As the 2026/27 ski season approaches, a growing number of UK winter sports enthusiasts are trading airport queues for the scenic efficiency of rail travel. Recent research from the Mountain Travel Network (MTN) highlights a significant shift in behavior, revealing that more UK skiers chose the train last winter than ever before, with 13% of travelers intending to adopt rail transit for their upcoming trips.
Les Arcs, nestled in the Haute Tarentaise region, is leading this charge, positioning itself as one of the most accessible resorts for train-bound travelers. Aligned with a broader commitment to sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint of mountain tourism, the resort has streamlined its arrival process to ensure that the train-to-slope experience is as seamless as possible.
The gateway to Les Arcs is the town of Bourg Saint Maurice, where the international railway station sits directly at the foot of the mountain. Unlike resorts that require lengthy bus transfers or taxi rides, Les Arcs provides a unique, stress-free transition via its funicular. A mere few minutes’ walk from the arrival platforms, the funicular acts as a vertical lift, whisking passengers 800 meters upward to Arc 1600 in just seven minutes. Entirely electric and offering breathtaking alpine views, the funicular serves as a perfect, low-impact introduction to the slopes. Upon arrival, a network of free, synchronized shuttles waits to distribute guests to the various villages across the resort.
For the 2026/27 season, Les Arcs has expanded its connectivity, offering at least five distinct rail routes from London St Pancras. The flagship Eurostar Snow service operates on Saturdays from December 19 through February, providing a direct link to Bourg Saint Maurice via a convenient connection at Lille Europe.
For those seeking an all-in-one solution, Travelski continues to offer packages that bundle train travel with accommodation and lift passes. This winter marks the highly anticipated debut of the “Travelski Night Express,” an innovative sleeper service that allows passengers to connect through Paris or Brussels on a Friday evening, arriving in the heart of the Alps on Saturday morning. This schedule maximizes time on the snow, allowing travelers to begin their ski holiday the moment they step off the train.
Alternative flexible options remain widely available for travelers throughout the season. Skiers can utilize the standard Eurostar to Paris, transferring to the TGV for the final leg to the mountains, or opt for a multi-leg journey via Brussels with an overnight stay, allowing for a more relaxed pace.
As the industry pivots toward greener travel, Les Arcs has proven that prioritizing the environment does not have to come at the cost of convenience. By integrating rail infrastructure so tightly with the ski experience, the resort is setting a new standard for sustainable mountain travel in Europe.
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