Only 2 Snow Trains Remaining for the 2009/10 Season

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

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

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

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

Eurostar Trains Cancelled

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

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

In the lastest statement released last night, Eurostar said:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cheap Deals boost Eurostar Summer Sales

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

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

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

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

Eurostar Ski Train tickets now on sale

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

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

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

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

Rail Europe Snow Train Cancelled for 09/10 Season

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

We’re really sad to announce that the Snow Train won’t be running during the coming ski season. Unfortunately, the current economic climate and poor exchange rates along with an increase in our operating costs, has meant that the service would not be financially viable.

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

Only Three Snow Trains Remaining for 2009!

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

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

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

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

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

Snow Train. Made of Snow.

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

Merry Christmas from Trainmountain!

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

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

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

On Your Marks, Get Set, Snow!

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

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

Zermatt at 2050m on Thursday;

Chamonix - top of the Montenvers railway on Thursday;

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

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

Overseas Properties and the Snow Train

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Animal Snowcamp goes Eco

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

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

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

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