I haven't heard any reports of problems (or successes) with ice axes on Eurostar this season (though I'd be interested to hear of anyone's experiences). I had no problem in March 2019, though I did hear one report last year of someone who was told (erroneously, as I understand it) that they had to send their ice axe as checked baggage.
I'm not sure which bit of the Eurostar website Peter was looking at, but there is still a clear statement that ice axes and crampons can be carried in luggage at https://www.eurostar.com/uk-en/holidays/ski-holidays (you need to scroll down to "Ski Train - what you need to know" and click the "read more" button. This appears to apply whether you are on a direct ski train, or changing at Paris or Lille - the direct ski train has the advantage that your skis don't count as one of your two pieces of baggage. I usually print out that page to wave at any officious jobsworth who queries the ice axe, though I've never had to deploy it (the piece of paper that is!).
March 2019 I had to check in my ice axe coming back through Paris. I think it was bad luck I was scanned by a new member of staff doing the security check who decided to ask his superiors. But they just took me out to check it in and I was early enough to not be a problem, it cost £30. I wish I had had a copy of the webpage John mentioned to wave. But it wasn't too much of an issue anyway. I also got given a bit of a lecture about axes and ceremonial swords.
I like your page on train travel John. I'm also a big fan of it. I would add another tip. The TGV from Geneva to Paris is often late (at least when I get it) - so don't plan for a tight connection. Another benefit of trains though is if you miss a connection another train is usually along quite soon after and is a lot less hassle than delayed planes.
I took an ice axe on the Eurostar to get out to the Gressoney meet a couple of weeks ago without any problems - they did take my camping gas off me though :/
Thanks for your comments, Abigail - I've added a few enhancements to the train travel page incorporating your suggestions. Sorry to hear you had to pay for your ice axe in Paris last year - it does seem that not all the security staff are fully aware of the official policy, though Mostyn's and my recent experience suggest that the people at St Pancras are better informed (possibly as a result of some representations made by the BMC last year).
I'd certainly be interested to hear if anyone has problems with ice axes on Eurostar (in either direction), so we can follow it up.
I have been looking through the Eurostar small print and the ice axe policy is quite clear now and very unhelpful, see below, its a bit of a risk to hope to get through security with a policy like this, is it not worth the page its printed on or will it force us off the train?
Dangerous sports equipment
You’ll need to contact a private courier if you’re travelling with any of these items as we are currently unable to offer our usual service: ice axes and other climbing and mountaineering equipment, javelins, spears and spear guns, crossbows, crossbow bolts, longbows, longbow arrows and starting pistols, swords or starting pistols. We apologise for the inconvenience.
My understanding from the answer to a question I asked at the AGM on Saturday is that Mountaineering Scotland (to which the Eagles are affiliated), the British Mountaineering Council, and Mountaineering Ireland (which I think covers Northern Ireland as well as the Republic) are currently in discussions with a senior executive at Eurostar with a view to getting this changed. The current policy (which we have established is Eurostar's, and not imposed by the UK or French governments) is clearly very unhelpful.
Does any-one have any experience of actually trying to use Eurostar with an ice axe or other pointy mountaineering equipment since @JohnBarnard's last post above?
PeterMoody
Any recent experience? Their website still says register on another train
JohnBarnard
I haven't heard any reports of problems (or successes) with ice axes on Eurostar this season (though I'd be interested to hear of anyone's experiences). I had no problem in March 2019, though I did hear one report last year of someone who was told (erroneously, as I understand it) that they had to send their ice axe as checked baggage.
I'm not sure which bit of the Eurostar website Peter was looking at, but there is still a clear statement that ice axes and crampons can be carried in luggage at https://www.eurostar.com/uk-en/holidays/ski-holidays (you need to scroll down to "Ski Train - what you need to know" and click the "read more" button. This appears to apply whether you are on a direct ski train, or changing at Paris or Lille - the direct ski train has the advantage that your skis don't count as one of your two pieces of baggage. I usually print out that page to wave at any officious jobsworth who queries the ice axe, though I've never had to deploy it (the piece of paper that is!).
See also my comments at https://www.eagleskiclub.org.uk/low-carbon-travel/rail-barnard (also accessible via the website menus - select Resources > Low Carbon travel and look for the link near the bottom of that page.
AbigailHathway
March 2019 I had to check in my ice axe coming back through Paris. I think it was bad luck I was scanned by a new member of staff doing the security check who decided to ask his superiors. But they just took me out to check it in and I was early enough to not be a problem, it cost £30. I wish I had had a copy of the webpage John mentioned to wave. But it wasn't too much of an issue anyway. I also got given a bit of a lecture about axes and ceremonial swords.
I like your page on train travel John. I'm also a big fan of it. I would add another tip. The TGV from Geneva to Paris is often late (at least when I get it) - so don't plan for a tight connection. Another benefit of trains though is if you miss a connection another train is usually along quite soon after and is a lot less hassle than delayed planes.
MostynBrown
I took an ice axe on the Eurostar to get out to the Gressoney meet a couple of weeks ago without any problems - they did take my camping gas off me though :/
JohnBarnard
Thanks for your comments, Abigail - I've added a few enhancements to the train travel page incorporating your suggestions. Sorry to hear you had to pay for your ice axe in Paris last year - it does seem that not all the security staff are fully aware of the official policy, though Mostyn's and my recent experience suggest that the people at St Pancras are better informed (possibly as a result of some representations made by the BMC last year).
I'd certainly be interested to hear if anyone has problems with ice axes on Eurostar (in either direction), so we can follow it up.
NeilRichardson
I have been looking through the Eurostar small print and the ice axe policy is quite clear now and very unhelpful, see below, its a bit of a risk to hope to get through security with a policy like this, is it not worth the page its printed on or will it force us off the train?
Dangerous sports equipment
You’ll need to contact a private courier if you’re travelling with any of these items as we are currently unable to offer our usual service: ice axes and other climbing and mountaineering equipment, javelins, spears and spear guns, crossbows, crossbow bolts, longbows, longbow arrows and starting pistols, swords or starting pistols. We apologise for the inconvenience.
JohnBarnard
My understanding from the answer to a question I asked at the AGM on Saturday is that Mountaineering Scotland (to which the Eagles are affiliated), the British Mountaineering Council, and Mountaineering Ireland (which I think covers Northern Ireland as well as the Republic) are currently in discussions with a senior executive at Eurostar with a view to getting this changed. The current policy (which we have established is Eurostar's, and not imposed by the UK or French governments) is clearly very unhelpful.
PeteDavies
I have been looking at how to get out to my ski-ing this year and see that Eurostar still say you may not carry ice axes: https://www.eurostar.com/uk-en/travel-info/travel-planning/luggage/sports-and-camping-equipment
Does any-one have any experience of actually trying to use Eurostar with an ice axe or other pointy mountaineering equipment since @JohnBarnard's last post above?
MostynBrown
No but I'm set to try it on 28th Jan - fingers crossed!
PeteDavies
Let us know how it goes @MostynBrown - and good luck!