Les Arcs, France
Les Arcs’ four villages are part of the Paradiski, a huge 425km ski area that caters for all abilities. The villages, 1600, 1800, 1950 and 2000, offer convenient, often ski-in/ski-out access to the slopes – and with its upgraded, unique funicular railway. This winter daredevils can try the resort’s new zipline, which speeds from the Aiguile Rouge at 3,226m at speeds up to 130km/h.
The journey: Depart London St Pancras on Friday on the 19:45 Travelski Express to Bourg St Maurice, arriving at 06:16. From there it’s a 35- to 45-minute transfer to Les Arcs’ villages.
Rail journey time: 9 hours, 31 minutes
Journey highlight: Direct overnight travel gives holidaymakers an extra day’s skiing.
How much? Return rail fares only as part of a Travelski package, from £620 per person, including accommodation and lift passes.
Sauze d’Oulx, Italy
This relatively unheard of Italian resort forms part of the 400km Milky Way ski area, shared with neighbouring Sestriere and Claviere and is ideal for confident intermediates. It’s possible to cover miles and miles of terrain in a day, including many blissfully quiet runs. Sauze d’Oulx’s village is a mixture of charming cobbled streets and rather more brash architecture, and has a lively après scene.
The journey: Depart London St Pancras on Saturday on the 07:52 Eurostar to Paris-Nord. Change to Paris-Lyon and take the 12:47 TGV to Oulx, arriving at 17:28. From there it’s 15 minutes by taxi or bus.
Rail journey time: 8 hours, 36 minutes
Journey highlights: A ringside view of Lac du Bourget.
How much? Return rail fares from £124 per adult.
Val Thorens, France
Val Thorens’ enviable position perched at 2,300m in the huge Trois Vallées ski area makes it a popular choice for British skiers and snowboarders. The resort has excellent beginner slopes and all the skiing that intermediates and experts could dream of, with 600km of slopes in total. There’s an abundance of stylish hotels, such as the new four-star Hotel Marielle. Starting this winter, there will be a new ski touring zone in the Borgne sector of the ski area, too.
The journey: Depart London St Pancras on Saturday on the 07:52 Eurostar to Paris-Nord. Change to Paris-Lyon and take the 13:29 TGV to arrive Moutiers at 17:51. From there it’s 50 minutes by taxi or bus.
Rail journey time: 8 hours, 59 minutes
Journey highlight: The varied scenery of the Tarentaise valley.
How much? Return rail fares from £130 per adult.
