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...
Case Study: UK to Selva Val Gardena by train
In March 2025, Iain travelled by train from the UK to Selva Val Gardena in the Dolomites in Italy. Brighton-London-Brussels I live in Brighton, so my journey started at 11:02 on a direct train to London St Pancras, arriving at 12:20 for a 13:01 Eurostar. It’s just my opinion, but I’m never going to turn...
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...
Case Study: UK/London to Sicily by train
In February 2025, I travelled from the UK to Sicily by train. While I’ve taken the train to the Alps and Dolomites before, this was by far my longest journey by train since Interrailing as a university student. 5 Day Interrail Pass As it was such a long journey, and I knew I would need...
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...
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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...
Case Study: Driving to Courmayeur, Italy in a BMW Electric Car
In January 2025, I drove from the UK to Courmayeur in Italy in an electric car. This was my third trip to the Alps in an electric vehicle, after two previous journeys in 2022, to Zermatt and Les 2 Alpes. The purpose of the trip was to demonstrate how straightforward it is to drive an...
‘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...
