A few years ago, we decided to tackle the Eurostar Snowtrain from London to Bourg St Maurice as a family of six—two adults and our four young children. We wanted a convenient, child-friendly way to reach the French Alps, and we found that taking the Snowtrain was surprisingly relaxing compared to flying. Below is our account of going on the Snowtrain with kids, how it all went, plus some tips if you’re considering the same journey.

Why We Chose the Snowtrain

• Less Airport Stress: We wanted to avoid busy airport queues and the extra hassle of checking in multiple bags.
• Freedom to Move: Trains allowed our children to wander up and down the aisle safely, rather than being confined to their seats on a plane.
• Scenic Journey: The Snowtrain route offered lovely views, which helped keep the children entertained.

Although our final destination was La Plagne, we first travelled to Bourg St Maurice and then made an additional transfer up the mountain via local taxi. Even with the extra steps, we still found it far less hectic than flying with small children.

Comfort, Space, and Baggage

One of the biggest perks of the Snowtrain was not worrying too much about baggage allowances. We had space to store our suitcases, snacks, and even a few toys for the kids. Since the children were free to move around:

1. They could stretch their legs: No more restless kicking under cramped plane seats.
2. We could easily access our belongings: This was great for grabbing activity books or favourite snacks.

Cost Considerations

When we booked early, train tickets turned out to be competitive in price—especially for a larger family. Flights can be expensive during school holiday periods, and the train cost was often more predictable. Our children also loved the novelty of travelling by train; spotting different landscapes out the window kept them occupied much of the time.

Ski Gear and Direct Routes

If you’re heading straight to a popular ski resort such as Les Arcs or Tignes, you can opt for the Eurostar Ski Train during the winter season. This direct route could save you time and multiple connections. In our case, we still had to make an extra transfer to get to our resort, but we found the generous storage on the train perfect for heavier items like ski boots and winter clothing.

Border Checks and Security

Although we went through border checks before boarding, it felt much simpler than a typical airport experience. The children didn’t have to stand in long queues for security; instead, it was a relatively quick process. As parents, we appreciated how stress-free it felt to move through stations with pushchairs and excited little ones.

Final Thoughts

Overall, taking the Snowtrain was a pretty good way to travel with four young children. We enjoyed the extra space, convenient baggage options, and reduced stress compared to flying. While the journey took longer, being able to keep the children entertained with games and scenic views made it all worthwhile.

Pro Tip: Always check train schedules, booking requirements, and any travel restrictions in place before you go. If you’re planning a future ski holiday, take a look at Eurostar’s official site or relevant travel forums for up-to-date information.

If you’re thinking of trying the Snowtrain with kids, I highly recommend giving it a go. Let me know in the comments if you’ve ever taken the train to the Alps and how it worked for your family. Safe travels!