January 2026
Skiing by train
Boarding the train in London we were soon speeding through the countryside and away towards Paris. We arrived dumped our bags and went for a wander, along the Seine, past the Louvre the Eiffel Tower and then to a fine restaurant, before heading back to the accommodation. The next morning, after a quick explore of the local park and market we jumped back on the train and zoomed towards the French Alps. After a quick 20 minute transfer and we arrived at the resort of Montgenevre.
The resort sits on the French/Italian border, and the ski pass allows you to traverse the 2 a couple of times during the week.
The hotel was quite family orientated but well located with a bar and immediate skiing on the doorstep. Bedroom accommodation was rearranged to improve user comfort and enjoyment. The heating was excessive and we resorted to windows wide open at night. Ear plugs were used.
The weather was mixed and generally very cold with air temperatures at night dropping to -16. Snow fall and sunny spells most days gave us clear definition and opportunity to really enjoy carving up the slopes which were well serviced and mostly empty. Some awesome blue, red and black runs were enjoyed, steep and wild in places. I took a few tumbles here and there, mostly in fresh snow with minimal damage. If you’re not falling over, you’re not trying hard enough!
The 24 of us naturally split into groups of relative ability and set off exploring the mountains. We soon found our way around and explored most of the local slopes.
Beers were consumed most days along with fine platters of cordon blur cookery, or chips! A diet of pizza, random pasta sausage surprise and other excellent local dishes were enjoyed in the evenings… just don’t order pasta at the pizza place!
Sadly, it was soon time to leave. After a coffee stop, we jumped in the transfer minibuses, and we were off to the train and were soon back in Paris. A brief trip on the underground, a restaurant stop and we were boarding the Eurostar again.
I think this was the third time I’ve skied using the train. I’d do it again.
- Report by Paul
