Les Arcs – Skiing by Train Doesn’t Get Much Easier

Last winter, more UK skiers used the train to travel to ski resorts than the previous season* and 13% of skiers intend to travel by train** according to Mountain Travel Network (MTN) research.

For winter 2026/7, there are even more options for skiers looking to travel by train, and Les Arcs, in the Haute Tarentaise, is one of the easiest ski resorts to reach by rail from the UK. For many years Les Arcs has actively encouraged its visitors to travel by train for their ski holiday. This is in line with the resort’s environmental commitments and its goal to create a more sustainable mountain environment.

Train to the foot of the resort

Bourg Saint Maurice is the gateway to Les Arcs, with its international railway station located in the town centre. For travellers heading to Les Arcs, arrival is straightforward: once at the station, there is no need to look for a shuttle or taxi. The funicular departure point is just a few minutes’ walk along the station platforms, providing direct access to the resort.

The funicular, the lift to Les Arcs

One of the most important criteria in resort selection is a short transfer, according to MTN research***. For Les Arcs, the transfer is one of the shortest and easiest, as well as being a scenic experience: the funicular, which connects the valley with the mountains in just seven minutes. Covering a 2.8-kilometre route with more than 800 metres of vertical gain and running entirely on electricity, it connects Bourg Saint Maurice with Arc 1600. Travellers can then reach Les Arcs’ other villages using the network of free shuttles, which meet every funicular when it arrives.

Train options to Les Arcs

For this winter, there are at least five different ways to travel to Les Arcs by train from London Saint Pancras, including a new night train which will get you to Les Arcs early morning, in time to enjoy a day on the slopes.

1) Eurostar Snow, via Lille

The Eurostar Snow train service runs from London St Pancras to Bourg Saint Maurice via Lille, with one quick, easy change at Lille Europe. It runs on Saturdays from 19 December 2026 to 20 February 2027, with the return service running on Sundays and selected Saturdays. https://www.eurostar.com/rw-en/train/ski-train

2) Travelski daytime package (on Eurostar Snow)

Travelski offers a ski holiday package on Eurostar Snow, which includes train travel from London St Pancras on Saturday morning and serves Bourg Saint Maurice. Packages include the train, accommodation and lift pass. They offer seven-night packages, as well as a 7 + 1 extra night option, where the eighth night is spent close to the railway station to allow for a Sunday morning return train. https://www.uk.travelski.com

3) Travelski Night Express

The Travelski Night Express is the newest option, including an additional new route for 2026/7. From the UK, travellers make their own way by Eurostar to Paris or, from this winter, Brussels too, then board the sleeper train on Friday evening. It arrives in Bourg Saint Maurice on Saturday morning, meaning you wake up in the Alps. The return leaves Bourg Saint Maurice on Saturday evening, arriving in Paris or Brussels on Sunday morning. https://www.uk.travelski.com

4) Eurostar + daytime TGV

There is a season-long flexible alternative to the dedicated Eurostar Snow service. Skiers can take the Eurostar from London to Paris, then connect with a TGV to Bourg Saint Maurice (Eurostar arrives into Gare du Nord and the TGV departs from Gare de Lyon). www.raileurope.com / www.sncf-connect.com / www.thetrainline.com

5) Eurostar to Brussels + stop over + daytime Eurostar

There is another alternative for this winter. You can take a Eurostar to Brussels-Midi on Friday afternoon or evening from London St Pancras, stay in a hotel near the station, then on Saturday morning take the direct Eurostar Snow route to Bourg Saint Maurice – arriving in the middle of the afternoon. The whole journey can be booked on www.eurostar.com

For more information about Les Arcs visit www.lesarcs.com

For comprehensive information and advice about travelling to ski resorts by train visit www.snowcarbon.co.uk

*The Mountain Trade Network (MTN) State of the Snowsports Market survey, realised in May 2026, shows that 4% of skiers travelled by train in 2025/26 compared to 2% in 2024/25.

**The Mountain Trade Network (MTN) State of the Snowsports Market survey, realised in October 2025 shows that 11% of skiers intend to travel by train.

*** The Mountain Trade Network (MTN) State of the Snowsports Market survey, released in May 2026, states that 15% of skiers ranked transfer time in the top 5 most important factors when choosing a resort.