Ski Trip Transport

[Zakalwe]

Use this thread for all your transport arranging larks. Here's some shameless cut and paste from the main thread to get you started:

"B: Arrange transport, fly to Chambery, Lyon or Geneva. Get the train to Bourg St Maurice or drive if you're one of the continental contingent. Easyjet fly to geneva and Lyon, non-scum airways fly to Chambery - nearly all flights will depart at Twat AM. The Snowtrain leaves from Paris and London, gets you in at 6:30 on the Saturday and leaves at 10 the next Saturday - 2 days more skiing. Anyone interested in the Snowtrain but bummed due to living "oop North", there is space in my London flat to sleep 5 the night before the trip, 6 if you don't mind getting cozy. Transport from landing/arrival zones can be arranged with the lodge. talk to John (from the Dragonlodge site) once you have an idea how many of you will be going from each place and he'll sort you out."

See, I even left the "B:" in, which makes no sense in this thread.

I've not really researched the flight situation, but I have looked into the snow-train as that's what I'll be taking.

There's 2 main options for the snow-train, Direct Eurostar and Paris Snow Train.

Direct Eurostar, sets off from London Waterloo about 8:00pm on Friday. You get on board, drink champagne, eat a meal, wait for 9 hours, then get off at Bourg St Maurice 25 mins from Tignes without having had to change trains, or move - at all. You arrive at 6:30am which means you should be on the slopes by 10:00am after hire etc. The return trip starts at 10:00pm the following Saturday from Bourg St Maurice and goes straight back to London Waterloo. Whole thing costs c. £200. First class is about £10 more than second class and comes with champagne and opulent seats. There are no flat beds however, and no disco.

Paris Snow Train: Travel to Paris (either via Eurostar) or plane and get on the French Snow Train at 10:00pm on Friday. Train has some form of pub/disco on board and sleeper compartments. Train travels overnight to Bourg St Maurice and arrives at a similar time to the Eurostar, only difference is you will have to change if you get a train to paris. Train sets off at a similar time to the Eurostar when coming back and you make the change on Sunday morning to transfer back to London/your airport. Cost is slightly higher than the eurostar (I think, it's hard to say as there's no central booking place for this thing) but the difference isn't large.

Can people who are interested in getting the train say so below so we can sort out a group booking and sit together/get a sleeper compartment together/meet on IRC and discuss which one we want to do/bin it and decide to cycle.

As mentioned above, space in my flat for people who live outside the "big smoke" and fancy breaking up their travel arrangements. I believe Afty found a significantly cheaper way of travelling to London in this manner.

[Silk75]

Well here we go

Travel options via nodnoL and Zak's opulent place of sleep.


Train from Wilmslow to London Euston (from thetrainline.com, although they only do prices 3 months in advance)

From To Outward Return Ticket Type Price
WILMSLOW

LONDON EUSTON

11/11/2004
12:56

21/11/2004
12:00
SAVER RETURN GBP104.40

Total Ticket Cost GBP 104.40
Total Cost GBP 104.40
No. of Tickets 2

So that is £52.20 each (as long as prices dont change that much)

Then Eurostar direct service from Waterloo to Bourg St Maurice is approx £199 for 1st class opulent option each.

Total each is therefore £255 excluding TFL transport (ie tubeage), and cost of beer for Zak for putting us up for the night.

Of course this gets us to BSM at 0630, which is approximately a 25 min coach ride away from Tignes. There are local (transisere?) buses which apparently cost €8 each (dont know if single or return). Or there is organised transport from the lodge people.

Now to research flights. :(

EDIT: There is also the coach option, but this is 50-100% longer journey length for only £15 saved in total. ie Forget it.

[Zakalwe]

I found a coach option that was £1 each way on www.megabus.co.uk

I think.

[Silk75]

OK then flights

Easyjet - Liverpool - Geneva

OUTBOUND

Saturday 22 January

Flight 7301
departs Liverpool at 07:05, arrives Geneva at 09:55
flexible web fare 82.99 GBP (phone fare 87.99 GBP)
RETURN

Saturday 29 January

Flight 7306
departs Geneva at 16:30, arrives Liverpool at 17:30
flexible web fare 78.99 GBP (phone fare 83.99 GBP)
total cost of your selection

The total cost of your selection is calculated as follows:

OUTBOUND
airfare per adult/child 82.99 GBP
plus taxes and charges per adult/child 10.00 GBP
total per adult/child 92.99 GBP

RETURN
airfare per adult/child 78.99 GBP
plus taxes and charges per adult/child 9.00 GBP
total per adult/child 87.99 GBP

GRAND TOTAL
total for 2 adults 361.96 GBP

So that is £180 each, then transfers, which until I check will be assumed to be £40-60 each. Transfer times from Geneva to Tignes are approx 4 hours also.

OK then option 2, fly from Manchester on KLM via Amsterdam Schipol to Lyon Satolas (approx 25kms SE of Lyon but is the main airport)

Flight Schedule

1. Manchester [MAN]
Depart: 06:00
Sat 22 Jan 05
TERMINAL 2
Manchester International

Amsterdam [AMS]
Arrive: 08:30
Sat 22 Jan 05
Schiphol

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines #1072
Duration: 1.30 hours
Aircraft: Boeing 737 Jet

2. Amsterdam [AMS]
Depart: 09:15
Sat 22 Jan 05
Schiphol

Lyon [LYS]
Arrive: 10:55
Sat 22 Jan 05
TERMINAL 1
Satolas

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines #1249
Operated by: KLM CITYHOPPER
Duration: 1.40 hours
Aircraft: Fokker 100 Jet

3. Lyon [LYS]
Depart: 09:00
Sat 29 Jan 05
TERMINAL 2
Satolas

Amsterdam [AMS]
Arrive: 10:30
Sat 29 Jan 05
Schiphol

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines #2030
Operated by: Air France
Duration: 1.30 hours
Aircraft: - Not In Table

4. Amsterdam [AMS]
Depart: 11:35
Sat 29 Jan 05
Schiphol

Manchester [MAN]
Arrive: 11:55
Sat 29 Jan 05
TERMINAL 2
Manchester International

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines #1081
Operated by: KLM CITYHOPPER
Duration: 1.20 hours
Aircraft: Fokker 100 Jet

More information about Fare Rules and Conditions.
Pricing Details
Selected Products Quantity Price per person Total Price

Adult Fare
2 53.00 106.00

Adult Tax
2 64.40 128.80

Scheduled Airline Failure Administration Fee
2 3.00 6.00

Total: £ 240.80

Then on top is transfers, again £40-60 and shorter (slightly) at 3.5 hours this time.

So option 1 is £220-240
option 2 is £160-180

[Silk75]

Originally posted by Zakalwe
I found a coach option that was £1 each way on www.megabus.co.uk

I think.

Whilst this is cheap, it is run on buses that you would ride in an average town or city.

Ie no decent seats, facilities or even toilets. 4-6 hours on a standard bus, no thanks.

[Zakalwe]

Doesn't one of you two own a car?

There is 1 (one) available secure underground parking space here, which can be used.

[Silk75]

That is an option. Shall talk to the bitch when he is back.

[phil]

Another option might be to fly to Basel (30-40 squids return from Liverpool) and then get the train from here. Not sure of costs yet, but it's not as far as LDA and that was a reasonable price. I'll probably look into ticket prices next week.

[bvark]

Another possibility might be that I drive through Basel to collect folks there, but there'd only be one space left if I did.

All the trains I've seen from Basel or Munich to Bourg St Maurice don't hit connections very well and take 9h+ (Basel) or 12h+ (Munich) to get there.

[Silk75]

Driving is a possiblility even from Manchester to Tignes, but despite the potential for roadtripping, I will try and avoid the temptation!

Flying to Basel then train was attractive until I checked the swiss efficient train webbie and found that the 9 hour train journey was too frightening.

[andyf]

Originally posted by Silk75
Driving is a possiblility even from Manchester to Tignes, but despite the potential for roadtripping, I will try and avoid the temptation!

Flying to Basel then train was attractive until I checked the swiss efficient train webbie and found that the 9 hour train journey was too frightening.


Surely if more than 2 of us take the train, it won't matter how long it is. We have the art of conversation, and the ability of sleep :)

[Afty]

It's still an arse-long train journey.

[Zakalwe]

Update on the snow-train front, the prices on the Eurostar train have increased to a jaw dropping £300 (gits).

The prices for the overnight train with beds remain at £209, although it does leave Waterloo at 16:49. A cheaper service is available if you can get to dover (£145) which should see you to the slopes at the same time as the waterloo service.

I'm going to book tickets on the sleeping carriage Snow train next week in case that starts to increase in price as well. If you want me to book your ticket and get you in the same carriage/couchette then get me your money asap. Also PM/Email/call me to confirm.

Check http://www.raileurope.co.uk/skitrains/ for the various train options.

Let me know, if you're on IRC with other trippers let them know as well. GO GO GO

[Pingman]

How much was the eurostar before it was £300, flying there is now looking increasinly cheaper though.

[Zakalwe]

it was £200.

If you easyjet to Geneva and then get a coach transfer you can probably save £60-70 or so over the £200 for the train.

[her0n]

Our flights are £151.31 :D

[Pingman]

mmm, im not sure what to do here, i take it that every one else that was previously going on the ski train still is?
Its looking a little expensive to me compared to flying, but i think that might just be too much hassle :|

[Aardvark]

I'd prefer the train as its a) better for sleeping b) going to arrive at a decent time and c) is more comfortable, period.

To me that makes it worth the money, but its down to personal preference. Should have the money with you by Wednesday Zak, its all good :)

[Zakalwe]

Originally posted by Aardvark
I'd prefer the train as its a) better for sleeping b) going to arrive at a decent time and c) is more comfortable, period.

To me that makes it worth the money, but its down to personal preference. Should have the money with you by Wednesday Zak, its all good :)

Good man, prod the others (andyf/Afty/Silk/Baroness) if you see them online.

[Baroness]

I am in for the train. Money coming within days, when I locate my internet banking ID number. :)

[Pingman]

ok, so is the total price for the eurostar and snow train (with or without beds?) now £300.
Think im goign to stay with the train as if i try and organise flying there myself il only **** it up and end up in costa del sol any way.
Zak can you PM me your accoutn details again please + the amount i need to pay you and i will try and have payment with you asap.

[Baroness]

Pingman: my understanding of things from Zak's post was that we were going for the £209 train option (overnight train all the way there, which includes beds, and which departs at 16:49 from London Waterloo on the Friday afternoon). The £209 is the return price.

Zak: is this right??

[Zakalwe]

100% correct, £209 for the train and it leaves from Waterloo at 4:49 pm. (which means I need to duck out of work early). £300 is too much for a train without beds.

The site I posted above lists a number of other train options so do check it out to get the details.

[Silk75]

Please confirm me on the skitrain of opulence.

I have transferred £209 to your account, should land on 8/10 because of useless online banking hax.

I will kick the bejesus out of Afty tonight to agree and transfer funds also.

Let me know if you need Passport details, etc.

[Pingman]

Right ok then, put me down for that option too, will transfer £209 ASAP.

[Aardvark]

£210 is now winging its way to you via the wonders of modern technology. Fear the 0.48% tip! :D

[andyf]

I'll follow the herd and switch to the comfy train.

I've not followed this thing and can't work it out from the thread - is this a Friday Eurostar to London, switching to a new train once in the Paris station, then onto the slopes (and same back) ?

If someone could update thread with the days/times/changes so I can be more clear that'd be just great :)

[Afty]

Zak you are now my official travel manager. Should I forward you £209 shortly?

[Zakalwe]

No you should forward me £209 now!

[Afty]

Roger.

[Zakalwe]

I've had a chat with the raileurope chap, We should be ok to get two cabins next to each other on the sleeper train - provided I get your cash ASAP.

Those who have PM'd me, the timings you have given are fine.

Passport details appear to be unnessecary, but PM/Email me your full name just in case.

[andyf]

Andrew Fogg

[Zakalwe]

Now you're sure that's Andrew and not John? Because you are related to Bvark :)

[Pingman]

Ivor Bigun

ohh ok,

Iain Gard

[Zakalwe]

Right, final piece of transport puzzle for the 8 people travelling via train - transfers.

There is a public bus from Bourg St Maurice to Tignes for £13pp. However, I've also arranged a quote for a private-minibus transfer from Bourg St Maurice to Dragonlodge in tignes that comes out at £15pp return. I'm in favour of spending the extra £2 to get our own vehicle and go door-to-door, what does everyone else think?

[Pingman]

For the sake of £2 we might as well get our own minibus, that way it comes when we need it to etc and is slightly more flexible than a timetabled bus.

[andyf]

Originally posted by Zakalwe
Now you're sure that's Andrew and not John? Because you are related to Bvark :)


Holy ****, I'm related to bvark ?!?!?! UBER!

[Afty]

Originally posted by Zakalwe
what does everyone else think? Door to door. Also, that returns us to the train on the final day? DO it, do it.

[Silk75]

Andrew Dunn

Oh and Afty is Russell Davies (ghay nameage)

And the £15 bus option is just fine thx.

[Aardvark]

I am Tiger Woods!

Oh ok then, I'm James Astley. And the 15 quid bus is fine by me.

[Zakalwe]

Silk wins the first-to-the account race (somehow beating me with my immediate transfer linked account hax).

WP :)

[Ryvita]

I'm in. Shotgun the top bunk.

Ryv

[Silk75]

Originally posted by Ryvita
I'm in. Shotgun the top bunk.

Ryv

Standard shotgun rules apply, calling shotgun before seeing the object you are calling on disqualifies you for the round.

Oops

[Zakalwe]

Ahhh, but do you want the top bunk with it's reduced headroom and dangerous drop (necessitating that you strap yourself down during the night, or the bottom bunk where it's easier to get in and a hell of a lot darker?

Bwahahahah. Actually I think I'll put Ryv in the adjacent room and ask the agents to fill it up with "burly" men...

[phil]

Originally posted by Zakalwe
Ahhh, but do you want the top bunk with it's reduced headroom and dangerous drop (necessitating that you strap yourself down during the night, or the bottom bunk where it's easier to get in and a hell of a lot darker?


Make sure you don't get the bunk above Dave. Remember Grindelwald?

[Pingman]

Money for ski train and for minibus in the ski trip account now Zak
so theres my account empty again, oh well, better start saving for that lift pass, food and final payment!

[Zakalwe]

Skiing does indeed pwn all your money, it's only slightly less effective than Ryv's car...

[Ryvita]

I'll have you know I haven't spent any money on it in at least 3 months!

Hang on, I just heard something spontaneously disassemble itself outside...

Point taken.

New job. 8K relocation. 4K car allowance. Pay rise. It shall be mine.

Ryv

[Zakalwe]

Train booked - Rachel I need your second name. I've put down what I thought it was but I may have been wrong.

[Aardvark]

Isn't that what i-series attendance lists are for Zak? :D Anyway, the clue is in the nickname :)

I trust my hard earned wompom made it into your grimy hands? :)

[Zakalwe]

Yes indeed, I have the readies!

I'd guessed the correct name, but it's best to be sure, Phi| was totally wrong :)

We've got 2 cabins next to each other, plus potential to add more people to the second cabin by using my name as a reference when booking. It's all good, now all we need to do is turn up on time on the day and enjoy the snow!

[Pingman]

So whats the full list of paid people going via ski train and mini bus from London then?

[Zakalwe]

Me
Ryv
Andyf
Silk
Afty
Baroness
Aard
You

Perfect 8 man size for the minibus as well :)