Enjoyable and relaxing
After spending several years travelling to ski resorts by plane, we decided to try an alternative approach. Thanks to advice and information from Daniel at SnowCarbon, we were able to work out what was involved with train travel.
Not wanting to battle with French timetables and ticket bookings we let tour operator Peak Retreats put the rail-ski holiday together for us, following Daniel’s recommendation of them. The result was an enjoyable and relaxing holiday, including the travel time.
We took the Eurostar to Paris on Friday afternoon. It took only 10 mins to get through check in, security and passport control. So different to the airport experience! With no limit on liquids, we carried our own bottle of Prosecco onboard, and were soon relaxed in our seats and toasting the start of the holiday.
Getting across Paris was easy on the RER. We settled luggage into the hotel and went for an evening meal and stroll around Paris by night. A good breakfast the next morning and then onto the TGV. Like kids, we were excited about travelling on a double decker train. We found it very relaxing watching the countryside glide by. Comfortable seats with plenty of legroom and a stroll to the bar for snacks and coffee. Peak Retreats had arranged a taxi transfer for us, which arrived promptly and soon got us up the mountain.
Photo: Ruth Newton
We stayed in Belle Plagne at the Balcons de Belle Plagne, which has the option of both hotel and self-catering and provides a ski hire shop, bar and restaurant, swimming pool and sauna. Everything needed for a comfortable stay. From the ski locker room, you exit directly onto a blue run which takes you down to Plagne Bellecote and a selection of lifts to start the day’s skiing. Return was via the same blue run that takes you through a tunnel accompanied by a rhythm and light tunnel. My favourite song in this was ‘Don’t stop me now’.
Photo: Ruth Newton
Our apartment was comfortable and clean, but the highlight was undoubtedly the jacuzzi bath with colour-changing lights! So welcome after a day on the slopes. The bakery was a short walk away for freshly baked pastries every morning. It snowed a lot during the week so every day had a fresh covering of snow. Excellent conditions.
The train home was just as comfortable and relaxing but there were some technical troubles. We were an hour late arriving at Gare de Lyon and missed the Eurostar. Thankfully, the Eurostar staff were very helpful and issued us with tickets for the next train. No stress at all.
We had a great holiday and have already decided that we want to re-book for next year. We looked into train journeys as an eco-friendly alternative to air travel. We’re now converted to it as a more restful and enjoyable experience.
Photo: Ruth Newton