Ask anyone on the Rail Europe Snow Train why they’re onboard and the answer is always the same – you get eight days skiing out of a week’s holiday instead of six. But tell anyone about the Snow Train, and there’s only one thing they want to know– does it really have a disco carriage?

Yes, it does. And it’s wild, sticky, and bags of giggles. There’s nothing quite like speeding through the French countryside at 140 kmph at 2am dancing to Dolly Parton.

Of course, you don’t have to party all night – the disco carriage and bar are sound-proofed, so apart from the noise of revellers heading back to their couchette, you’ll just have the rumble of the train to contend with – nothing a good pair of earplugs can’t tackle.

For more hints and detail, here's our complete guide to the Snow Train experience:

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BAGGAGE

You can take as much as you can carry, including ski and board equipment at no extra charge, but be prepared to transfer it between trains at Paris. It’s best to keep a small overnight bag with you so you can leave larger cases in the luggage lockers.

DINNER & DRINKS

There’s no buffet car on the Snow Train, just light snacks, so it’s best to take a picnic, buy food at the Eurostar buffet or eat at Paris Gard du Nord. There’s a small bar onboard the Snow Train, but it’s advisable to take your own drinks onboard and also a big bottle of water, as it can get hot on the Snow Train and only small bottles are sold at the bar.

PARIS

Snow Train passengers must change trains in Paris from the Eurostar to the Snow Train – this is just a simple change of platform, and there are reps along the way to direct you. Luggage trolleys are available for you to store bags and ski and board equipment alongside the Snow Train.

THE COUCHETTES

Each couchette has six beds in close proximity, with room for two standing, or three at a push, so you need to stagger your standing time. The beds do fold up though, so up to eight (snug) or six (cosy) can pile or for drinks, a picnic or a game of cards, perhaps.