Skiing by train
Skiing by train from the UK may seem a dream for many environmentally conscious travellers. Our first guests arrived today by train using the overnight sleeper service from Briançon. We were able to collect them from the train station in Briançon just after 8am. A short drive to the chalet for a warm breakfast and with plenty of time to get on the slopes.
The journey was very straightforward we boarded the train in Paris at 8pm and Rob was there to meet us at the station in Briancon at 8am after a good night’s sleep.
Skiing is inherently difficult to justify for people who are concerned about their environmental footprint. At Mountain Oaks we do all we can to try to mimimise our impact on the environment. We’re proud to be associated with a resort that takes sustainability seriously. And, we’re hoping to encourage more skiiers to use the rail services to come by train from the UK. Traveling this way avoids the carbon emissions associated with short haul flights. It’s especially easy if you live near London.
Easy for family ski holiday too. Sam and Emma, travelled in the evening with their two children (5 and 7) from London to Paris by Eurostar. With two metro stops in Paris, they boarded their ‘couchette’ on a TGV intercities train. At 8am the next morning it seemed three out of four had slept well in their 1st class sleeper carriage. Not bad! What I love about the sleeper train option is that you don’t just save carbon, you also save time. Why not travel while you’re sleeping?
The Serre Chevalier resort has its own Energy and Ecological Transition Plan which we’re very excited about.
Guests preparing to leave home by train
Green globe certification
Serre Chevalier stands out among ski resorts by obtaining Green Globe certification, a globally recognized standard for sustainability. Another great reason for booking a ski holiday by train from the uk to this wonderful resort. This distinction is achieved through a comprehensive evaluation of sustainable operational practices and management approaches. The resort, pioneering in its efforts, secured this status by generating its electricity through a blend of three renewable power sources: hydro, photovoltaics, and micro-wind turbines. Additionally, Serre Chevalier partners with Sunwind, a local company supplying innovative flexible solar panels that can be seamlessly integrated onto existing infrastructures and lift stations.
Concern for your footprint can also be mitigated by not having to hire a car when you arrive. Chalet Clair is so close to the slopes and shops, you can walk everywhere you need, even in heavy snowfall. However, can also take advantage of the valley bus service. If you fancy a trip to the thermal baths, or Europe’s highest town, Briançon, then the bus ideal. It’s not only more environmentally friendly than car travel but very inexpensive and regular.
It’s great to know that we can ski somewhere fantastic without having to take a train or hire a car. Everything we needed was close at hand and Rob and Claire made it all simpler with their helpful advice.
If you’re thinking of travelling by train to Serre Chevalier, here are a few tips:
- Travel light – one bag per person neatly stows on the Eurostar and the TVG.
- Pack your toothbrush, book and PJs in an accessible place in your bag. The TGV includes your bedding, ear plugs a toothbrush tablet, eye-mask and water bottle.
- Through-ticket your trains. It’ll give you peace of mind if there is a problem with a connecting train. If you have ‘through-ticketed’ you can get a refund.
- Enjoy the journey. It’s tricky to get the timings right
- Eat dinner on the Eurostar or at/near the station. Once you’ve gone through security at St Pancras and Gare du Nord for the Eurostar, your eating options are slim. Pack for this if you’re with hungry travellers.
- Put in a breakfast order! Briançon station has a vending machine and for some of the year a café opens opposite. Bring breakfast bars or put in a croissant order with us for your arrival.
