Paris to the Alps Overnight: The New Ski Train Redefining Winter Travel
A new overnight ski train, the Travelski Night Express, is now running between Paris and the French Alps. Launched in December, the service offers a greener and more relaxed alternative to flying for winter sports enthusiasts. The eight-hour journey connects travellers to some of France’s most popular ski resorts. The Travelski Night Express departs from Paris Gare de Lyon on Friday evenings and returns on Sunday mornings. Between December 19 and March 20, there are 14 scheduled return trips. The train stops at key stations including Chambéry, Albertville, Môutiers, Aime-La-Plagne, Landry, and Bourg-Saint-Maurice, serving eight major resorts: La Plagne, Les Arcs, Tignes, Méribel, Val d’Isère, Les Menuires, Val Thorens, and Courchevel. Passengers benefit from a larger baggage allowance than airlines, making it easier to transport ski gear. The service is part of a package that includes transfers, accommodation, ski passes, and equipment hire. Prices start at around €1,293 per person for a week-long trip in January. For families, the train offers a less stressful option than flying. One solo parent, travelling with two children during the February half-term in 2025, found the experience far smoother than air travel. The service also appeals to eco-conscious travellers, with Justin Francis, co-founder of Responsible Travel, highlighting its lower environmental impact and greater comfort. Travelski also provides packages from London, combining the Eurostar to Paris with the Night Express to the mountains. The Travelski Night Express runs until March 20, with 14 return journeys available. The service aims to make ski trips more sustainable and convenient, offering a complete package from transport to accommodation. For those looking to avoid airports, it presents a practical and planet-friendly alternative.
