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Travelling to the snow by train is a sustainable choice and a relaxing start to a winter sports holiday. The popular Alpine ski resorts accessible by train prove that comfortable travel is possible without compromising on skiing options. The stress of winter tyres, snow chains and traffic jams is left behind. You can arrive on the slopes well rested and make the most of your time in the mountains.
Why the train is a good choice for winter sports
More and more winter sports enthusiasts are choosing the train. The advantages are clear: the journey becomes part of the holiday instead of a necessary evil. While traffic on the roads grinds to a halt, the landscape glides by. Night trains, such as the Nightjet to Austria, take travellers to the mountains while they sleep. Departure is in the evening from the Netherlands and the next morning you wake up in the middle of the Alps, ready for a full first day on the slopes. Travelling by rail is considerably better for the environment, with CO2 emissions up to 90% lower than those of a car journey.
‘ This makes a car superfluous. ’
Top destinations in France: speed and convenience with the TGV
France is easy to reach by high-speed train. From Brussels or Paris the journey continues with the TGV or Eurostar Snow directly to the foot of the mountains. The connections are fast, efficient and often bring travellers surprisingly close to the ski lifts.
Les Arcs (Paradiski): straight from the platform onto the lift
Les Arcs is a good example of a destination that is easy to reach by train. The TGV stops at the valley station Bourg-Saint-Maurice. From here there is a direct connection onto the funicular, a cable railway that takes you to Arc 1600 in just seven minutes. This makes a car unnecessary. The Paradiski ski area, of which Les Arcs is part, offers 425 kilometres of pistes. This makes it a suitable destination for skiers of every level who are looking for a large and varied area without logistical hassle.
Alpe d’Huez: the sun king of the Alps
Alpe d’Huez is known for its many hours of sunshine and its extensive 250-kilometre ski area. The train journey goes to Grenoble, a city that is well connected to the Dutch rail network. From Grenoble station a shuttle bus takes travellers to the heart of Alpe d’Huez in less than an hour and a half. The bus ride itself offers views of the famous hairpin bends known from the Tour de France. Once there, you will find a snow-sure area with pistes for both beginners and experts.
The Austrian Alps: comfortable with the night train
Austria is the favourite destination for those travelling by night train. The ÖBB Nightjet connects Amsterdam and Utrecht directly with stations in Tyrol and the Salzburgerland. You board in the evening and the next morning it is time to ski. The train offers various comfort levels, from seats to sleeping compartments, so travellers always arrive well rested.
St. Anton am Arlberg: for the demanding skier
St. Anton am Arlberg is a legendary name in the skiing world. It is known for its challenging pistes, extensive off-piste options and vibrant après-ski. The Ski Arlberg area, with over 300 kilometres of pistes, is a paradise for advanced skiers. St. Anton railway station is located in the middle of the village. From the platform it is only a short walk to the first ski lifts. The combination of a challenging ski area and excellent accessibility makes this a good choice for an active holiday.
Zell am See-Kaprun: skiing with a view of the lake
The Zell am See-Kaprun ski area offers a combination of skiing on the mountain and views over the frozen Zeller See. With the Kitzsteinhorn glacier in Kaprun, the area is also snow-sure. Zell am See railway station is just 600 metres from the CityXpress gondola, which takes travellers straight into the ski area. With more than 400 kilometres of pistes in the Ski Alpin Card region, there is plenty to discover for every skier. The short distance from the station to the slopes makes Zell am See ideal for a relaxed, car-free trip.
Practical tips for a winter sports trip by train
Good preparation makes the train journey to the Alps even more pleasant. With a few simple steps, the trip from door to door will run smoothly and efficiently.
- Book in good time: Tickets for the Nightjet and TGV are often available months in advance. Booking early gives you the best prices and the widest choice, especially for sleeping accommodation.
- Luggage: Information about the luggage rules of the railway company is important. In general, ski or snowboard equipment can be taken free of charge as special luggage, provided it is packed in an appropriate bag.
- Local transport: It is advisable to check in advance how you will travel from the station to your accommodation. Many ski villages offer (free) ski buses that connect with train arrival times, and some hotels collect guests from the station.
- Ski pass online: Buying a ski pass online in advance saves queueing time at the ticket office on the first morning, so you can head straight onto the slopes.
- Travel light: Limiting your luggage is helpful. A wheeled suitcase is practical on platforms. Many necessities such as bedding and towels are provided in accommodation.
These destinations are just a selection of the many possibilities for enjoying a sustainable and relaxed winter sports holiday. On the Traveler Tips website you will find much more in-depth information about train journeys, route planning and preparing a holiday. Discover more articles on the website and plan your next trip more cleverly and with richer experiences.
Frequently asked questions
The Alpine ski resorts best accessible by train, with minimal distance to the slopes or accommodation, include Sankt Anton, where you can ski directly from the station. Zell am See is only 600 metres from the station to the slopes, and Les Arcs offers a cable car directly from the station. Garmisch-Partenkirchen has its station in the village centre, giving direct access to the Zugspitz Arena.
The most comfortable and scenic train routes to the Alpine ski resorts include those to Zermatt with the Glacier Express, and the routes to Sankt Anton, Kitzbühel and Mayrhofen, which often offer the option of a Nightjet from the Netherlands. For extra experience there are panoramic trains such as the Glacier Express and the Zillertalbahn with a ‘party vibe’. In addition, you can choose areas where you can access the slopes directly from the station, such as Sankt Anton and Les Arcs.
To travel smart and efficiently with luggage and ski equipment by train to the Alps, it is best to book the Nightjet for Austria/Switzerland (from €100 return) or the TGV/Eurostar Snow for France. Choose destinations with minimal changes and good local shuttle or cable car connections from the station to the slopes, such as Les Arcs (direct cable car) or Sankt Anton (skiing directly from the station). Allow for travel times of 10–15 hours and check current timetables via NS International or the SBB/ÖBB apps.
For a conscious traveller who values sustainability and child-friendliness, Oberstdorf (Germany) and Garmisch-Partenkirchen (Germany) are good choices thanks to their snow reliability and suitability for families, with good train connections. Mayrhofen (Austria) and Les Arcs (France) also offer direct train connections and are popular, with Mayrhofen known for the “Zillertalbahn party vibe” and Les Arcs for the direct TGV. Zell am See (Austria) combines lake views with a glacier and is only 600 metres from the station. Zermatt (Switzerland) is car-free and offers a panoramic train journey.
