John says: "If you want fast access to the slopes there is not much better than Les Arc which, is the closest to Bourg St Maurice, has spectacular views of Mont Blanc and good snow throughout the season.

"The ride out from St Pancras was effortless. I drifted off and was fixated on the graffiti which greets you as you enter the centre of Paris by train.

"A quick cab ride to Gare D'Austerlitz and I dumped my bags in the electronic luggage centre so I could check out Paris' scenery. Three hours later I returned and boarded the overnight sleeper which snakes its way through the Alps into the heart of Ski Central - Bourg St Maurice with amazing access to a plethora of ski resorts. The journey from Paris is straight forward - you can choose a 4 bunk or 6 -I decided on the latter option for 39 pounds and it was surprisingly enjoyable.

"Slipping into the ultra thin sleeping bag stitched to the bed I had to add several layers to ensure I didn’t wake up throughout the night, before I knew it I was glancing at the 3 foot powder which greets you as you step out of the station. Forty minutes later I was in Arc 1800 courtesy of the Funicular railway which whisks you up to the mountains.

"After an amazing week of blue sky and sun I left Les Arc refreshed and invigorated, totally unaware of what was about to come. When I boarded the overnight direct train to St Pancras I was lucky I managed to end up in a quiet coach but that was still packed to the rafters with ski gear. The conductor repeatedly reminded us that it was a busy train and that we should keep ski gear clear of all exits. I desperately tried to get to sleep as the train banked continuously from left to right, my head rocked relentlessly, and I dreamt I was taken part in a Rodeo. Times were desperate, bodies lined the walkway desperate for comfort.

"This was not what I had in mind. There was no party on this train, just a bunch of tired and bleary eyed skiers and boarders who secretly pined for their own beds. If I had a neck cushion, things may have improved but I doubt to the degree of comfort, that I am used to expecting. One thing was clear: from now on it was the overnight sleeper - especially on the return journey.

"Once you have been brutally exhausted from a week of skiing, drinking and partying it’s time for a real bed – I wish I’d taken the sleeper train back to Paris and then a morning Eurostar from there."