If you find yourself short on time but eager to experience a taste of the French Alps this season, there are many ways you can minimise your travel time to make the most of a weekend or short trip skiing. Eurostar, once again, presents an enticing option with its newly announced snow train, promising to whisk you from King’s Cross St Pancras to the heart of the French Alps in just over 8 hours, offering generous luggage allowances and a stress-free journey. However, does this really represent the best choice for your winter travels?
In this blog, we’ve curated a selection of some of our favourite ski resorts in France that are quick and easy to get to from London. We have outlined the best route to travel, along with transfer times, so you can make a well-informed decision on where to book your next trip. Discover the ideal ski destination to make the most of your limited time this winter.
Chamonix
Chamonix is frequently touted as one of the best ski resorts to visit if you are short on time. Travel from London to Geneva on a 1 hour and 40 minute flight, then board a bus or drive from Geneva to Chamonix in approximately 1 hour and find yourself in the heart of the Mont-Blanc region, ready to get your skis on and hit the slopes!
- Flight time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
- Disembark aircraft/collect bags: 30 minutes
- Transfer time: 1 hour
- Total time to resort: 3 hours 10 minutes
Book your ski lessons in Chamonix today!
Les Arcs
Les Arcs is perhaps the best suited ski resort if you are going to board the Eurostar Snow Train this year. The Snow Train will take you from Kings Cross St Pancras to Bourg-Saint-Maurice in just over 8 hours via Lille. Once you have arrived you will be able to board the Bourg-Saint-Maurice funicular which takes just 7 minutes to climb to Les Arcs 1600 where you will be straight onto the slopes. The downside? An 8 hour journey might feel quite lengthy. The upside? You can travel for as little as £99 each way and enjoy a 2 bag allowance for all your ski gear.
- Train time: 1 hour and 26 minutes London St Pancras to Lille, 48 minute transfer time, 6 hours 5 minutes Lille to Bourg-Saint-Maurice
- Funicular to resort: 7 minutes
- Total time to resort: 8 hours 26 minutes
Book your ski lessons in Les Arcs today!
Les 3 Vallées
Hear us out on this one! Les 3 Vallees, which includes Courchevel, Meribel, Val Thorens isn’t typically known for its quick accessibility from the UK. However, if you secure your flights in advance, you can enjoy one of the limited flights that take you from London City Airport to Chambery direct in 1 hour and 40 minutes. Followed by a travel time under 1 hour in the car to reach the base of this area, Moutiers. Alternatively, if you’re daring and well-financed enough to tackle Europe’s shortest runway, consider landing a jet directly at the famous Courchevel 1850 airport 😉
- Flight time: London City to Grenoble 1 hour and 40 minutes
- Disembark aircraft/collect bags: 30 minutes
- Transfer time to Moutiers: < 1 hour
- Total time to resort: 3 hours 10 minutes
OR
- Private jet London to Courchevel 1850: 2 hour and 10 minute total flight time
Book your ski lessons in Les 3 Vallees today!
La Clusaz
La Clusaz, in the Aravis ski region, is often recognised as one of the resorts with the quickest transfer time from the UK. Take a flight from London to Geneva in 1 hour and 40 minutes, then travel by car from Geneva to La Clusaz in approximately 1 hour and find yourself in the heart of the Aravis ski area. This area connects La Clusaz and Le Grand Bornand, providing a vast skiable area of over 220 km.
- Flight time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
- Disembark aircraft/collect bags: 30 minutes
- Transfer time: 1 hour
- Total time to resort: 3 hours 10 minutes
Book your ski lessons in La Clusaz today!
Val D’Isère
Another option for those wanting to fly straight into resort, perhaps for a special occasion trip, is to fly to Geneva and then transfer via helicopter straight into Val D’Isere for approximately €1610 for up to 5 people. The total flight time from the airport to one of the helipads in the centre of the ski resort is 20-25 minutes. For the most keen of skiers seeking a speedy weekend getaway, the price of €322 per person for a 20 minute helicopter transfer might seem more affordable than most would expect!
- Flight time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
- Disembark aircraft/collect bags: 30 minutes
- Transfer time: 20 minutes
- Total time to resort: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Book your ski lessons in Val D’Isère today!
