Charges for cross-channel train lines to be cut for new operators
The narratives regarding new competitors on the HS1 line from London to Europe is moving very quickly. In recent months, we have reported on the plans from new operators Virgin Trains and Gemini trains to run trains on the route in competition with Eurostar. This week it was reported that access to St Pancras for...
New Travalyst survey shows gap between sustainability intent and action remains high
A new survey from Travalyst shows that the travel and tourism industry has a significant role to play if it is to persuade travellers to make more sustainable decisions. Travalyst is an independent not-for-profit entity working to change the way the world travels – something which is vital as the industry is responsible for 8.8%...
Gemini Trains apply to run high-speed trains from UK to Europe
A new railway start-up has confirmed that it intends to go into competition with Eurostar and run high speed trains from London to Paris and beyond. Chaired by the public transport veteran Lord Berkeley, Gemini Trains has submitted an application to the Office of Rail and Road for a train operator’s licence and to be...
Protect Our Winters highlight 2025 as the ‘International Year Of Glacier Preservation’
This is a great new campaign by Protect Our Winters – highlighting 2025’s status as ‘International Year Of Glacier Preservation’ Glaciers are vital to the Earth’s water cycle, storing 75% of the world’s freshwater. By 2100, glaciers worldwide are projected to lose between 20% and 50% of their mass, profoundly affecting water availability and biodiversity. This is something that I’ve covered...
Proposed Frequent Flyer Levy
I like this suggestion for a Frequent Flyer Levy: – Each person will be allocated one short-haul flight per year – Long-haul flights will be subject to a £100 surcharge – A second flight attracts a £50 surcharge – A third flight attracts a £100 surcharge – A fourth flight attracts a £200 surcharge Remember...
Inghams launch first ‘Impact Report’ showing decrease in emissions
We are big fans of Inghams at Ski Flight Free. There are plenty of ski companies who are guilty of greenwashing, but Inghams is not one of them. They don’t just talk the talk, they walk the walk as well. Recent evidence of this can be found in their first Impact Report, published earlier this...
Courchevel / Eurostar / Flaine / La Plagne / Montgenevre / News / Sustainable Flights / Tignes / Train Travel / val d'isere
Case Study: UK to the Dolomites by train
In February 2025, Iain travelled by train from the UK to 3 Zinnen in the Dolomites in Italy. Until now, travelling by train from the UK to the Dolomites without an overnight stop en route has been restricted to taking the Eurostar from London to Amsterdam, changing to an OBB Nightjet service to Innsbruck, then...
‘The Alps – Skiing by Train’ new 2025 map out now
Alpine mapping specialists, 2theAlps, have released their updated ‘Skiing by Train’ map for 2025. The map features over 200 winter sports resorts, which can be reached by train for a high-comfort low-carbon journey to the mountains. As well as the classic Eurostar routes, new additions for 2025 are ferry routes across the Channel and the...
New online guides on rail travel to the Alps from Montagne Verte
I’ve covered Montagne Verte on Ski Flight Free before. This Morzine-based organisation has been doing some great work in the community on sustainability. In 2022 they launched the ‘AlpinExpress Pass’, giving holidaymakers travelling by train discounts on ski passes, accommodation, transfers, ski hire, ski and snowboard lessons, restaurants and more across Morzine, Avoriaz, Les Gets...
Why I’m taking the Flight Free Challenge in 2025
Regular readers will know that since I founded Ski Flight Free in 2019, I have cut down on my flights considerably in an effort to reduce my carbon footprint. Flight Free in 2024 Last year, in 2024, I stepped up another level and committed to the ‘Flight Free Challenge’ – created by Anna Hughes of...
Courchevel / Eurostar / Flaine / La Plagne / Montgenevre / News / Sustainable Flights / Tignes / Train Travel / val d'isere
Virgin to compete with Eurostar on London-Europe HS1 route?
This week has seen several reports that the Virgin Group is readying itself to order £500 million of trains as part of its bid to break Eurostar’s monopoly on cross-channel passenger services. ‘Project Bullet’ Under the codename Project Bullet, Virgin has been raising funds from investors so that they can services in 2029. It has been...
Vans For Bands offering a new eco-friendly and fun way to drive to the Alps
Vans For Bands are offering British skiers a fun, super-comfortable and eco-friendly way to drive to their ski holiday this winter. As you might guess, Vans For Bands specialise in providing…vans for bands. Most of the year, their fleet of over 70 vehicles transport thousands of acts to festivals and gigs across Europe. But the...