where you can park your car for free and depending on which resort you are staying in you may get free parking for the duration of your holiday.  Most of the free parking is outdoor car parks, so make sure you have access to a shovel as if there is a heavy snowfall you may have to dig your car out. The free outdoor parking can be found on resort maps by the blue P which will indicate if it is a paid car park or free.  Parking is restricted to car parks and designated parking areas so do not park your car on the street as it may get snowed in Whether you're in a covered car park or outdoors in Arc 1800 the first four hours of parking is free or down in Bourg St Maurice the first hour is free in the centre but only the first half hour at the funicular dates and fees at the time of parking as these might change Indoor parking is available at each level of the Les Arcs resorts and in certain places it's compulsory as the resort is traffic free.  You can prepare for your arrival by reserving your parking space online in advance If you head to the Les Arcs tourist office website you can sign up easily online The indoor car parks in Les Arcs can be found on resort maps by the blue P and are located as follows: These car parks will provide covered protection for your car and protection against some of the severe weather conditions that often occur throughout the winter season There is plenty of outdoor parking throughout the Les Arcs resorts, on almost all levels except Les Arcs 1950. Both Bourg St Maurice and Arc 1600 have free outdoor parking, but the remaining designated outdoor parking areas are all paying. Most of the outdoor car parks can be seen on the resort maps The car parks are well maintained and as clear of snow as possible however it is always advisable to have access to a shovel as after a heavy snowfall you may need to dig your car out Parking is restricted to car parks and designated parking areas so do not park your car on the street as it may get snowed in There are lots of disabled access parking spaces in and around the villages of Les Arcs They are predominantly found close to the ski lifts the main public car parks and tourist information centres.  All of the resort car parks will have allocated disabled spaces, have a look at the resort map to find out where the closest one to your accommodation is.  For those of you driving an electric car you'll find charging stations at the following locations: Enquire with your accommodation provider at the time of booking as some hotels and chalets have charging points installed for guests to use The Les Arcs resorts do not have parking for camper vans or motorhomes however a bit further down the valley in Peisey Vallandry you will find parking for your motorhome There you will find Camping des Lanchettes where you can park and access Les Arcs via a free shuttle bus so you can get to the ski area and Les Arcs villages in no time.  With four nearby airports and a train station only seven minutes away there are plenty of options for getting to Les Arcs one of the largest and highest mountain resorts in Europe The easiest way for most international visitors to get here is probably to fly to Geneva But Les Arcs is definitely doable by train too. Bourg St Maurice railway station is only seven minutes away and links directly to the resort via funicular.   it's straightforward as far as Bourg St Maurice Flying to Geneva is probably the easiest way to get to Les Arcs for most international visitors You'll easily pick up a transfer from Geneva. You can also hire a car and be on your way in no time The only trouble with flying anywhere is the environmental cost coming by coach or catching a train are usually better options if you want to reduce CO2 emissions Lyon or Grenoble are options for Les Arcs if you can’t get a flight to Geneva Both are around 215km away and transfers take 2h30 hours Chambery is actually closer than the three airports already mentioned, but it's a lot smaller and not as many airlines fly there But if you can get a flight then great.  We wouldn't recommend flying to Turin or Milan - even if they look close on the map It usually takes a lot longer to get to the resort and you'll often have to rely on pricey private transfers There are several ways to get from the airport to Les Arcs If your transfer only takes you as far as Bourg St Maurice you can hop on the funicular at the train station and be at Arcs 1600 (the lowest of the Les Arcs) resorts in just seven minutes.  There are free shuttle buses between Les Arcs 1600 and other villages in the resort (including Les Arcs 1800 Getting to Les Arcs by train may involve a few changes the train is the most environmentally-friendly option and it's arguably the most comfortable way to travel Bourg St Maurice is the closest train station to Les Arcs and it's connected to Arcs 1600 by a funicular that takes seven minutes.  High speed (TGV) trains from Paris and the Eurostar Snow train both stop at Bourg St Maurice.  London to Les Arcs by train takes nine to 12 hours Les Arcs is relatively easy to get to by car but you don't really need your car once you're in resort the journey as far as Bourg St Maurice is straightforward The final 35 minutes is a little more arduous as you wind your way up the 17km stretch into Les Arcs This road is cleared every day during winter but it's not a trip for nervous drivers - especially in bad weather.  It takes about 9h40 to drive from Calais to Les Arcs - a distance of around 930km Unless you're driving an electric car to the Alps however, driving isn't very environmentally friendly. Read more about getting around the resort once you're here Getting to Les Arcs by coach takes longer than flying which makes it a good option if you're on a budget It's also a relatively environmentally-friendly way to travel There's a direct overnight coach from London to Les Arcs that runs once a week during the winter where you can hop on the funicular for a short ride into the resort We know flying is often the most convenient way to get to Les Arcs but we'd encourage you to look at alternatives As Bourg St Maurice is so close to the resort Les Arcs is one of the few ski resorts where it's genuinely possible to do the journey without lots of changes This means you can minimise your carbon footprint while still getting to the resort in good time Source: Carbon footprint of travel per kilometre (ourworldindata.org) There is no train station in Les Arcs but this doesn't mean that you can't get here by train getting to Les Arcs by train is still worth the effort with short transfer times from its closest major transport hub Tip!You may be able to get money off your accommodation or transfer to the resort if you mention you're coming by train there is a funicular that departs just behind the train station (around a five to ten minute walk) and whizzes passengers up to Arc 1600 in only seven minutes There's no direct link between London and Les Arcs by train The Eurostar ski train goes from London St Pancras to various stations in the Alps including Chambery There are a few different options when trying to make your way from Bourg St Maurice train station to the Les Arcs resorts: Find the current bus timetables on our bus services page Montchavin or Nancroix and coming by TGV train from Paris may want to get off the train at Landry shuttle bus or local transfer to their accommodation Top tip!Book early! Journeys at Christmas, Easter and the French half term weeks get packed out quickly you'll probably be carrying additional luggage like ski boots you'll be helping to reduce your impact of your trip on the environment Read more about skiing and the environment Les Arcs is made up of a number of villages including Bourg-Saint-Maurice (at the bottom of the valley) Arc 1950 and up to Arc 2000 (at the top of resort) you can rent it when you get here either through your accommodation provider or through local sports shops and mountain bike guides It's a popular summer mountain bike destination with hundreds of kilometres of trails from the high mountain to the forest and everything in between You'll find arguably some of the best single track the Alps has to offer with plenty of lift access to keep you riding all day You can ride from 2,700m to the valley floor giving you around -2,000m of vertical drop using the lift system or venture further afield into the back country to find some less busy The downhill tracks in resort are full of big berms table tops and wooded sections and have become the training ground for a number of French downhill champs so if this is your style of riding then you won't be disappointed Look out for black track number eight which takes you through the forest on an -800m descent to the valley floor in Bourg St Maurice There are eight lifts available to use in summer giving you access to around 20 well marked and sign posted green trails blacks and cross country or enduro trails plus the freestyle area with plenty of restaurants and pit stops along the way to keep you fed and watered If the Les Arcs area isn't big enough terrain for you to explore, then you can always head over to Plan Peisey and link up with neighbouring La Plagne via the Vanoise Express Please note that this lift is only open Monday to Friday in summer The lifts are open from the first weekend in July until the end of August and have specifically adapted racks or hooks for your bikes allowing you spend more of your time riding incredible alpine terrain rather dragging yourself up steep inclines (unless that's what you like!) Lift passes can be bought at the lift stations on an individual ascent basis However if you're here for a few days and are going up and down many times during your stay it's more economical to purchase a Paradiski pass which gives you unlimited access to the whole of La Plagne and Les Arcs You have the option of buying consecutive or non consecutive passes If you arrive on a Saturday then only the funicular and the Cachette lifts are open, although there are enough XC / enduro trails and downhill tracks to keep you entertained. Take a look at the summer lift timetable for more information Out of season you can also book an uplift with CoolBus Whether to go full-suspension or hardtail is a question which creates a lot of healthy debate amongst the mountain biking community Whether you're renting or buying you should first decide which type you're looking for and there are numerous makes and models of both types available Both front and rear suspension that is effective at absorbing lumps thus providing better performance and a smoother ride Suspension forks may be at the front of the bike but its back post is rigid If you plan on renting equipment then there are plenty of Les Arcs mountain bike hire shops hiring out both full-suspension and hardtail mountain bikes On average you can pay anywhere between €16 to €80 for a day's hire depending on whether you select a bike with or without suspension It's also possible to hire mountain bikes for children from around €15 a day There are numerous makes and models of both types available to the potential buyer so when deciding on which type of bike is best There are numerous companies taking the hassle out of organising it all, offering tailor made mountain biking holidays. There are many specialist chalet companies that run catered holidays and several local tour operators offering active mountain biking programmes with little extras here and there that perfectly suit a range of riding levels from beginners up to skilled riders They will guide you around the various biking trails offering some great cross-country riding and single track trails with spectacular scenery in the background Due the technical nature of the routes selected they do tend to have small group sizes allowing for better riding experiences and usually do not take beginner riders on their guided rides some offer a discounted rate for accompanying guests who are not riding you will inevitably have a thoroughly enjoyable experience in and around the Les Arcs area The mountains are there to be enjoyed by everyone so remember to be considerate of others when on your bike following the 'mountain bikers code of conduct' at all times A review of the main airlines' Terms and Conditions indicates that it's highly likely that you will be subject to a charge for taking your bike on board.  and KLM all charge an additional one-way fee to carry your bike At time of writing British Airways (and their partner Swiss Air) does not charge extra fees for taking bikes on their planes providing they fit within the free baggage allowance and are packed in a hard shelled container but we recommend you always check when booking Make sure that the combined weight of your luggage does not exceed your allowance Although you may have paid an excess for your bike its weight may be added to the weight of your hold luggage and there can be a penalty for any kg over the allowance We'd advise your bike is in tip top condition before lugging it all the way over to France A day riding in the Alps equates to many rides in the UK and the wear and tear on your bike reflects this If you start the week with your bike in a poor to average state of repair it will let you down at some point and spoil the day If you're not a competent bike mechanic then have your local bike shop service your pride and joy It's also money well spent to upgrade your tyres if they are of the lighter weight cross-country variety and purchase some free ride tyres with a 2.3 section to smooth your way and avoid the punctures.  There is every chance a set of brake pads will disappear in a week so bring a spare pair and carry them with you on the trails to avoid that metal on metal effect!  If you run out of time before you come away Les Arcs local bike shops will be able to carry out a service for you Check the rules of transporting your bike with the airline you're travelling with and make sure you have reserved your bike's spot on the plane.  Check out your travel insurance arrangements to ensure your bike is covered Going on holiday to France with your bike is pretty straight forward Currently only allows you to take your bike on selected trains between London and Paris so it's best to book early to avoid disappointment Eurostar was working on reopening the service to other destinations in the near future so check available routes before you start planning Follow the steps on their website for reserving a spot for you and your bike Once you're in France getting around with your bike can be straight forward but again planning ahead and getting to the station early are highly recommended Quite often they allow you to transport your bike for free although you may have to put it in a bike compartment or fold it up and take it on as hand luggage Spaces are limited and you cannot reserve in advance and in some regions bikes aren't permitted Monday-Friday during rush hour You must book a space for your bike if it's non-folding and this needs to be done when you buy your ticket Your seat will automatically be placed near to the bike rack.  these trains are called Transilien and they are the country’s busiest commuter trains They operate into all of Paris’ stations and run on lines with a letter associated (line K You can take your bike on board a Transilien Monday to Friday then after 19:30; at any time on weekends and public holidays and at any time if it's folded or placed in a bike bag and does not cause fellow passengers any inconvenience It's best if you can dismantle your bike and carry it on in a bag no more than 130x90cm Some of these trains require a seat reservation A ski-bike relay, that is a 100% adrenaline descent from Les Arcs to Bourg-Saint-Maurice usually held towards the end of April. This relay race is competed in teams of two: one on skis and one on mountain bike A relay style mountain bike race that takes place at night throughout the challenge-filled streets and lanes of Bourg-Saint-Maurice every August women's and mixed) must compete to make the most laps over one hour There is also a prize for the best costume if you want to compete in fancy dress This is an industry that has seen incredible interest and growth largely due to rising technological advances and rapidly charging batteries and it being an eco-friendlier and cheaper alternative to mainstream transportation.  was one of the first to introduce e-bikes to their mountain bike line-up and now almost every bike brand has several eMTBs on offer A mountain bike with an integrated motor that assists the rider when pedalling.  and they only provide support up to a certain speed limit: the speed limit in Europe is 25km/h and 32km/h in North America.  Whether they are hardtail or full-suspension there are three distinct categories: Light They come with all the things a traditional mountain bike has but they are heavier and have distinguishing features such as an electric motor and a handlebar-mounted computer that controls it all.  You'll see these around the trails from time to time and simply put they are an eBike with tyres of four inches plus in width.  the heavy-duty tyres gives a greater ability to travel over more surfaces than bikes with a normal tyre width They improve balance and stability on any type of terrain and are therefore perfect for those who want more versatility and comfort as comfort is definitely their greatest advantage they can be harder to handle on the trails as their braking isn't as precise and performance isn't as good as with a bike on regular mountain bike tyres.  Also worth remembering is that by having fat tyres There has been some controversy in some areas around eBikes sharing the same trails as mountain bikers and in some countries and states they are banned from non-motorised mountain bike trails with the possibility of getting back up using the lifts it just remains for you to go have some fun The majority of rental shops in resort will have e-bikes available for hire should you wish to try this fast-emerging sport for yourself.. For information on individual itineraries and bike parks, see our mountain biking routes. a word that carries images both dreamed and tangible to sing — a place where the freedom to gather is expressed in the simplicity of Hauteville-Gondon's planks You'll now receive updates based on what you follow Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors If you have done all of this and still can't find the email You can read this article in 5 minutesAgnieszka Kulikowska - Wielgus The French authorities have published dates for additional winter and summer truck traffic restrictions Photo credits @ Wikimedia Commons (illustrative purposes only) the French Ministry of the Interior issued a decree supplementing the general system of traffic restrictions for heavy goods vehicles with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of over 7.5 tonnes The decree introduces additional winter traffic bans on the road network in the “Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes” region These restrictions will be in effect on Saturdays Bellegarde and Saint-Julien-en-Genevois – Annecy – Albertville truck traffic is restricted across the entire road network of mainland France on Saturdays Pölös Zsófia Journalist Trans.info | 6.05.2025 Fragrance on the Fly: Why Pocket Perfumes Are Perfect for Airplane TravelSponsored Article 6.05.2025 the leaf blower war or the anti-'woke' backlash World Subscribers only Germany's Friedrich Merz is embracing pragmatism World Subscribers only Trump-Carney meeting: Canada seeks reconciliation World Subscribers only Friedrich Merz bets on two private sector converts to revive the German economy and reform the state World Subscribers only Founder of Sant'Egidio community fears next pope could undo Francis's legacy Opinion Subscribers only 'Russian gas and Europe is an old story that ended badly Economy Subscribers only Europe's steel industry flattened by crisis World Subscribers only How European countries plan to fund defense efforts France Subscribers only Macron announces citizens' convention on school schedules France Subscribers only 21 charged over French prison attacks as investigation narrows in on drug traffickers France Subscribers only French mosque stabber was driven by 'morbid fascination,' prosecutor says France Subscribers only At the trial of Kim Kardashian's robbers Videos World expos: From Paris 1855 to Osaka 2025 Videos How the Trump administration is attacking scientific research in the US Videos Tesla cars set on fire in Las Vegas as calls to boycott Musk's company grow worldwide Videos Can France's nuclear deterrent protect Europe Opinion Subscribers only 'The American dream is dying' Opinion Subscribers only John Bolton: 'The term chaos is commonly used to describe the top of the Defense Department' Opinion Subscribers only 'It is pointless to imagine a significant wave of American academics leaving' Magazine Subscribers only Tracking down the pianos taken from French Jews during the Nazi Occupation Magazine Subscribers only Eve Rodsky the American helping couples balance the mental load Magazine Subscribers only Desecration or more glory Joan Didion's private diaries are revealed Magazine Subscribers only For Jewish cartoonist Joann Sfar 2025."> Pixels Subscribers only Golden Owl solution is revealed but leaves players of 31-year hunt disappointed Pixels Subscribers only Secrets of decades-long Golden Owl treasure hunt to be revealed Lifestyle Inside Chanel's French leather workshops Culture Subscribers only The marvelous bronzes of Angkor on display at the Musée Guimet in Paris a success for the past 50 years is running out of steam locals are looking for new ways to make a living that are less dependent on snow France's second largest winter sports resort after La Plagne Candice Falcoz has always known that snow turns to gold allows her to make a living for the entire year the mechanism that has kept the resort of Les Arcs running since 1968 has started to jam The number of ski passes sold is stagnating young people are skiing less than their elders did and the clientele is changing – becoming richer Climate change has brought large temperature variations during the winter shorter seasons and more frequent rainfall – skiing during the Christmas week is no longer guaranteed paralyzing the resort for an entire winter and exposing its lack of resilience in times of crisis You have 90.73% of this article left to read Lecture du Monde en cours sur un autre appareil Vous pouvez lire Le Monde sur un seul appareil à la fois Ce message s’affichera sur l’autre appareil Parce qu’une autre personne (ou vous) est en train de lire Le Monde avec ce compte sur un autre appareil Vous ne pouvez lire Le Monde que sur un seul appareil à la fois (ordinateur En cliquant sur « Continuer à lire ici » et en vous assurant que vous êtes la seule personne à consulter Le Monde avec ce compte Que se passera-t-il si vous continuez à lire ici Ce dernier restera connecté avec ce compte Vous pouvez vous connecter avec votre compte sur autant d’appareils que vous le souhaitez mais en les utilisant à des moments différents Nous vous conseillons de modifier votre mot de passe Votre abonnement n’autorise pas la lecture de cet article merci de contacter notre service commercial Eurostar will relaunch its ski train service between London and the Alps after a four-year absence.  Trains under the ‘Eurostar Snow’ moniker will depart every Saturday between December @ and return from the Alps every Sunday between December 29 2024 and March 2 2025 There will be one service on each of these days The tickets include the ability to bring ski equipment on board with no additional charge The news has been welcomed by both environmental groups and local politicians in the Alps who see the eco-friendly travel alternative as a boost to the local economy Eurostar cancelled their ski train service in 2020 citing cutbacks corresponding to the Covid pandemic Prior to this it had been running annually since 1997 carrying around 25,000 passengers per year Alpine destinations on the route include Chambéry with each train stopping at all destinations The journey between London and final destination Bourg-Saint-Maurice takes around eight hours from start to finish The service will not be direct and will require passengers to change at Lille to catch a connecting service with the corresponding connecting train departing at 11:50 Information will be provided to help passengers catch the connecting service Prices begin at £119 each way, with tickets available to purchase now. Full information can be found on the Eurostar website Eurostar trains are not limited by the 100ml liquid rule recently reintroduced across all airports in Europe Read more: Change to cabin luggage rules in French airports from September 1 passengers will be subject to the new Entry/Exit System (EES) with the border security rules launching on November 10.  Read more: New EU border control checks to launch November 10 - official The geographical spread of Canadian nationals follows a similar pattern to Americans Her body was found outside initial search area by a walker over the weekend Prepare to glide smoothly into the French Alps this ski season as Eurostar are transporting Londoners straight to the slopes on a new handy Dig out your ski jackets and dust off your snowboards, folks. Eurostar are back this winter for another season of whisking adventure-seekers between London and various French ski resorts on their handy The Eurostar Snow Service offers Londoners the ultimate wintery getaway transporting passengers from the hustle and bustle of London St Pancras International to the serene and Bourg St Maurice via Lille every Saturday morning of the ski season (now until March 1 Return trips will leave on Sunday mornings arriving back in the capital in the afternoon Giving skiers a more sustainable way of travelling to the snow-capped peaks of the French Alps; Eurostar have expanded its offering this year There are 11 weekend departures throughout the season Fares start at £139 each way and are available to book now Hop aboard the Eurostar Snow Service and get ready to marvel at the enchanting landscape outside your train window as you’re whisked off to a wintery wonderland When it comes to sustainable travel this winter; Eurostar will always have a piste of our hearts The service has been expanded but still only goes from  December 21st to the end of February with no short-break options.  The number of skiers taking the train remains below pre-Covid levels. The service goes from London St Pancras in the UK to Lille in northern France There is then a change with the ski train calling at Bourg-Saint-Maurice The outward journey is just under eight hours Tickets come with an allowance of two large bags and one hand luggage bag plus one pair of skis or one snowboard in a protective case The numbers of skiers and snowboarders that take the train to the Alps remains small at around 2% Despite ‘intent’ from skiers to take the train numbers over the past few years have declined 2% took the train to the Alps last winter compared to 6% pre-Covid according to a report compiled by the Ski Club of Great Britain The UK tour operator Inghams is taking a larger option on tickets this winter – it will have three times the number of last winter With traditional ski packages running Saturday to Saturday Inghams Ski has arranged seven-day lift passes for the price of six for customers returning by train on the Sunday Instead of getting up for an early transfer on Saturday customers will get to spend Saturday on the slopes with the option to store luggage in their hotel or chalet Customers will then be transferred on Saturday night to accommodation next to the station in Bourg-Saint-Maurice for their return journey on Sunday morning “There has never been a better time to visit the slopes by train,” said the Managing Director at Inghams Ski “We’re delighted Eurostar has extended its snow train timetable this coming winter to include dates over half term and are proud to announce that we’ve expanded our partnership for the season ahead “Train travel isn’t a flash in the pan Last year’s sell-out showed us and the entire industry that the demand is real.” Inghams offered train routes to 15 other resorts in 3 countries last season – a total of 25% of Inghams’ ski resorts are reachable by train from the UK This coming season it’s offering customers the chance to travel by train to Morzine we now urgently need better support for inter-European train travel from the UK; policies to help with price and infrastructure making it more accessible to customers outside of London and the South East too,” added John Mantell 8 nights self catering at Arc 1950 Apartments Pancras from £975 per person including rail travel transfers and overnight stay in Bourg-Saint-Maurice Travelski Express is another company offering rail travel on the Eurostar It has added two more French resorts to its offering – Chamonix and La Clusaz The train service will again be operated by Eurostar The packages run from London on Saturday mornings (from 21th December) and return the following Sunday with daytime train travel in both directions and 8 nights of accommodation (to facilitate a full 7-days of skiing) as standard “We are once again very pleased to be the biggest provider of rail inclusive ski packages and with our innovative 7+1 accommodation option we are able to offer UK skiers the full range of accommodation options across all our featured resorts,” said the CEO of Travelski “Skiers taking that option can also enjoy a later start on their return travel day” There has been some early reaction on the PlanetSKI Facebook page from readers: Rob Rees: The main reason that fewer people are using the ski train service is that it requires 8-nights stay in resort which most accommodation does not offer as they typically take Saturday-Saturday bookings Plus the price is way higher than the old ski train service was It’s great to see the service resume after Covid but it’s a significantly worse offer than previously Feel free to add your comments Traditional Saturday market selling local produce Open every Saturday morning from 07:30 until 12:30 all year round in the centre of Bourg-Saint-Maurice This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page The Local Europe ABVästmannagatan 43113 25 StockholmSweden Eurostar has re-launched its 'snow train' service for the 2024/2025 winter offering a simple journey from London St Pancras to the French Alps The Local has answered several common questions about the 'snow train' The service will begin on December 21st and run through the entire ski season Trains will run every Saturday from London to the Alps during that period while the return trains to the UK will run on Sundays Where does it go and how long does it take This is not a direct train from London to the Alps then you board a connecting train to Bourg-Saint-Maurice the train passes through the stations Chambéry Moûtiers-Salins-Brides-Les-Bains and Aime-la-Plagne You can see the Eurostar route map here there are coach and TER (regional train) services that can get you closer to the ski resorts Nearby resorts include Tignes and Val d'Isere (side by side) You should be able to find bus (navette) schedules on the resort or town websites. For example, HERE is the schedule for Val d'Isere READ MORE: From high altitude to family friendly: 15 of the best French ski resorts Tickets start at £99 (one-way) for 2nd class due to high demand some are already unavailable for the first few weeks of the service (between December and early January) The one-way ticket includes your journey to Lille and the subsequent train to the Alps. To purchase, go to the Eurostar website and search for 'Bourg-Saint-Maurice' as the destination (or the other stations that the train stops at along the way) Keep in mind that these may not immediately appear on the dropdown menu Be sure you are looking only at Saturdays during the period as the trains do not run on any other day of the week The same goes for returns - focus on Sundays you are not confined by the weight limit on bags or liquid rules (which have come back into force in European airports) READ MORE: What the return of liquid limits at airports means for travel in France Eurostar snow has special rules for sporting equipment Eurostar says that they "allocate extra space on board so you can take one pair of skis or one snowboard on board with you in addition to your standard adult luggage allowance "For safety reasons, skis and snowboards have to be kept in a protective case that covers the whole item." More info here What alternatives are available if it's sold out You can always book the package yourself - a Eurostar train to Lille or Paris, and then a connecting French SNCF train to the Alps. You can book SNCF trains using SNCF Connect. Booking for French trains will be available 90 days prior to your desired date of departure READ MORE: What can I do if I've booked a French skiing holiday and there's no snow? The new Entry/Exit System (EES) will launch on Sunday It will digitally register the data of non-EU citizens every time they enter and exit the external Schengen borders and it will replace the physical stamping of passports at passport control For those travelling from the UK to France via Eurostar Eurostar chiefs announced in May that they would add special EES kiosks and increase the number of e-gates and manual booths READ MORE: How to prepare for travel under Europe's new EES and ETIAS rules Passengers required to complete EES registration will be funnelled first towards the three areas set aside for the EES kiosks before moving through to the main part of the check-in area security and passport checks with both UK and French border officers non-EU tourists and visitors will need to complete the digital registration This will include a facial and fingerprint scans passport scan and then a series of standardised questions such as "how long is your planned trip?"  passport checks would be carried out at the Lille station Please log in here to leave a comment Discover the top Les Arcs towns and villages Les Arcs is a series of purpose-built mountainside resorts linked to the principal town of Bourg Saint Maurice, you can discover them here. Find loads of top tips and local insights in our Les Arcs Destinations Guide Les Arcs is a series of purpose-built mountainside resorts linked to the principal town of Bourg Saint Maurice What a wonderful sight when you opened your eyes this morning!After the rain yesterday we had huge snowflakes !There was already 12 cm or more covering the pavements and there was about 25 cm on our mountains.We are in for another cloudy day and it is  due to snow all day.There may be a strong westerly wind this morning with gusts of 80 to 100 km/h at 3000 metres and blow from the northwest.The temperature stayed above zero during the nightAt 11.00  the temperature is Maximum Temperature expected is to be zero at 2000 meters.But it is going to get cold at the end of the day There is plenty of snow on the road towards Bourg St Maurice.Snow clearing machines are hard at work but your car needs to be properly equipped if tackling this road today.By that we mean snow tyres four-wheel drive or chains.If you need to use chains put them on in a designated area and don'tblock the road.That is stressful for you At Le Fornet.At the moment the only lifts open are and the lower ones are already open.The following five pistes are closed The chairlifts linking Val to Tignes are CLOSED due to high winds.The avalanche risk today is a significant   3 out of 5 If you fancy skiing off pisteConsidering the current snow why not only ski off piste with a mountain guide ?The snow on the lower slopes is wetter and heavier than normal so if your legs are already tiredwhy risk hurting your knees and Laisinant are closed - there was a technical problem with the grooming machine which should be fixed today.The following are open : The walking paths that are CURRENTLY open are The track at ‘les Sources’ is in the steep area belowWhat many call the "Avalanche path".So this may close later due to risk of Avalanche.If it is closed Continuing our news concerning the proposal to include Val d’Isère in the French Alps bid for the 2030 Winter Olympics Yesterday we mentioned that the cost had been overestimated and it would only cost 18 million euros to organise the Slalom and Giant slalom for the men and women.Holding these events in the Haute Tarentaise could improve the railway to Bourg St Maurice or would at least prevent it deteriorating in the coming years In the same way that the Winter Olympics in Albertville in 1992 enabled the construction of the dual carriageway between Moutiers and Albertville and the improvement to the Tunnel de L’Epine the 2030 games could have both economic and ecological benefits even though there are dreams for a lift from Bourg St Maurice….There is an interview with our Mayor Patrick Martin on our website.The final concert of the 30th Classicaval Festival takes place in the Church this evening was sold out so if you want to go this evening I would buy tickets IMMEDIATELY !For this third concert the Artistic Director is aiming big !7 works by 6 different composers with all the festivals talented musicians on stage for the finale “The Carnival of Animals”.An evening that is bound to be full of surprises,  although perhaps more choreographed than the previous concerts There is an interview with Anne Lise Gastaldi talking about this concert on our website two tickets can be won this morning on RadioVal so stay tuned.The lucky school children of Val d’Isère will meet the musicians this morning Ingrid Jacquemod and Lucie Paltz to explore the many similarities between music and sport.A record number of 20 teams took part in the cross country ski relay race yesterday evening tumbles and bumbles.But no big accidents and plenty  of good humoured banter.Congratulations to Gaetan and Jeremy.There are lots of photos online There will be another race next Wednesday.Finally World Cup Downhill SkiingAlexis Pinturault.You will remember that he had a big fall last week during the World Cup Super G in Wengen rupturing his left anterior cruciate ligament.He held a press conference yesterday as he is not sure if he can ever regain his previous excellence He used the opportunity to criticise the FIS including that the tracks have become faster and faster and above all that the already full calendar is even more pressured after the cancellations and restarts at the beginning of the season He sadly described it as a “desire to put skiers in hospital…”.You can listen to him on our website.Yesterday was the second training session for the men on the Kitzbuehel downhill The two French men with the best results were Nils Allegre and Blaise Giezendaner.In the Womens slalom on Tuesday at Flachau Maire Lamure from Chambery was the fastest French lady 17.45 Airboard.Come to the Savonnette piste for this fun and free experience The snow bodyboard is controlled by transferring your weight and gives you the impression that you are flying above the surface of the snow.You must wear a helmet and be over 9 years of age 18.30The final concert of the 30th Classicaval Festival in Val d’Isère Takes place in our beautiful Baroque Church The program - to tempt you !Happy Birthday Classicaval !Piano improvisationMusician : Charles Heisser.Composers : Gabriel Fauré / André MessengerMemories of Bayreuth Piano four hands (duet with 2 playing the same piano)Musicians : Anne-Lise Gastaldi Charles Heisser.Composer : Astor Piazzolla.Libertango.Piano four hands.Musicians : Marie-Josèphe Jude Charles Heisser.Composer : Johannes BrahmsThree Hungarian Dances.Piano four hands.Musicians : Marie-Josèphe Jude Michel Béroff.Composer : Camille Saint-Saëns.Danse Macabre.Adapted for a trio by Edouard Delale.Musicians : Virginie Buscall piano.Composer : Fritz Kreisler.Tambourin Chinois.Caprice viennois Op2.Syncopation for violin and piano.Musicians : Volkhard Steude pianoComposer : Camille Saint-Saëns.Carnival of the animals (final).All the musicians or at the Church from 17.30 (if any still available) The red shuttle bus (‘le train rouge’) runs between La Daille and Le Fornet vous acceptez que les informations saisies soient utilisées pour vous envoyer la newsletter de Radio Val d'Isère Vous pourrez facilement vous désinscrire à tout moment via les liens de désinscription présents dans chacun de nos emails Radio Val d'Isère -90 Place Jacques Mouflier-BP228 - 73150 Val d'Isère - Tél French restaurant that has been awarded the 'Asiette Michelin' award plus vegan options This restaurant has the 'Asiette Michelin' which is given to restaurants with a great food and wine experience who didn't quite make the grade of a Michelin star either à la carte or set menu and they also have a children's menu Prices are pretty reasonable considering the quality of the ingredients they use but closed on Tuesdays all day and on Wednesday evenings They also offer main meals and desserts for vegans and people who are gluten intolerant This week, Inghams Ski launched their Eurostar Snow train packages for the 2024/25 season providing a convenient and sustainable travel option to France these packages—highly popular last year—serve the Val d’Isère As a leading advocate for the revival of the original ‘Ski Train,’ which ceased operations due to the Covid pandemic Inghams Ski has tripled their allocation of seats on the new Eurostar Snow train in response to high demand with the train running from 21st December 2024 to 22nd February 2025 Pancras to Bourg-Saint-Maurice with a single platform change at Lille guests will enjoy a quick transfer to their chosen resort the train offers a sustainable travel option and an extra day on the slopes Traditional ski packages run Saturday to Saturday but Inghams Ski provides seven-day lift passes for the price of six for those returning by train on Sunday customers can spend the day skiing and store their luggage in their hotel or chalet They will be transferred on Saturday night to accommodation near the station in Bourg-Saint-Maurice for their return journey on Sunday morning ‘There has never been a better time to visit the slopes by train We’re delighted Eurostar has extended its snow train timetable this winter to include half-term dates and we’re proud to expand our partnership for the upcoming season Last year’s sell-out demonstrated real demand Skiers care about the future of the mountains Riding the rails through these landscapes is a captivating start to any ski holiday.” Offering lower carbon travel solutions is central to our sustainability strategy as we aim to halve our emissions by 2030 we launched train routes to 15 other resorts in three countries last season we urgently need better support for inter-European train travel from the UK including policies for pricing and infrastructure to make it more accessible beyond London and the South East Ruby Snow Train with new logo travelling through a snowy field in Bourg-St-Maurice 8 nights self-catering at Arc 1950 Apartments and an overnight stay in Bourg-Saint-Maurice More Ski Holiday Deals  snow reports and unmissable features direct to your inbox every week with our weekly ski update If you want to subscribe to our monthly newsletter snow reports and unmissable features direct to you inbox with our weekly ski update After another rockfall last night on the road between Bourg St Maurice & Moutiers Diversions in place but traffic is pretty bad Big delays can be expected until the area affected by the landslide is cleared not only on the roads but also with the train network in the area Trains have been stopped between Albertville & Bourg St Maurice although replacement buses have been put in place 40 people working or living nearby had been evacuated and a team of geologists flown over the landslide to look for signs of further collapse Normal road and rail services are expected to return on Friday It appears that the roads are back to normal service this morning but the rail lines are still being cleared Around 400 cubic metres of rock is believed to have tumbled down the mountain side Substitute buses will remain in operation until the railway tracks have been repaired In early April a huge rock fall and landslide saw tonnes of rocks fall onto road and railways lines in between Moutiers and Bourg St Maurice Damage to tracks from April's landslide still being repaired In early April a huge rock fall and landslide saw tonnes of rocks fall onto road and railways lines in between Moutiers and Bourg St Maurice Since that time bus replacements have been in place and will continue to be so for some time to come If you're travelling by train to Val d'Isere this summer make sure you add on additional time to your journey to allow for the change over to buses Buses are departing on average 30 minutes earlier than the train they replace so be mindful of this when planning your connections to resort Information is available on the screens at Moutiers and Bourg stations or you can speak to one of the staff members if you need to Work is taking place over the next 5 weeks to install safety netting to hopefully prevent any future rockfall reaching the tracks and the line is expected to open again in mid July The good new is that if you're coming with bikes they will take the bikes on the buses for you *Update 1st July 2015* The line is not expected to re-open until September 2015 To continue reading this article you must log in If you've never set a password you may need to register for free here and get unlimited access TTG Media Limited.Place of registration: England and Wales.Company number 08723341.Registered address: 2-6 Boundary Row It's one of the world's biggest and most diverse ski area and a Sunweb ski holiday to Paradiski in the French Alps is more affordable than you might expect.. The great, diverse ski area of Paradiski is one of the most popular destinations for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. Boasting a total of 425 km of pistes, the ski area spans the resorts of Les Arcs, Peisey-Vallandry, La Plagne and Champagny en Vanoise And thanks to the Vanoise Express it's an interconnected paradise the Vanoise Express has linked the main resort areas of La Plagne and Les Arcs opening up miles more skiing for even the most adventurous intermediate This remarkable double-decker cable car can carry 200 people the 2km journey from one side to the other in just 4 minutes The Paradiski resorts are in the Tarentaise valley in the Savoie region on the north west side of the French Alps It's a 2hr 30min transfer from the airports at Lyon and Geneva 2hrs from Grenoble and 90mins from Chambery with the nearest stations being Bourg St Maurice and Moutiers it is possible to go by rail all the way from London and then take the funicular from Bourg St Maurice up to Les Arcs As one of the world's most extensive ski domains You can ski or board a big range of altitudes (from 1,250m up to 3,250m) making Paradiski a great option for both beginner and advanced skiers and snowboarders For snowboarding enthusiasts there are four snow parks There is even a weekly boarder cross competition There are plenty of options for cross country skiing in Paradiski too with approximately 150km of cross country skiing tracks spread throughout the area With two mountain peaks soaring above the 3,000m mark the Paradiski resorts also offer a varied range of off-slope activities Les Arcs and La Plagne are typically more popular for younger crowds whilst Vallandry is considerably more peaceful and very popular with families Sunweb won the award for 'world’s best ski tour operator' last year (for a 6th time) at the world ski awards and taking a Paradiski holiday with Sunweb means you can ski in a really world class ski area for relatively low cost So if you're feeling the pinch a bit and want a ski holiday that doesn't break the bank Sunweb can help: your lift pass is always included and if you book a flight to France with Sunweb then you also get ski hire included as well Sunweb offers accommodation for all tastes and budgets in Paradiski Each main resort area has its own character - and even within the larger resorts there can be great contrasts So here's a breakdown of how the three resorts of the Paradiski area shape up One of the pioneers of purpose-built ski resorts Les Arcs' original development - Arc 1600 - was one of France's first 'designer' ski resorts and Les Arcs has evolved and grown but remained at the avant-garde for winter-sports tourism and snowsports innovation ever since There are four different villages to pick form: Arc 1600 All four villages are car free and offer ski-in Arc 1800 and Arc 1950 are widely regarded as the liveliest of the four thanks to the many terraces Arc 1800 is also the largest of the four and most popular with young visitors In the resort heart is the new snow park Mille 8 This fantastic winter snow park features a toboggan run a freestyle obstacle course and a special area for beginners and children To relax after all this there is a large water paradise with a stunning view of Mont Blanc Atmospheric Arc 1950 was built in the style of Canadian resort villages such as Whistler - the watchwords here are quality service and luxury; the lively centre has excellent restaurants is the destination of choice for more advanced skiers It is a small village with a limited number of restaurants but is renowned for its easy access to speedy terrain Expert skiers will relish the various black descents down the Aiguille Rouge including an epic 7km long black-into-red piste with a vertical drop of over 2,000m down to the linked village of Villaroger - one of the best on-piste descents in the Alps the vast majority of Les Arcs' terrain is ideal for intermediates and there's plenty of scope for inter-piste powder-field hopping plus serious off-piste opportunities for more advanced visitors Les Arcs offers other wintersports activities such as tobogganing 20km of marked trails for snowshoe hikes and winter walks And don't miss the illuminated murals of the Aiguille Rouge - an unforgettable high-altitude light show This beautiful self-catering property is located directly by the blue slope and the 'Carreley' ski lift in Arc 1800 The centre is 750 metres from the apartments The apartments are luxuriously and stylishly decorated with comfortable furniture and an eye for detail Much use has been made of wood and earth tones which gives the accommodation a warm and welcoming look you can immerse yourself in the heated indoor pool Located in one of the most beautiful places in the village of Les Arcs 2000 five-star self-catered accommodation is the ultimate place for a carefree holiday The residence is located at the foot of the blue slope making you the first to ski down the fresh powder every day The 'Cabriolet' gondola is 100m away and will take you to Les Arcs 1950 in no time The Lanchettes chairlift is also not far away a microwave and even a toaster and a coffee machine There is a private bathroom with a bath and the 5 and 6 room apartments even have their own private sauna Résidence La Source des Arcs also has impressive spa facilities including an indoor swimming pool there are many restaurant and après-ski options on your doorstep Résidence P&V Premium Arc 1950 Le Village charming village that is often overlooked in the Les Arc family It's compact with an Alpine feel and is a perfect destination for families The Résidence P&V Premium is a five-star complex in the heart of the village which ensures you have everything you need for your ski holiday right on your doorstep the complex contains apartments of various sizes which sleep between two and ten guests sauna and even massages and beauty treatments BOOK NOW from £588pp for eight days consisting of a number of authentic houses Savoyard-style apartment buildings and chalets In the centre of the village there is an assortment of shops Because of its position in the centre of the vast ski area of Paradiski the Peisey-Vallandry sector is a good choice for visitors who want to enjoy both Les Arcs and La Plagne Here pretty forested slopes house an excellent range of long tree-lined runs that sweep down to the satellite resort villages of Vallandry and Plan Peisey where the keenest big-mileage enthusiasts can connect with the cable car link to La Plagne you can also go climbing up frozen waterfalls A torchlit walk is arranged from the village every week during the school holidays Sunweb has a great collection of different accommodations in Vallandry to large luxurious chalets there are ski packages to suit all budgets and group sizes Within walking distance from the resort centre Chalet Inspiration is a cosy chalet with a traditional alpine feel a full kitchen and a large living room with a fireplace south-facing balcony to allow you to enjoy the mountain air and make the most of the spectacular surrounding views Another cosy chalet perfect for small groups or couples full kitchen and cosy living area with a fireplace The location of the chalet is perfectly positioned for getting out on the mountain as quick as possible nestled in the lovely village of Vallandry The perfect base to allow you to explore this wonderful ski area La Plagne is the collective name for a group of eight purpose-built high-altitude resort 'villages' and the ski domain that surrounds them; together with four further outlying linked villages This collection of resorts is one of France's largest linked ski areas in its own right With 225km of pistes and an altitude varying between 1250m and 3250m skiing in La Plagne offers plenty of great runs for everyone The extensive ski area offers a great variety of slopes from a glacial peak The largest sectors are the two huge bowls spread out around the two biggest bases Plagne-Centre and Belle-Plagne; these open bowls are well above the tree line and feature lots of good intermediate runs ranging from motorway-wide long blues and fast reds to some more testing narrow link routes Off-piste opportunities abound: the Friolin area off Bellecote towards Les Bauches is the most notable lift-served zone; the Face Nord de Bellecote is a serious challenge towards Champagny-le-Haut feel a long way from civilisation The villages of La Plagne are connected to each other and form a 'ladder' up the mountain built in a forested area and proving there is much more than just skiing in La Plagne excellent restaurants and fun après-ski bars making it the most appealing village for many visitors is a very peaceful village with great views over the mountains and the villages of Plagne Village below Aside from the apartments and hotels there is a supermarket The village of Aime 2000 is at the highest altitude of all the villages as it sits at the top of the mountain When skiing in La Plagne a visit here will be rewarded with stunning views of Mont Blanc From Aime 2000 you can access the piste directly or jump in a lift that takes you even higher up the mountain Families with children often vote for Plagne Montalbert which sits at 1,375m on the other side of the mountain simple village with a small centre and a few restaurants The village of Les Coches is also located in the Paradiski resort at an altitude of 1,450m Here you can enjoy skiing through the trees on predominantly blue and red pistes La Plagne offers a packed programme of other wintersports activities La Plagne is home to France’s only bobsleigh and skeleton track If you choose La Plagne for your Sunweb holiday your inclusive lift pass will be for La Plagne - but for a fee you can upgrade to a full Paradiski pass ski-out apartment complex is in a peaceful location next to the pistes of La Plagne It's built in a traditional Savoyard style and offers spectacular views of the beautiful snow-capped mountain peaks from the chalet apartments There are different types of apartments to choose from including ones that are suitable for larger groups The lively centre of Bella Plagne is right at the doorstep of Résidence Les Balcons de Belle Plagne so you won’t have to travel far to find something to do after a great day out on the slopes Résidence Les Balcons de Belle Plagne offers an optional half-board package which provides breakfast and dinner The meals are served in the restaurant on the ground floor of the building and the menu is varied offering something for everyone Résidence Prestige Front de Neige is a very traditional self-catering accommodation that uses a combination of wood and stone to give it an authentic ambience The rooms are spacious and equipped with everything needed for relaxing ski holidays From the balcony you have a beautiful view of the surrounding areas and there's a fully-equipped kitchen The centre of La Plagne is only a short walk away where you can enjoy one of the many traditional French restaurants Simple but comfortable apartments in a prime location in Plagne Bellecôte The property is located in the bustling centre only 100m from both the slopes and the nearest ski lift Guests staying at Résidence Odalys Bellecôte can also use the public swimming pool in Plagne Bellecôte for free The apartments are colourful and cosily furnished After a day of fun on the beautiful slopes you can easily cook something yourself in your apartment For more information on these and other accommodations, go to sunweb.co.uk/ski/france/paradiski Adrenaline-filled skiing and downhill biking relay race from Les Arcs to Bourg Saint Maurice Famous for its epic ski area and challenging downhill trails, it's fitting that the only combined downhill skiing and biking race in Europe takes place in Les Arcs. A great transition from winter into spring by swapping your skis for two wheels! You'll need a partner, one on skis or a snowboard and one on a mountain bike. The race is open to 150 teams of two, made up of men, women and mixed pairs. Everyone sets off on skis at the same time from the top of the Arpette lift and it's a race to tag your partner on their bikes in Arcs 1600. The event starts after the ski area closes and there will be 1,600m of total descent before the winners are crowned down in Bourg St Maurice. Reconnaissance of the route is allowed in advance and the prize giving and a buffet will take place in BSM at the finish. There will also be a bike test village in the funicular car park in Bourg with lots of new toys to try out for summer! Come and support participants at the relay handover at the bottom of Cachette chairlift. Col des Frettes (2,413m), top of the Arpette and Bois de l'Ours chairlifts down to Bourg St Maurice via the snowpark. It is only for the first part of winter but if you are interested now is the time to book. There is growing interest in taking the train, but currently only 2% of UK skiers do so. UPDATED with tickets available to January 9th 2024 10 Dec 2023 – 09 Jan 2024 – sales open at around 6am on 04 October 2023 10 Jan 2024 – 09 Feb 2024 ‘Sales open progressively’ 10 Feb 2024 – 24 March 2024 – sales open 15 November 2023 25 March onwards Sales open at a date that SNCF hasn’r revealed It has been a source of ongoing criticism that trains in France can’t be bought further in advance and with greater simplicity “Why on earth does SNCF make something that should be simple so complicated?” said Daniel Elkan from the specialist train travel website to the mountains “For the period 10th January 2024 to 9th February 2024 I have tried – several times – to get clarification from SNCF about what ‘sales open progressively’ actually means For OUIGO (a low-cost TGV to some destinations) the entire winter season (and beyond until 04 July 2024) goes on sale on 04 October You can see a list of OUIGO destinations here. While skiing by train does now include one change of train the breadth of destinations now on offer has grown considerably over the old (more limited) direct ski train “We’re already booking skiers on Snow Train holidays to the big French resorts like Val d’Isere/Tignes and Meribel/Val Thorens,” said  Richard Sinclair from SNO “Perhaps the most exciting development is how much wider the ski trains are now available There seems to be growing interest from UK skiers and snowboarders in taking a train to their ski resort Operators and agents are now making extra efforts to promote it Switching the plane for a train can reduce the carbon footprint of a holiday considerably using research from the European Environment Agency ,depending on the route 5 times less greenhouse gases per passenger kilometre in Europe Currently around 2% of UK skiers and snowboarders take the train to access their ski resort It will take a huge change in attitudes and behaviour to make a significant change to these figures Figures published by the Ski Club of Great Britain and the Mountain Trade Network show that Brits’ intention to travel by train to a ski resort has increased to 12% – twice as high as pre-Covid levels and six times higher than last year said France and the wider the travel industry needed to “take advantage of our geographical proximity and rail infrastructure to enable more people to get there in this way” with rail a substantially more sustainable way of travelling to the Alps “It’s our responsibility to play our part in ensuring holidaymakers can research book and travel by train to France as easily as possible,” she added PlanetSKI has been taking the train to ski resorts for many years and we are big supporters of train travel to the Alps and the Pyrenees links the village of bourg-saint-maurice to the arcs resort located in the french alps a 7-minute climb aboard the funicular allows visitors to reach the slopes at 1600 meters above sea level each of the two trains can accommodate 270 passengers allowing them to travel to the top of the mountain without using a car.  all images by sylvain thiollier the design by atelier 360 is based on the original funicular created in 1989 an atypical displacement tool due to its mobile structure which is similar to that of a staircase it starts horizontally and then rises between an 18 and 40% incline covering the 3 km climb to the upper station the mayor of bourg-saint-maurice wanted something new and unique the new version is not just a simple transport tool it is a real immersion experience in the landscape that can be discovered during the ascent the original funicular did not offer a view of the outside surroundings the opaque roof and the ends reserved for the conductors prevented this today the roof of the vehicle is fully glazed allowing passengers to observe a panorama of the mountains the staircase platform comes to accommodate a command post in the center of the vehicle to guarantee access for visitors to the ends offering the most beautiful point of view different low partitions integrating the seats punctuate the rest of the platform and secure the passenger in the event of sudden braking in order to avoid an electric air conditioning system the interior ventilation is provided by a system of movable windows and air vents located at the ends which generate natural air flows it only took a year between the first design and the setting on rail of the two trains of the new les arcs funicular.  julien primard and patrick jouffret from atelier 360 name: funicular arc-en-ciel design studio: atelier 360 designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here. edited by: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom AXOR presents three bathroom concepts that are not merely places of function but destinations in themselves — sanctuaries of style If you are looking for a family-friendly ski resort for your family ski holiday this winter season La Rosière ski resort in the French Alps offers a sunny regarded as one of the best French ski resorts for year-round good snow conditions has come a long way since the first ski lifts were built by locals in the 1960s and is now one of France's most modern ski areas Enjoying sunny, south-facing slopes, La Rosière is a warmly welcoming more crowded and more expensive nearby mega-resorts of the Tarentaise small Savoyard village offering a fair selection of small shops and a reasonable choice of unpretentious good-value restaurants There are also a couple of shops and a restaurant at the newer suburb of Les Eucherts together with an ice rink and a tenpin bowling alley La Rosière's other facilities include a cinema and a fitness centre La Rosière village sits close to the Petit St Bernard pass just 23km from the main valley town and transport hub of Bourg-Saint-Maurice It forms the French half of the cross-border Espace San Bernardo ski area, linked with the Italian ski resort of La Thuile making it the only Savoyard resort be part of an international ski area Quieter and generally less expensive than the nearby super-resorts of France's Tarentaise Valley La Rosière is ideal for families and improving intermediates The combined 154km area of the ski domain offers a great mix of prime novice and intermediate terrain and the novelty of cross-border pistes and the chance to compare the charms - and the prices - of French and Italian resorts Access if straightforward: the nearest airports are Chambery and Geneva Airport (3hrs) and the nearest station is at Bourg St Maurice To answer the all-important question of 'what's the skiing like in La Rosière?' look no further than its piste profiles: as well as including plenty of good nursery slopes and beginner areas meaning pretty much the whole resort is accessible to novices it's one of the best French ski resorts for beginners and intermediates it also has the advantage of being a high-altitude resort and therefore has a good snow record meaning you are very likely to have a snow-sure holiday with the Moulins and The Mont Valaisan sectors creating a more technical ski area with more freeride possibilities The linked Italian ski area of La Thuile also boasts several steeper and more challenging terrain it’s offered by La Rosière’s ski school - skiers can simply step over the Italian border and be whisked away from there If you're skiing with young children the odds are you don't want - or need - anything too hard-core like all the best ski resorts for children La Rosière ski resort is all about family fun in the snow with a packed programme of alternative family winter activities It's certainly an ideal resort for children learning to ski: all La Rosière’s lower slopes are family-orientated and designed with children and beginner skiers in mind Meaning you and your children can feel safe it tends to be one of the sunniest in the area This is great when you have small children who you want to ensure stay warm and enjoy their skiing experiences Though it might not mean much to the children topped off by the spectacular views of Mont Blanc If you have some children-free time or your youngsters are getting pretty handy on their skis then a nice day skiing over the ridge into La Thuile with the added attraction of some authentic Italian pizza there is plenty of in-resort entertainment so every day can be full of fun When you are seeking a bit of outdoor adventure off the skis there is a wonderful and magical family walk called 'Narnia' that takes you through the woods to the other side of the resort A particular highlight of La Rosière is that the resort is working towards earning its badge for the Green Snowflake initiative (Flocon Vert) Esprit Ski have been providing family-friendly ski holidays in some of the world’s top winter destinations to families for 40 years and English speaking staff and instructors Their family-orientated skiing holidays cover everything from travel childcare - including private nanny service for children aged 17 weeks to 3 years - ski lessons and resort knowledge.Esprit guests in La Rosière have a choice of 7 chalets all of which are right on the piste and next to the childcare drop-off / pick-up point This means there is virtually no walking in your ski boots for little feet when parents pre-book red or black ski/poles/boots children can enjoy free ski equipment hire in all of Esprit's covered resorts It's their way of ensuring that every member of your family is geared up and ready for the slopes children under 5 years also receive a free lift pass If your children aren’t quite ready for the ski slopes, there are plenty of alternative options that mean you can still ski away the day. Esprit holidays offer infant care, all the way up to 12 years old with their professional and dedicated staff, from Snow Club to Mountain Academy For more information on Esprit's ski holidays in La Rosière, go to espritski.com Discover the top Les Arcs disabled skiing options Les Arcs is a fantastic place to visit for people with disabilities who can enjoy everything that it has to offer ESF (Ecole du Ski Francais) carries out annual training programmes for its instructors to ensure that they are all proficient in the use of standing (Uniski or Dualski) and seated (Ski Chair and Nordic Sledge) adaptive equipment They are also qualified to guide partially sighted and blind skiers around the pistes.  They adapt lessons to suit your individual needs whether you are learning or perfecting your technique either independently or in a Sit-Ski The types of skiing and equipment available are independent skiing (learning) with a Uniski Piloted seated skiing with a Dualski or Tandem-Ski and Upright skiing for amputees or partially sighted skiers.  Both children and adults are catered for and the instructors are passionate about giving you the ultimate skiing experience You are advised to book at least 15 days in advance and then to confirm one week before arrival to ensure that the most appropriate equipment is available for your lesson All public transport is accessible and the car parks have dedicated disabled parking places The Bourg St Maurice car park has reserved disabled parking Adapted public toilets are located near the church Les Arcs offers accommodation with disabled facilities and you can contact the tourist office for a list of approved hotels and residences The Nautique de Bourg St Maurice centre has disabled parking footpaths and dedicated showers and toilets and access to the different areas are easily facilitated.  La piscine d'Arc 1800 has the same facilities as above with an additional wellness area however the pool is not directly accessible by car and you will need to park in the Charvet car park Tandem paragliding in summer and winter is possible and a walk in the marshes of Bourg St Maurice along La Voie Verte is fitted out to adapt to all types of mobility You will find disabled public toilets in the following locations: All the main lifts are suitable for handiskiers and depending on your situation you and your guide can benefit from a 50% discount on the public rates Find your way around with Piste Maps for Les Arcs. Take a look at this year's Ski Lift Pass Prices and if you're not sure which one to buy, read our Guide for more information.  FranceChevron Helen Cathcart/BelmondSave this storySaveSave this storySaveBelmond's Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is set to launch an extravagant new rail itinerary that combines riding one of the world’s most storied trains with a glamorous European ski trip This lavish journey will whisk travelers across France and down to the French Alps The overnight trips will be available between Paris and the Alpine towns of Albertville, Moûtiers, and Bourg-Saint-Maurice, located in Southeastern France. All three towns are home to world-class ski resorts which is the largest ski area in the world Even if you don’t ski, visiting these storybook mountain villages will still take your breath away Imagine charming A-frame lodges and timber cabins clustered together at the foot of the mountains Activities like shopping or ice skating in lively village squares lined with stone buildings are also on offer (And don’t forget the traditional ski town culinary traditions like fondue.) The first journey launches from the Alps to Paris on December 20 the train will run from Paris to the Alpine cities the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express will whisk travelers off to popular ski resorts in the French Alps Trains depart Paris at 5pm, and arrive at the Alpine towns at 11am, 12pm, or 1pm the next day, depending on the destination. (On the northbound legs to Paris, it’s roughly the same schedule, reversed.) That’s plenty of time to enjoy all the splendors the VSOE has to offer, including a four-course dinner in one of its historic Art Deco restaurant cars Be sure to pack your black-tie best for revelry in the iconic bar car where the live music and specialty cocktails flow all night (There’s even a midnight brunch featuring sumptuous fare like lobster rolls and truffle club sandwich.) When you’re ready for rest which has been turned down by your personal attendant and snuggle into bed as the train’s rocking lulls you to sleep the dazzling scenery of the Rhône-Alpes will surround your windows: Fresh blankets of powdery white and glittering glacial lakes all on display like a moving snow globe You’ll be served a decadent French breakfast in bed before rising to start your day in a winter wonderland There are still plenty of tickets available for all three Alpine towns for departures this December the same itineraries for December 2024 are also available to book now up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse We understand that time is the greatest luxury which is why Condé Nast Traveler mines its network of experts and influencers so that you never waste a meal or a hotel stay wherever you are in the world Eurostar’s daytime Ski Train is back for the first time since Covid a new version of the service that ran from 1997-2020 made its inaugural journey from St Pancras International in London to the French Alps For anyone who knew and loved the original it was an emotional moment A seamless glide into the heart of the Tarentaise Valley it brought British skiers almost to within touching distance of many of their favourite resorts Its return feels like one of the last markers of post-Covid recovery For skiers worried about climate change it’s a hopeful moment too because travelling by train rather than by plane is one of the biggest steps you can take to reducing your holiday’s carbon footprint It’s particularly beneficial for a trip to France where the railway system runs on electricity generated largely by nuclear power and renewables Research by the Ecollective carbon consultancy has found that for trips starting in London a rail-based French ski holiday can produce just a tenth of the CO₂ generated by a flights-inclusive beach holiday to Greece Eurostar’s daytime Ski Train is back — but the service isn’t exactly the same as beforeEUROSTARHang on a minute I begged for a ticket to be on the inaugural train You can book it as part of a package with some tour operators or independently from £394 return (eurostar.com) The dedicated Ski Train runs from Brussels via Lille to the Alps To connect with it you catch the 09.01 Eurostar from St Pancras and after an hour’s wait catch the second train to Albertville As a result the full journey (eight hours 24 minutes) is slightly longer than some of the pre-Covid services The train is shorter than a normal Eurostar too • 24 of the best rail journeys in Europe• 15 of the best weekend ski breaks in Europe Nor is it what you or I would call a Eurostar now part of Eurostar’s rolling stock after the two companies merged There’s nothing wrong with a bit of recycling But it does take an hour or two to become accustomed to the blood-red velour seating inside An hour’s wait in Lille is still an improvement on the sweaty-palmed alternative — that is which involves man-handling your luggage from the Gare du Nord to the Gare de Lyon using the RER underground system or a taxi In Lille you can while away the hour scoffing pear and almond tarts at the station’s patisserie instead On either side of that frangipane-flavoured interlude a delicious day awaits France flashes by at mind-boggling speeds: motorway traffic seems almost stationary by comparison the scenery slides past the window at a more stately pace In between you can settle into a good book binge-watch season six of The Crown or talk the hind legs off your favourite donkey the holiday begins when you climb aboard the train at St Pancras You wouldn’t say the same of a busy flight to build a little flexibility into your onward transfer plans and because of trouble around Chambéry (which affected all services into the Tarentaise) ours was an hour and 40 minutes late Each station in the valley serves a handful of stellar resorts but to reach them you need to travel on by taxi or scheduled bus services — and the latter don’t run late into the evening do your skiing in intermediate-friendly Les Arcs This is the closest ski area to Bourg-St-Maurice — so close that it’s connected by a seven-minute funicular train which runs until 9pm (one-way £2.60; en.lesarcs.com/funicular) There is admittedly a fearsome set of stairs to climb to get onto the footbridge leading to it But if you’re staying in Arc 1600 — the village at the top — it’s a short walk onwards to most of the accommodation The funicular train connecting Bourg-St-Maurice and Les ArcsYou can take the worry out of your transfers by booking one of the new Ski Train packages from the snowy-holidays specialist Inghams As well as the train and accommodation they include shared minibus transfers the packages also include a final night’s accommodation in the Base Camp hotel in Bourg-St-Maurice the next Saturday — the return leg of the Ski Train is not until Sunday morning I stayed in the Hotel La Cachette up in Arc 1600 which is pretty much the perfect Ski Train option (B&B doubles from £130; en.lacachette-lesarcs.com) it’s cute and kooky — and is close not just to the top funicular station but to the best red-rated piste in the whole of Les Arcs its tilts and bumps will keep your turns exciting from start to finish You can get there in 12-13 hours with two changes of train The Alpine views are sensational — as is the skiing provided you’re up to St Anton’s steep pistes and powder runs Details Seven nights’ chalet-board from £1,299pp Travelski has a limited number of Ski Train packages until February 4 staying at the Sowell hotel in intermediate-friendly Plagne Montalbert includes eight nights’ accommodation and a seven-day lift pass so your stay matches the Ski Train schedule.Details Eight nights’ B&B from £1,755pp Claire Irvin, Head of Travel, The Times and The Sunday Times Registered in England No. 894646. Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, SE1 9GF. Eurostar has announced a new ski service from London to the Alps via Lille. UK tour operator, Inghams Ski, is among those selling the product with a ski holiday included. It has met with mixed reaction. UPDATED ‘Eurostar Snow’ will run from St Pancras International in London to Chambéry Aime-La Plagne and Landry before arriving in Bourg-Saint-Maurice The service will run for eight weekends from 16th December until 3rd February Normally the old Eurostar Ski Train had 17 departures each season The new train service has been welcomed as people look at more environmentally responsible ways to travel to the Alps Train travel typically generates less than a quarter of the carbon emissions of a similar package involving flights and remains the most environmentally advantageous option for skiers Trains will depart London St Pancras International on Saturdays and return from the Alps on Sunday mornings Tickets can be bought independently or as part of a packaged ski holiday One-way fares start from £99 in standard and £149 in standard premier for off-peak dates (13 Jan – 4 Feb) increasing to £149 and £199 respectively for peak dates (16 December until 13 January) Eurostar previously ran a direct service to the Alps in partnership with Travelski Express but that was axed back in July as we reported: The duration of the outbound trip is 8 hours 19 minutes It is 8 hours 34 minutes on the return journey  with a 1 hr 5 minute connection at Lille Passengers travelling from France to the UK will go through check-in security and immigration at Lille before continuing their journey to London Inghams Ski is combining it with  a new ski package for the 2023/24 season by train sustainable option for customers travelling to France The new Inghams Ski packages will serve the Val d’Isère Inghams Ski has committed to support the new Eurostar route by purchasing an allocation of seats per week “We are so excited to be able to offer our customers a new more sustainable travel option after a frustrating few years of debate around the ski train,” said the Senior Sustainability Manager at Hotelplan UK and Inghams Ski “We are proud to be one of Eurostar’s partners at the launch of this service and are committed to supporting them on this venture “Flying is the fastest growing source of carbon emissions and has the largest slice of the pie when it comes to the carbon footprint of our customers holidays “To be able to offer a lower carbon alternative that is convenient and competitive on price is hugely welcomed “We’re expecting the train to prove popular with guests this coming season as people seek out more sustainable holidays 8 nights half board at Hotel Ducs de Savoie Departing 6th January 2024 from Kings Cross St Pancras from £1298 per person including rail travel See here for further details on the holidays offered by Inghams Ski “We’re proud to offer our customers a sustainable travel option to the Alps by launching our first connecting service as Eurostar Group,” said the CCO of Eurostar Group competitive pricing and five stops to choose from passengers can enjoy a seamless experience with us from the city of London to the snowcapped mountains of France.” The new service also gives an extra day of skiing but that means an extra night’s accommodation  is needed and that might cause problems “Almost all apartments and chalets work on a seven-night basis and won’t want to give you an extra night, because that would shorten the following week for other guests,” said Daniel Elkan the founder of the specialist rail to the mountains web site, Snowcarbon “If you can’t find eight night’s accommodation in resort you may need to find one night’s accommodation in one of the villages that the train departs from (Chambéry “Eurostar isn’t planning to offer any accommodation suggestions for the eighth night it feels like the offer from Eurostar hasn’t really been fully thought through One company offering 8-nights accomodation is Travelski Express It will run outbound from London on Saturday mornings from 30th December and returning the following Sunday (also daytime) The line-up of resorts for Travelski Express is Tignes There has been some mixed reaction to the news over on the PlanetSKI Facebook page: Kate Stratford – Yes arriving Saturday and parting Sunday …. And just until the 3rd of February right when it gets busy! Charie Bulbrook – the only until Feb thing I reckon is just because the SNCF tend to release their ticket dates in chunks so I don’t think this means it’s only running until Feb I think they’ll release Feb-April in a few months time Still not much use and the sat-sun thing just makes zero sense How are Inghams selling it as part of a package when it’s 8 nights It must include a stay in Bourg on the returning Saturday but I can’t see how that makes sense for them to take on? Timothy Antcliff –  it’s a new kind of madness Jennifer Tsang –  I just read the review in the Telegraph that seems to give the impression that the train is only available for 8 weeks and not after Feb Charlie Bulbrooke – Ah fair enough then; I try to steer clear of that gammon rag but I’d be surprised if it’s only til Feb Daniel Jaff – You can do a similar trip anytime sncf to either Paris or chambury and finally local train to 3 vallys Stuart Horsley – Why can’t they just bring back the eurostar snowtrain Resorts served by Albertville station Arêches Beaufort Resorts served by Moutiers station Couchevel (30 mins) Val Thorens (50 – 60 mins) and Valmorel Resorts served by Aime La Plagne station La Plagne (20 – 45 mins) Resorts served by Landry station Peisey–Vallandry (20 – 25 mins) Resorts served by Bourg St Maurice station La Rosière (40 mins) The alternative way of reaching the French Alps by train from London is to take a Eurostar to Paris As you can imagine replacing a 60 tonne cable of around 3000m in length and 7cm diameter is no easy feat A huge project to replace the 3,000m long cable before summer The cable pulling the funicular from Bourg St Maurice to Les Arcs 1600 is believed to be the biggest in France "Perhaps even the biggest in the world" Swapping the old cable for the new one involves splicing them together and then reeling in the new cable up to 1600 A hydraulic machine pulls the cable into place it's cut into 150m sections and wound onto reels Take a look at the video above to see the work being carried out