UKC

I'm sure this has been done to death here, but I thought it was worth another post as things change.

I'm hoping to take the train to Marseille at the end of February for some sunny bolt-clipping. Unfortunately the Eurostar website states that 'ice axes and other climbing and mountaineering equipment' are classed as 'dangerous sports equipment' and are prohibited.

Unfortunately I'll be the one bringing the ropes and rack, and it'll be a bit of a lame holiday if they all get confiscated at St. Pancras. Has anyone travelled on the Eurostar lately with rock gear? Has anyone ever had their quickdraws confiscated by overzealous security? Are there any sensible alternatives to get the gear there?

It's a bit frustrating that attempts to be responsible and not just jump on a plane are potentially stymied by such ridiculous luggage restrictions.

If only they had used a hyphen. We'd have known if they prohibit "dangerous-sports equipment" or "dangerous sports-equipment".

Slovenly punctuation, a curse of our times.

I think Eurostar are only worried about 'pointy' things such as axes and crampons. 

You used to be able to send them by taking them to the Eurodispatch office and then collecting them from their office at Paris Gare du Nord but I think they have suspended this service during the pandemic.  

Why not contact Eurostar Customer Services and, not mentioning anything about "mountaineering", just ask if you can carry a rope and some 'quick-links'?  Keep a copy of their reply if they say they will carry them, in case you encounter a problem at check-in.  I think a refusal would be ludicrous when you consider they allow you to take skis and very pointy ski-poles! 

I've never quite understood why an ice-axe is any more dangerous in one of those trains rather than the East Coast Main Line.  If you're driving, you can all the pointy things you like from Folkestone and you can even take 70 litres of petrol too, plus all the matches you want.

My mate came on the Eurostar just before Christmas and we discussed this at length. In the end he left his axes and crampons but brought a harness, belay device, microtraxion, a few slings and carabiners, and had no problems in either direction. This doesn't mean they'll always let you carry those things, of course. Didn't try a rope.

We went to the Alps last summer and decided axe and crampons were pushing it but we took 3 ropes, trad rack, and harnesses each way without any issue either way. I had quite a hunt on UKC before and I haven't come across anyone who actually had problems with these so my guess is pretty safe to do it. That was my feeling anyway

We found train to Lyon then hire car from there a lovely way to travel, it's a shame we didn't try it before!

This has just been posted on Eagle Ski Club. Obviously been an issue in past, and Eurostar, they changed policy then after BMC contacted their CEO, has it been changed back? https://www.thebmc.co.uk/eurostar-confirms-change-of-policy-on-ice-axes