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Train tickets to ski destinations are available from as little as 65 euros. Book early. Be flexible with your travel date. Early bookers and midweek travellers benefit from the lowest fares with operators such as Eurostar Snow and Nightjet. The main money-saving tip: compare prices via NS International. Tickets become available. Book them straight away. Read on and discover exactly what to look out for when booking and comparing ski train tickets.
What prices can you expect?
The fares for train journeys for winter sports vary greatly depending on destination and operator. Eurostar Snow to French ski resorts is available from 65 euros for adults and 45 euros for children. Children up to the age of 4 travel free. For night train connections to Austria and Switzerland you pay from 39 euros one way, which is often the cheapest option.
Daytime train connections to Italy via ICE trains start from 59.80 euros, but require several changes and take a full day. On average, prices for a one-way trip to popular Alpine destinations range between 100 and 150 euros, depending on the travel period and booking time.
Price differences between classes
With Eurostar Snow you can choose between Standard, Plus and Premium. Standard class already offers power sockets and Wi-Fi for 65 euros. In Germany, first class is often only slightly more expensive than second class and offers extra comfort, reserved seats and, on ICE trains, free food and drinks. The difference more than justifies the extra cost, especially on long journeys.
‘ For the absolute lowest price it pays to compare prices from different operators side by side. ’
Where can you book the cheapest tickets?
You can book ski train tickets via various channels. NS International offers direct bookings for all major winter sports connections and makes it easy to compare options. In addition, travel companies such as TUI offer package deals including accommodation, ski pass and transport, which can work out financially attractive.
Specialist platforms focus specifically on ski train tickets and can have sharp deals. If you book via a tour operator rather than independently, you often benefit from more generous luggage allowances thanks to their agreements with operators. For the absolute lowest price, it pays to compare prices from different providers side by side.
When are the tickets cheapest?
Timing largely determines what you pay. Eurostar Snow tickets usually go on sale from September or October, although for winter 2025–2026 booking was already possible from 10 July. The cheapest tickets sell out within a few weeks, so booking early pays off.
ICE tickets to Italy can be reserved up to six months in advance. The winter timetable is loaded in mid-October. After that, the tickets are available. If you wait too long, prices rise significantly or the most attractive departure times are already fully booked.
Avoid peak moments for lower prices
Tickets outside the Christmas holidays and spring half-term are considerably cheaper. The first week of January and mid-March offer the best fares. If you travel midweek instead of on Saturday, you often save dozens of euros per ticket. With Eurostar Snow it has recently also become possible to travel back on Sunday, which increases flexibility. The outward journey, however, is still only available on Saturdays.
Eurostar Snow versus Nightjet
Eurostar Snow serves French ski resorts with departure points in Amsterdam, Utrecht and Arnhem. The service offers direct connections to popular areas. It is suitable for those who want to travel during the day and arrive straight away. Prices start at 65 euros, but vary greatly depending on how busy it is.
Nightjet serves Austrian and Swiss destinations with night train connections from 39 euros. You save on a night’s accommodation and arrive well rested in the morning. Your daytime hours remain free for other activities. For Italy you should allow for at least one change in Innsbruck if you travel by night train.
Main differences at a glance
- Eurostar Snow: direct daytime connection to France, from 65 euros, departures only on Saturdays
- Nightjet: overnight connection to Austria and Switzerland, from 39 euros, saves a night’s accommodation
- ICE daytime train to Italy: from 59.80 euros, several changes, full day of travel time
‘ For Germany there is an extra benefit: children up to and including 14 years of age travel free with their parents. ’
Extra advantages of travelling to the slopes by train
A major advantage is the luggage space. You can take skis and snowboards without extra charges, whereas airlines often add hefty fees. This can quickly save 50 to 100 euros per person on a return flight.
If your train is delayed, you are entitled to compensation. The percentage of the ticket price depends on the length of the delay and differs per operator. For Germany there is an extra benefit: children up to and including 14 years of age travel free with their parents.
Practical considerations when booking
Daytime train journeys to Italy take a full day, from early morning to late evening. This eats into your holiday time, which you could otherwise spend on the slopes. Night train options save this travel time and can be comfortable, but they do require careful planning around connections.
When comparing prices, also check which costs are already included in the fare. Some tickets include reservation fees, others do not. With package deals, ski passes and accommodation are often already included. This makes comparing them with separate tickets more complex. Always calculate the total price including all surcharges.
Best deals in summary
- Book night train tickets to Austria or Switzerland from 39 euros for the lowest prices
- Eurostar Snow to France is available from 65 euros if you book early
- Avoid Saturdays and school holiday weeks for the sharpest fares
- Book as soon as tickets go on sale, often months before departure
- Always compare several operators and booking channels
Seasonal offers and discounts
Operators regularly launch seasonal offers. These are often limited in availability and require quick decisions. Keep an eye on the websites of NS International and the operators themselves for special promotions, especially between September and November when sales for the winter season start.
Operators’ apps can send push notifications when new offers appear. This gives you a head start over other travellers. Do pay attention to the conditions: some discounts only apply to specific travel dates or come with limited cancellation options.
‘ There is so much more to discover. ’
Find out more about travelling smarter
On the Traveler Tips website you will find extensive information about travelling by train. We cover practical booking tips and detailed route information. Would you like to know more about luggage rules, the best routes to specific ski resorts or alternative travel options? There is so much more to discover. Explore the other articles and plan your next trip even more smartly.
Frequently asked questions
The best time to book ski train tickets is as soon as possible after sales open, because the cheapest fare classes are available then (often from September/October for Eurostar Snow and up to around six months in advance for other connections). Avoid Saturdays and official holiday periods (Christmas and spring half-term) and, where possible, choose midweek dates. The first weeks of January and mid-March are usually the cheapest. By comparing different providers (e.g. NS International and tour operators) you increase your chances of getting the lowest price.
For price comparison, use NS International (nsinternational.com) and international booking sites such as Trainline (trainline.eu) or Rail Europe (raileurope.com). For night trains to Austria/Switzerland, you can also check prices directly with ÖBB (nightjet.com). Some specialist winter sports tour operators (such as TUI or other ski tour operators) offer package deals, allowing you to compare the total price (train + accommodation + ski pass) with separate train tickets. Combine these platforms to compare both individual train tickets and package holidays properly side by side.
The train offers spacious seats, the possibility to walk around and, on many routes, night trains with couchettes or sleeper cabins, making the journey much more relaxing than long hours of driving. You avoid wintry road conditions, traffic jams and stress about snow chains or parking at the ski area. Unlike planes, there are usually no strict restrictions or high surcharges for skis and snowboards, so you can take more luggage comfortably. In addition, you often arrive directly in or close to the ski area, without long transfers from an airport.
When booking, check the luggage rules: skis and snowboards can often be taken free of charge, but sometimes you need to register them in advance or there are restrictions on length and number. Check the number and duration of connections, especially at night or abroad, and avoid very tight connections for international trains. Also look at the class and seat reservation, because in busy periods (holidays, Saturdays) reservations are almost essential. Finally, check whether your ticket offers flexibility in the event of delays or missed connections, and what compensation is available for delays.
Yes, there are several train routes that are known for their comfort and efficiency for skiers and snowboarders. Eurostar Snow (formerly Ski Thalys) from Amsterdam, Utrecht and Arnhem to French ski resorts offers comfortable seats with sockets and Wi-Fi, plus different comfort classes. In addition, ÖBB Nightjet night trains to Austria and Switzerland are popular because of the night-time travel advantage and the comfortable sleeper or couchette cars. For Italy, ICE daytime trains with one or two changes are an efficient option, although they take more travel time than the night train options to Austria or Switzerland.
