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Going on a winter sports holiday by train comes with generous luggage rules for ski transport. Unlike airlines, most train companies let you take your ski and snowboard gear free of charge. This is in addition to your normal suitcases. Read on to discover how to plan your journey comfortably and well prepared.
General luggage rules on international trains
Before we look at the rules for ski and snowboard equipment, it is useful to know the basic luggage rules on popular trains. Most train companies have generous policies. On ICE, TGV/Thalys and Eurostar you can take several pieces of luggage. You carry them yourself and store them in the designated areas.
The guidelines are:
- Standard luggage: two pieces of regular luggage, such as a suitcase or large rucksack, with a length of up to 85 cm per item.
- Hand luggage: one piece of hand luggage that you place above your seat or under the seat in front of you.
These rules give you more flexibility than most airlines. Make sure your luggage does not block aisles or doors and does not cause any inconvenience to other passengers.
‘ Travelling by night train, such as the ÖBB Nightjet to Austria, means you reach your destination while you sleep and start your holiday feeling rested. ’
How do you take skis and snowboards with you?
Taking your own skis or snowboard is one of the advantages of travelling to the snow by train. Your ski and snowboard equipment counts as one piece of special luggage. Pack it in a suitable bag or case. This is for safety reasons and makes it easier to handle when getting on and off the train.
Eurostar Snow (formerly Thalys Sneeuw)
The Eurostar Snow runs directly from the Netherlands to the French Alps. The train is designed for people heading for winter sports. The luggage rules are tailored to this. Per passenger you may take:
- two suitcases (maximum size 85 cm)
- one piece of hand luggage
- one pair of skis or one snowboard, packed in a bag
The carriages have extra-large luggage racks and special areas near the doors where you can put your ski bag or snowboard bag. You do not need to reserve a separate space for this and there are no extra charges. You can carry your ski boots and poles in your normal luggage or in your ski bag.
ÖBB Nightjet to Austria
Travelling by night train, such as the ÖBB Nightjet to Austria, means you reach your destination while you sleep and start your holiday feeling rested. Here too, passengers heading for the snow have been taken into account. The luggage rules are flexible. Although the rules do not mention strict limits, the available space in your compartment is the deciding factor. In most carriages there are special racks or recesses where you can store large luggage, including a ski or snowboard bag.
There are no additional luggage charges for snowboards or skis on the Nightjet, as long as your equipment is packed in a bag. As with other trains, you can take ski boots and poles free of charge as part of your normal luggage. When booking a private compartment, take into account the space you will need for your belongings.
Tips for a smooth journey
Good preparation makes your train journey to the snow smoother. By packing efficiently you avoid lugging heavy bags around on platforms and during changes.
Choose the right bags
Invest in a ski or snowboard bag with wheels. This makes it easier to move around stations. There are bags that can hold your skis as well as your boots, helmet and some clothing. For your other belongings, a wheeled suitcase or a large duffel bag you can carry as a rucksack is handy. That way, you keep your hands free.
Pack compactly and limit loose items
Make sure you do not have any loose items. Put your helmet, goggles and gloves in your suitcase or ski bag. Ski boots fit into a separate boot bag, which you can attach to your wheeled suitcase. The more compactly you pack everything, the easier it is to store your luggage in the designated racks on the train.
Minimise changes
Opt for a direct connection. The Eurostar Snow to France and the Nightjet to Austria take you straight to the foot of the mountains. This reduces the stress of changing trains with all your luggage. Check your route in advance and allow enough time if you do need to change.
Planning a winter sports trip requires preparation. On the Traveler Tips website you will find more information about routes, toll vignettes and environmental stickers for your car holiday or train journey. Explore our guides and travel better prepared.
Frequently asked questions
In addition to your skis, you can generally take 2 pieces of regular luggage (suitcase, rucksack, maximum 85 cm) and 1 piece of hand luggage on winter sports trains such as ICE International and TGV/Thalys. Some trains, such as Thalys Sneeuw/Eurostar Snow, explicitly allow skis and also offer 2 pieces of luggage plus 1 piece of hand luggage. The ÖBB Nightjet and Alpen Express offer extra space per carriage for ski luggage. As a general rule, luggage must be well packed and must not block aisles.
Winter sports trains allow skis and snowboards provided they are properly packed in a box or bag and fit in the racks or special spaces. While standard luggage usually has a maximum length of 85 cm, there are no fixed dimensions specified for skis and snowboards themselves, as long as they do not block the aisles. For TGV/Thalys, for example, there is no weight limit stated for skis or snowboards. They are often regarded as one bulky item of luggage.
For most winter sports trains you do not need to reserve ski transport in advance, and there are usually no extra costs. Skis and snowboards are allowed provided they are properly packed in a box or bag, and fit in the racks or special spaces. Make sure that the luggage does not block aisles. Choose direct connections where possible to minimise changing trains with lots of luggage.
Skis and snowboards can be stored safely and easily on the train if they are properly packed in a box or bag. They will fit into special racks or spaces intended for this purpose, often at no extra cost. Trains such as the ÖBB Nightjet and Alpen Express offer additional luggage space per carriage. In general, there is more space on German and Swiss trains than on Dutch ones.
Yes, there are differences in luggage rules for ski transport between different winter sports trains and operators. In general, most trains, such as the SkiThalys, ÖBB Nightjet and ICE International, allow skis and snowboards as long as they are properly packed. However, specific limits for regular luggage and the way bulky items are handled vary by train type and operator, as can be seen when comparing ICE with TGV/Thalys and Eurostar Snow. Although skis are allowed on most trains at no extra cost, some trains, such as the ÖBB Nightjet and Alpen Express, offer extra spacious racks, which is ideal if you have more gear. It is advisable to check the specific rules of the carrier you choose.
