The journey to the Alps for a ski trip can often feel more complicated than it needs to be. While flying might seem like the quickest option, my personal experience and that of many others has shown that the reality can involve lengthy queues, cramped seats, and transfers that stretch on far longer than anticipated. For me, the thrill of hitting the slopes now begins with the journey itself, and traveling by train has become my preferred method. There’s a certain comfort in having ample legroom, enjoying the passing scenery, and the feeling that the holiday truly kicks off the moment you step aboard. Plus, the reduced environmental impact is a significant bonus.
Planning Your Alpine Train Adventure
Opting for train travel to reach your ski destination opens up several possibilities, particularly when heading to popular French and Austrian resorts. While booking a flight might be straightforward, coordinating train journeys often requires a bit more planning, but the rewards in terms of experience are well worth it. For the 2025-26 season, exciting new services are emerging, and existing options continue to evolve, offering greater convenience for travelers.
New Routes and Services
For those looking for direct connections, the relaunched Eurostar Snow Train is a notable development. While it’s designed to serve Dutch and Belgian markets, travelers from the UK can easily connect. The service runs from Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Brussels, and Antwerp directly to the Tarentaise region of the French Alps. Key stops include Chambéry, Albertville, Moûtiers, Aime-La-Plagne, Landry, and Bourg-Saint-Maurice. These are ideal gateways to renowned areas like the Three Valleys, La Plagne, Les Arcs, Tignes, and Val d’Isère. If you’re not based in mainland Europe, you can catch a regular Eurostar from London to Lille and make a simple platform change to board the Snow Train. These outbound services typically run on Saturdays during the winter season, with returns available on both Saturdays and Sundays. It’s always best to check the Eurostar website for the most up-to-date schedules and booking information.
Another option to consider is the Travelski Express. This is a tour operator that charters entire trains for a comprehensive ski holiday package. When booking this service, tickets for the train are bundled with transfers, accommodation, and a seven-day lift pass. The resorts served are major French Alpine destinations like La Plagne, Les Arcs, Les Menuires, Méribel, Tignes, and Val d’Isère. The overnight Friday journey aims to get you to the Alps in time for first lifts on Saturday morning. The inclusive transfer simplifies arrival, eliminating the need to search for buses or taxis. While these trains offer sit-up seats rather than flat beds, and alcohol is banned on board, the convenience of a package deal can be appealing.
Traditional Connections
Beyond these dedicated services, the classic approach of taking a Eurostar to Paris and then connecting to a TGV high-speed train offers immense flexibility. This method allows you to access a much wider array of ski resorts, not just within the Tarentaise Valley but across France, and even into parts of Italy and Switzerland. For those who prefer not to navigate busy Paris stations, arranging a taxi or pre-booking a car service can make the station change smoother. To maximize your first day on the slopes, you could also consider an overnight stop in Paris, Brussels, or Lille before continuing your journey to the Alps the following morning. This break can add to the overall travel experience, providing a welcome pause and more options for onward travel.
Beyond France What Are My Options for Austria
For those drawn to Austria’s Tirol region, train travel is also a viable and enjoyable option. Many of the ski resorts here have stations located right in the village, making the final leg of your journey seamless. The route often involves taking a Eurostar to Brussels, where you can switch to an ICE train heading towards Germany. The ICE trains feature restaurant carriages that serve a selection of drinks, including draft beer, and offer hot meals and fresh salads, providing a pleasant dining experience en route.
A common connection point is Cologne, where you might even have time for a quick refreshment near the station before boarding a NightJet sleeper train. These sleeper trains offer various compartment options, typically for two, three, or four people, ensuring a comfortable and private journey overnight. While the total travel time might be longer than a direct French service, the comfort of a flat bed and the privacy of your compartment generally lead to a more restful sleep, arriving refreshed and ready for the mountains. The journey can take around 18 hours and 40 minutes to reach Kufstein, for example, from London, with transfer times being minimal once you reach your destination station.
Navigating Sleeper Trains
Sleeper train options, while fewer than in the past, still exist for certain routes. In France, the Paris to Briançon route is a notable survivor, offering a convenient overnight journey for those heading to ski resorts like Serre Chevalier, Montgenevre, or La Grave. There’s also a sleeper train connecting Paris to the Pyrenees. French railway authorities have indicated potential for reinstating more sleeper routes by 2030, which could offer even more exciting travel possibilities for skiers in the future.
Booking Your Train Journey
Booking train travel to the Alps isn’t always as simple as booking a flight, but resources are available to help. Websites like Rail Europe and Trainline are good starting points for finding schedules and purchasing tickets for various European rail services. Many travelers find Rail Europe particularly helpful for its customer support. For comprehensive and detailed information on cross-border train travel, ‘The Man in Seat 61’ (seat61.com) is an invaluable resource. This website, maintained by a dedicated train enthusiast, offers extensive route suggestions, booking links, and up-to-date advice for navigating complex European rail networks.
Top Ski Resorts Accessible by Rail
Several fantastic ski resorts are well-suited for train travel, offering a blend of excellent skiing, charming village atmospheres, and often easier transfers from the station. Here are a few of the best options, with estimated travel times from Central London, assuming a journey to St. Pancras station.
Sauze d’Oulx Italy
Located just over the French border in the Piedmont region of Italy, Sauze d’Oulx is a superb base for exploring the vast 400km Milky Way ski area. The resort itself offers a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, with tree-lined slopes that are perfect for cruising. The village retains a lot of character, and you’ll find excellent Italian cuisine at restaurants like Da Salvo, Il Cantun, and L’Ortiche. The journey to Sauze d’Oulx typically involves taking a Eurostar to Paris-Nord, then a TGV from Paris-Lyon to Oulx, which serves as the gateway station. The entire daytime train journey can take around 10 hours and 45 minutes, with a transfer time of just 15 minutes from Oulx station to the resort.
La Clusaz France
For a truly romantic alpine experience, La Clusaz in the Aravis mountain range is hard to beat. This beautiful French ski resort village is known for its warm hospitality and abundance of Savoyarde restaurants. The skiing is excellent, and for non-skiers or those seeking relaxation, the resort’s Aqua Park offers stunning views of the surrounding snowy peaks from its indoor and outdoor pools. To reach La Clusaz by train from London, you’d typically take an early morning Eurostar to Paris Gare du Nord, then a TGV from Paris Gare de Lyon to Annecy, followed by a 45-minute transfer. The total daytime train journey can take approximately 10 hours and 10 minutes.
La Plagne France
Comprising eleven distinct villages, La Plagne is a highly accessible resort that forms part of the vast Paradiski area, offering 425km of skiable terrain. Beyond skiing, La Plagne offers unique activities like moonbiking on electric machines. For those traveling by train, there are a couple of options. The overnight Travelski Express from London St Pancras to Bourg St Maurice is one, arriving around 6:16 AM with a 45-minute transfer. Alternatively, the Eurostar Snow Train provides a route to Aime-la-Plagne, with a platform change in Lille, and a shorter 20-minute transfer. The overnight train journey to La Plagne takes approximately 12 hours and 20 minutes.
Les Arcs France
Connected to Bourg St Maurice by a convenient funicular, Les Arcs is renowned for its accessibility by train. As one half of the Paradiski area, it boasts a significant amount of excellent skiing and terrain. The new Inghams Ski Train option makes the journey even smoother. You can depart from London St Pancras on the Eurostar Snow Train, changing platforms in Lille. The train arrives in Bourg St Maurice at around 6:20 PM, with just a 10-minute transfer via funicular to Les Arcs. The total journey time on the Inghams ski train is about 10 hours.
Val d’Isère France
A perennial British favorite, Val d’Isère offers a vast terrain with 150km of pistes, along with extensive backcountry opportunities, making it a destination that skiers truly appreciate. The resort is one of the three served by Inghams’ new Eurostar Snow Train packages, alongside Tignes and Les Arcs. Traveling by train to Val d’Isère means you can potentially gain an extra day of skiing compared to flying, as the journey is more efficient and less time is lost. The journey involves taking the Eurostar Snow Train from London St Pancras, with a platform change in Lille. The train departs Lille at 12:15 PM and arrives in Bourg St Maurice around 6:20 PM, followed by a 40-minute transfer to the resort. The Inghams ski train option takes approximately 10 hours in total.
Les Menuires France
Positioned within the vast Three Valleys ski area, Les Menuires is celebrated for offering excellent value. This winter, the resort is introducing a new “wilderness skiing” course, guiding participants through prime spots for wildlife observation and offering a chance to experience the natural surroundings. Getting to Les Menuires by train typically involves the Travelski Express from London St Pancras to Moutiers, arriving early in the morning with a 45-minute transfer. Alternatively, the Eurostar Snow Train can be booked for the same route, also requiring a platform change in Lille. The overnight train journey takes around 11 hours and 20 minutes.
Tignes France
Known for its snow surety, Tignes is a high-altitude resort featuring abundant ski-in-ski-out accommodations. This season, Tignes is also offering adventure-survival courses on its lake, providing unique learning experiences for all ages, including fun activities like igloo building for children. For train travelers, the journey often involves the Travelski Express from London St Pancras to Bourg St Maurice, arriving early in the morning with a 45-minute transfer. The Eurostar Snow Train is another option, allowing independent booking with a platform change in Lille. The total train journey time to Tignes is around 12 hours and 20 minutes.
Zermatt Switzerland
Zermatt, one of Switzerland’s most iconic resorts, is synonymous with luxury and challenging skiing. The majestic Matterhorn stands as a constant, awe-inspiring backdrop to the village and its slopes. Reaching Zermatt by train is a longer commitment but offers a unique travel experience. The journey often involves taking the Eurostar to Paris-Nord, followed by an overnight stop in Paris. The next day, you would continue via TGV from Paris-Lyon to Lausanne, then an InterRegio train to Visp, and finally a local train up to Zermatt. This multi-leg journey, including the overnight stop, takes approximately 23 hours and 5 minutes, but it allows for a more relaxed pace and the chance to experience more of the journey.
Traveling by train to these diverse Alpine destinations offers a different kind of holiday experience. The journey itself becomes an integral part of the adventure, allowing you to witness the changing landscapes and truly begin to unwind before you even reach the slopes. With the growing options and improved services, planning a ski trip by train is more appealing than ever.