Snowcarbon videos
We’ve made some short films to show you what travelling to the Alps by train looks like
Since Snowcarbon began, we've been making videos about train travel. The purpose of each film is to inspire and inform skiers and snowboarders about what's possible, and why rail is a great way to reach the Alps.
Plane vs Train: Race to the Alps
The Eurostar + TGV is as fast as the Eurostar Ski Train, but is it as fast as flying? Incredibly, yes, it usually is door-to-door. Check out this Top Gear-style plane vs train race in which Snowcarbon co-founder Daniel Elkan races experienced ski writer Neil English to the Three Valleys.
In this film, Daniel travels in Standard Class on Eurostar and TGV, while Neil flies by EasyJet.
Daniel certainly had a more comfortable journey—but who won?
Le Paris Stopover
Snowcarbon’s team have stopped over in Paris many times and found that it’s a great way to break up train journeys to the Alps.
In Paris, there are several hotels right beside the Gare de Lyon. After a good night’s sleep, you’ll wake up refreshed, before walking 100 metres to the station and straight onto your train (perhaps picking up a fresh croissant from one of the station cafés).
Daniel has created a two-minute film from one of his most recent trips, showing how he travelled and had fun in the big city. He even managed to sneak in an afternoon on the slopes once he arrived!
What's the pre-booked taxi service like?
Want to see what a pre-booked taxi service is like between Paris Nord and Gare de Lyon? We've made a fun, one-minute video to show you.
Pre-booked taxi services are a great way of travel for families or groups of friends, making that tricky connection much easier.
Why Children Love Train Travel to Ski Resorts
"Travelling to the Alps, it never fails to impress me how much children love the journeys. Walk up and down any train and you'll see very happy families—train journey really suits children—as well as adults.
"I thought it would be interesting to make a film about what children themselves think of the journey. So, at Easter, I took my camera to St Pancras and got on board the Eurostar Ski Train.
"The children interviewed in this film were all found on location in St Pancras and on the train. They had a lot to say about the journey—and skiing! Indeed, they can teach us a thing or two about how to have fun when travelling by train to the Alps."
—Daniel Elkan, Snowcarbon founder
The daytime Eurostar Ski Train
Until its cancellation last season, the Eurostar Ski Train to the Alps was the most direct route from London to Moutiers, Aime, and Bourg St. Maurice stations, giving travellers access to resorts in the Tarentaise Valley.
It’s been replaced by a new service called Eurostar Snow, the main difference being a change of train at Lille Europe station.
Travelling this way is a lot of fun, and whether on a direct train or not, the points made by the skiers we interviewed still stand.
On the Eurostar Ski Train there was a cafe bar and a happy atmosphere. Compared to flying or driving, it was easier, more enjoyable and frequently quicker door-to-door.
Here’s a film Daniel Elkan made about the service, commissioned by Eurostar.