It’s a continual frustration that so many ski resorts talk a good game about sustainability but do very little to address the most significant element the carbon footprint in any ski holiday: travel to the resort.
Best train travel discounts in Morzine/Avoriaz/Les Gets
To be clear, resorts like Morzine, Avoriaz and Les Gets lead the field through their ‘Alpin Express’ scheme, organised by local lobby group Montagne Verte. This gives holidaymakers a real financial incentive to travel by train, by offering them a reduced prices on lift passes, as well as other discounts around resort.
Les Arcs should also be mentioned. They offer free access from Bourg St Maurice to resort on their modern funicular if you can prove you travelled by train.
Valmorel to offer lift pass discount for train travellers
So, it is encouraging to see Valmorel join the (short) list of ski resorts offering incentives via reduced lift pass prices this winter.
The Tarentaise resort is offering skiers arriving by train a significant 15% discount on their lift pass by presenting a valid train ticket.
In addition, on selected Saturdays, for day trippers the Grand Domaine day pass is also available for just €29.85, half the normal adult price of €59.70.
The closest train station to Valmorel is Moutiers.
More overnight trains
Credit also to Travelski. After the success of their overnight train service from Paris to Bourg-Saint-Maurice last winter, with an average occupancy rate of 85%, they are introducing a second overnight service from Brussels.
For British travellers, this can be a great option, with the change in Brussels easier than in Paris, and typically lower Eurostar fares on the Belgian route.
La Rosière’s half-hearted offer
I should add that La Rosière does offer a discount on lift passes if you travel by train, but that discount can only be applied the following season.
To my mind, this is a pointless exercise – the resort should recognise this and introduce a genuine offer to low carbon travellers.
These combination of discounted lift passes and improved rail travel options provides further incentives for skiers to ‘Ski Flight Free’ and enjoy not just a lower-carbon way of reaching the mountains, but a better value way as well.
