A Greener Way to Get to the Alps

4th November 2021

Last modified on December 2nd, 2021

World attention is on the COP26 summit and how we can tackle the climate situation. Skiers wanting to head to France are being advised that train travel is perhaps better for the planet.

Not quite surprisingly the message comes from a company that operates a train service to the Alps with ski holidays on the end of it.

It is a new operator, Travelski Express, with a new product.

It’s Eurostar charter takes people from St Pancras in London to the Tarentaise at a claimed “fraction of the cost to the environment”.

The Anthesis Group calculated that a one way journey from London to Tignes, with a train to Bourg St Maurice and then transfer to resort, generated less than a quarter of that for a similar package using flights to Geneva and a resort transfer.

Anthesis Group calculated 18.47 Kg of CO2 per passenger for the direct rail from London and transfer option.

Packages that include a flight from London Gatwick to Geneva and then a transfer to resort generated four and a quarter times more CO2 emissions at 78.44 kg per passenger.

Each Travelski Express journey can carry the equivalent amount of people as three large planes.

Image c/o TravelSki Express

Packages with Travelski Express include a seven-day lift pass.

However Eurostar seasonal operations mean packages starting on 26th December and 2nd January are for six nights only (with six day lift pass).

All subsequent departures are for seven nights.

You can choose from Tignes, Les Arcs, Meribel, Val d’Isere, Les Menuires or La Plagne.

With no extra luggage costs and the chance to take your own skis/board “helping to save the planet is also the best option for the bank balance and stress levels”.

So, what are the details?

Check in at St Pancras on Friday evening and arrive in the heart of the Alps early on Saturday morning.

Sleeping in a seat.

Travelski Express. Image © Eurostar

“On many occasions it seems that you must make a choice between which option is best for the planet and which is best for your budget, or even what is best for your family,” claimed the CEO of Travelski Express, Guillaume de Marcillac.

“These can often be very different options which adds to holiday stress.

“At Travelski Express we are proud to offer holidays that represent the best choice for the planet and also for these other concerns”.

“As well as being environmentally advantageous, the direct train is easy, comfortable and delivers you to the heart of the mountains with minimal fuss.

“The holiday begins as soon as you get on the train in London and when you arrive in Bourg or Moutiers you are already surrounded by the mountains.”

Guillaume de Marcillac, Travelski. Travelski news conference. Image © PlanetSKI

Example prices for Tignes packages are as follows, with vailability correct at date of issue, based on two adults and two children.

The full details are available on Travelski Express.

Week Commencing 26/12/2021

Residence O’Dalys Val Claret at £867 per person.

Résidence O’Dalys Le Hameau du Borsat 3*at £776 per person

Résidence CGH & SPA La Ferme du Val Claret 4* at £1090 per person

Week Commencing 08/01/2022

Chalet Neve in Tignes 2100 LE LAVACHET at £549 per person.

Apartment Bec Rouge in Tignes Le Lac at £588 per person.

3* Hotel l’Arbina in Tignes Le Lac at £1090 per person (B&B basis, HB available)

UPDATE

There has been some reaction over on the PlanetSKI Facebook page:

Ed Richard – I’ll stick to flying until a train is as fast. From the part of UK where I live it would take many hours each may more, and with limited time to ski each year it would prevent me hitting the slopes all together.

Steph Gale – Would love Eurostar to restart the service. We are still tied to flying for long weekend ski trips, despite looking into alternatives

Stuart Jones – Used the original ski Eurostar many times. But with this one you have to buy the accommodation as well. I want to sort my own accommodation. So unfortunately wont be using this new service

Justin Maddock – Nope. Train no thanks.

Nick Sharpin – No thanks, I’ll stick to driving. With 4 up it’s a reasonable compromise between emissions and convenience.

Travel Ski Express

Travelski Express is a tour operator and bonded with ABTA (number Y6751).

All packages include return rail transport (operated by Eurostar) from London St Pancras, transfers to guests’ accommodation from either Moutiers or Bourg St Maurice and seven-day lift pass.

First departure from London 26th December.

Outbound train on 26/12 is a daytime service but all others go out overnight.

Last departure April 9th (return April 16th).

ABOUT TRAVELSKI

Travelski is a leading European Ski holidays builder: it has firmly established itself over the last 15 years as a true forerunner in the ski holiday market thanks to its bespoke packages, allowing users to make an online booking in a few clicks with completely personalised prices and services.

Over 100 000 clients have travelled with Travelski in the last full winter season (18/19).

Its headquarters are in France (Chambéry and Clichy), with offices in Amsterdam, Antwerpen and Tel Aviv.

Travelski is a brand of Travelfactory group founded in 2000 and acquired in 2018 by La Compagnie des Alpes.

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