Fast track to the slopes: 12 European ski resorts by rail – in less time than you may think

Measured door-to-door, daytime rail travel from London can be remarkably competitive with flying in terms of speed, especially when factoring in the entire airport experience. Opting for a sleeper train further enhances this advantage, allowing skiers to wake up refreshed at the base of the mountains, ready to hit the slopes and effectively gain two extra days of skiing by travelling overnight. Beyond the convenience, the environmental imperative for choosing rail is increasingly urgent. With Alpine glaciers suffering significant loss of snow cover as global temperatures rise – a stark visual reminder of climate change – rail travel constitutes the biggest emissions saving a skier can make. A flight from London to the Alps can generate up to 10 times more carbon emissions per passenger than the equivalent train journey, making sustainable travel a critical consideration for the future of winter sports.

An exciting recent development in this shift towards greener ski holidays is the arrival of a dedicated sleeper train for skiers, the Travelski Night Express (TNE). Launched last winter, it quickly gained popularity and is set to offer an additional new route for the coming season, cementing its place as a game-changer for environmentally conscious travellers. Each carriage of the TNE is equipped with comfortable couchette berths, offering a peaceful night’s rest. However, the train’s crowning glory is undoubtedly its large, beautifully appointed speakeasy-cafe-bar-restaurant. With retro decor, soft lighting, and carefully curated music, it evokes the romance of classic overnight rail travel, providing a sophisticated space for passengers to relax, socialise, and enjoy a meal before drifting off to sleep. This unique offering marries the charm of a bygone era with the practical benefit of arriving directly at the heart of the Alps, ready for two potential extra days of skiing.

The TNE currently operates two primary routes: one departing from Paris, and another from Amsterdam and Brussels. Both services run outbound on Fridays and return on Saturdays, perfectly aligning with typical week-long ski holidays. These routes provide direct access to key stations in the popular Tarentaise region of the French Alps – Moûtiers, Aime-la-Plagne, and Bourg-Saint-Maurice – which serve as gateways to some of the world’s most renowned ski resorts, including Val Thorens, Les Arcs, La Plagne, and Tignes. For UK-based skiers, connecting to the TNE is straightforward, requiring a simple Eurostar journey to either Paris or Brussels. This integrated travel solution significantly reduces stress and offers a seamless transition from city to slopes.

Beyond the TNE, the revival of overnight rail travel extends to other European destinations. Overnight journeys to Austria are also increasingly popular, with skiers able to take a Eurostar to Paris or Brussels, then connect to a Nightjet sleeper train, operated by Austrian Railways (ÖBB). These Nightjet services reach the picturesque Salzburgerland region, famous for resorts like Saalbach Hinterglemm and Zell am See. For those heading to Innsbruck and the broader Tirol region, Nightjet connections are available from Amsterdam and Cologne, further expanding the network of easily accessible Alpine destinations. Nightjets offer a range of comforts, from standard couchettes to private cabins with en-suite facilities, catering to different budgets and preferences.

For daytime travel, an array of resorts in France and beyond can be reached every day of the week with remarkable efficiency. The most common method involves taking the Eurostar to Paris Nord, followed by a short and well-practised transfer to Gare de Lyon – easily accomplished by taxi or the RER Line D suburban train. From Gare de Lyon, travellers can catch a fast TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) train heading south into the French Alps, connecting to numerous regional hubs. This multi-leg journey, while requiring a change, is often less stressful and more scenic than flying, offering ample space and freedom of movement throughout.

Eurostar’s flagship ski service, Eurostar Snow, offers an even more direct and convenient daytime option. This dedicated service carries snowboards and skis free of charge, in addition to the usual luggage allowance, eliminating the hassle and extra cost often associated with flying with ski equipment. Skiers typically take this service from London to Lille, where a simple, adjacent platform switch allows them to board the onward continental train directly to Bourg-Saint-Maurice. This streamlined connection makes it an incredibly attractive option for families and groups.

However, the upcoming season has seen a frustrating curtailment of the Eurostar Snow service, with the final outbound departure scheduled for 20 February. This decision has left the ski industry and many environmentally conscious travellers deeply disappointed. Eurostar’s official explanation points to a need to "deploy rolling stock to where it best meets customer demand," claiming that "historically, March has not always been the strongest period for Eurostar Snow." This reasoning has been met with considerable scepticism.

Iain Martin, founder of the prominent sustainable ski-travel campaign Ski Flight Free, vehemently rejects Eurostar’s explanation, stating: "It’s ridiculous for Eurostar to curtail their flagship service and blame lack of demand. If Eurostar worked effectively with the ski industry and ski tour operators to market the train, they could sell it out many times over." This sentiment is widely echoed by tour operators who report a surging client appetite for rail travel. Alison Willis, managing director of French ski specialist Peak Retreats, confirms: "We’re keen on promoting rail travel to the French Alps and we know clients want this. While changing in Paris is straightforward, we know that direct services are an even more compelling alternative for those who usually fly. March ski holidays, with longer days and excellent conditions, are really popular. So, we’d welcome more direct rail options across as much of the ski season as possible." Krissy Roe, head of sustainability at Inghams, another major ski tour operator, reinforces this, noting a "genuine appetite among skiers to travel to the mountains by train." In response to this demand, Inghams has significantly increased its range of rail-inclusive packages, now covering 75% of its French destinations, as well as several in Switzerland, Italy, and Austria. The curtailment of Eurostar Snow highlights a perceived disconnect between operator strategy and burgeoning consumer demand for more sustainable and enjoyable travel options.

Despite these operational challenges, the burgeoning network of rail services to the Alps continues to grow, offering a compelling alternative to air travel. Here are 12 resorts you can reach easily by rail, combining adventure with environmental responsibility:

St Anton am Arlberg, Austria

Often hailed as "the cradle of skiing," St Anton consistently ranks among the best resorts in the world, renowned for its challenging and exhilarating slopes, with the mighty Valluga peak offering a true test for advanced skiers. Yet, it also boasts plenty of gentler areas for intermediates and beginners. St Anton’s appeal extends far beyond its pistes; this delightful Tyrolean village offers a host of activities, including swimming, bowling, indoor rock climbing, and some of the most thrilling toboggan runs in the Alps. Completing its "ski-hard, party-hard" image, the resort is legendary for its vibrant après-ski scene, with a long list of celebrated terraces where visitors can dance to live music while knocking back schnapps.
By train: 10h 30min
Depart London St Pancras on the 07.31 Eurostar to Paris Gare du Nord. Transfer across Paris (approx. 45-60 min by RER or taxi) to Paris Gare de Lyon and take the 12.22 TGV to Zurich. From Zurich, catch the scenic 16.40 Railjet service directly to St Anton, arriving at 19.01.
Where to stay: Ski Solutions offers seven nights at the luxurious Hotel Post from £1,870pp half-board, including return rail travel.

Alpbach, Austria

With its antique, chocolate-box chalets, Alpbach is arguably the prettiest village on this list, offering fantastic skiing within a preserved, rustic setting. Despite its relatively low altitude, the resort’s north-facing slopes effectively protect fresh powder, ensuring good conditions, with the best off-piste and snowboarding terrain found on the far side of the Wiedersbergerhorn. Alpbach has gone to great lengths to preserve its authentic Tyrolean character; the main lifts are a short shuttle ride away, maintaining the village’s peaceful ambience. Visitors can savour gorgeous Tyrolean dishes at charming mountain hut restaurants such as Böglalm, explore torchlit walking trails, enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, or experience an Alpine coaster. Pick up a free Alpbachtal Card for access to local activities and public transport.
By train: 16h 49min (overnight option)
Depart London St Pancras on the 15.04 Eurostar to Brussels-Midi. Connect to the 18.25 ICE train to Cologne, then board the 21.45 Nightjet sleeper train to Jenbach, arriving at 08.53 the following morning. From Jenbach, it’s a picturesque 20-minute journey by bus or taxi to Alpbach.
Where to stay: STC Ski offers the four-star Hotel Alphof, with doubles from £955pp for seven nights’ half-board.

Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise, France

Sainte-Foy, the smallest resort on this list, is highly regarded among ski writers as a "hidden gem" for its authentic charm and exceptional skiing. Just 25 minutes from Bourg-Saint-Maurice station, it has retained its cosy, quiet ambience, largely thanks to bigger nearby names drawing the mass crowds. Yet Sainte-Foy offers truly excellent skiing: powder that lasts on its untracked, north-facing slopes, and fantastic provisions for children and beginners across its well-maintained pistes. Despite some sensitive development, the village has remained rustic, with traditional dishes served in charming 16th-century farmhouses and glasses of local rosé downed on sunny terraces. The quiet pine woods are perfect for snowshoeing, while adrenaline junkies can try their hand at paragliding high above the Tarentaise valley.
By train: 7h 58min
Utilise the Eurostar Snow service, departing London St Pancras at 09.01 to Lille Europe. Switch to an adjacent platform for the 11.35 Eurostar Snow continental train to Bourg-Saint-Maurice, arriving at 17.45. From there, it’s a convenient 25-minute bus or taxi ride to Sainte-Foy.
Where to stay: Premiere Neige offers seven nights’ self-catering in the three-bedroom Panorama apartment from €600pp, based on six people sharing.

La Rosière, France

Commanding spectacular views of the Tarentaise valley and the iconic Mont Blanc, La Rosière is as beautiful as it is convenient, making it a favourite for families. Its unique position on the Franco-Italian border allows skiers to enjoy a diverse range of conditions, choosing between south-facing slopes in La Rosière itself and north-facing slopes in neighbouring La Thuile, Italy, forming the vast Espace San Bernardo ski area. Its two core villages are relaxed and compact, built in a classic chalet style. La Rosière has maintained an excellent pace of development, exemplified by the new high-speed Petit-Bois chair, ensuring a high-quality experience all-round. Sledging is a popular activity, including the thrilling new sunset toboggan run from the top of the Les Eucherts lift. While generally quieter than its larger neighbours, you’ll find some decent après-ski and DJ sets at Le Comptoir.
By train: 7h 44min
Take the Eurostar Snow service, departing London St Pancras at 09.01 to Lille Europe. Change platforms for the 11.35 Eurostar Snow continental train to Bourg-Saint-Maurice, arriving at 17.45. From Bourg-Saint-Maurice, it’s a 40-minute bus or taxi journey to the resort centre.
Where to stay: The traditional chalet-hotel L’Accroche-Cœur offers double rooms from €240 a night B&B, providing a cosy and authentic Alpine experience.

Les Menuires, France

Part of the world-famous Three Valleys, Les Menuires stands out as one of the best value-for-money resorts in the Alps. It offers access to an incredible 600km of piste without the high price tag often associated with its glamorous neighbours like Méribel or Courchevel. Unsurprisingly, it’s very popular with families who appreciate the resort’s excellent facilities, including early-access ski patrol lessons with ESF Club Piou-Piou, ensuring a safe and fun learning environment for young children. Dining is similarly family-oriented, with hearty, locally sourced Savoyard meals at welcoming restaurants such as Chez Pépé Nicolas. In March, Les Menuires hosts a seasonal silly slalom, Complètement à la Masse, open to all ages and adding a fun, festive atmosphere to the end of the season.
By train: 13h 5min (overnight option)
Depart London St Pancras on the 17.31 Eurostar to Paris Gare du Nord. Transfer to Paris Gare de Lyon and take the 22.52 Travelski Night Express sleeper train to Moûtiers, arriving at 07.36 the next morning. From Moûtiers, it’s a convenient 45-minute bus or taxi ride up to Les Menuires.
Where to stay: Travelski offers seven nights at Hôtel Les Menuires Les Bruyères from £1,356pp B&B, including rail travel from Paris, transfers, and a seven-day ski pass. The Eurostar to Paris needs to be booked independently.

Montgenèvre, France

France’s oldest ski resort, Montgenèvre, holds a rich history, having been the stomping ground of the Parisian elite before British skiers discovered its charms in the 1990s, attracted by its bargain prices and easy access to Italy. Pleasantly old-world and fully pedestrianised in its core, "Monty" is the ideal family resort, featuring an extensive beginners’ zone and affordable accommodation options. Intermediates will relish the extensive network of red and blue runs that span across the Milky Way ski area, while experts can plough through off-piste powder in the Gondrans bowl and off the Col de l’Alpet. Over the past year, the resort has extensively redeveloped its lift system to dramatically improve speed and ease of access – a strategic upgrade in time for hosting events during the 2030 Winter Olympics.
By train: 8h 20min
Depart London St Pancras on the 08.01 Eurostar to Paris Gare du Nord. Transfer to Paris Gare de Lyon and take the 12.46 TGV high-speed train, which travels through the scenic Maurienne valley, to arrive at Oulx in Italy at 17.21. From Oulx, it’s a short and straightforward 35-minute bus or taxi ride across the border to Montgenèvre.
Where to stay: Peak Retreats offers seven nights B&B in a suite in Hôtel Anova from £1,046pp, including rail travel, based on four sharing.

Peisey-Vallandry, France

Peisey-Vallandry occupies a prime position at the heart of the immense Paradiski domain, connecting seamlessly to both Les Arcs and La Plagne via the Vanoise Express, one of the world’s largest and fastest double-decker cable cars. Its sunny, west-facing piste offers something for everyone: a high-altitude beginners’ area, picturesque intermediate tree runs descending to the Chapelle Notre-Dame, and two challenging black runs, alongside extensive freeriding opportunities across all 425km of Paradiski. Thanks to its golden child, Olympic biathlon champion Éric Perrot, the resort boasts a strong reputation for cross-country skiing, including a new Nordic centre, a shooting range, and 43km of high-quality trails suitable for ages 3 and up. For something more unusual, try Summit Bike’s electric snow-biking sessions or the traditional activity of skijoring – where skiers are pulled across the snow by a horse.
By train: 7h 47min
Take the Eurostar Snow service, departing London St Pancras at 09.01 to Lille Europe. Change platforms for the 11.35 Eurostar Snow continental train directly to Landry, arriving at 17.34. From Landry, it’s a convenient 25-35 minute bus or taxi ride up to Peisey-Vallandry.
Where to stay: The ski-in-ski-out, fully renovated Hotel Émeraude has doubles from €130 B&B, offering direct access to the slopes.

Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, France

Saint-Gervais has been a popular tourist destination since the Middle Ages, primarily owing to its natural hot springs. Today, the resort’s state-of-the-art thermal baths are still a huge draw for skiers seeking the ultimate wellness holiday, offering a luxurious way to relax after a day on the slopes. Combined with over 455km of quiet piste (part of the vast Evasion Mont Blanc ski area) and some of the best unobstructed views of Mont Blanc in France, Saint-Gervais is a must-visit. In 2022, the resort further enhanced its offerings by opening a world-class indoor climbing facility, Le Topo. Dining, meanwhile, remains suitably traditional, with hearty Savoyard platters, delicious fondue, and local craft beer. It’s also perfect for holidaying by rail, featuring a unique station-to-village gondola, Le Valléen, plus the historic Mont-Blanc tramway, one of the highest in Europe.
By train: 8h 45min
Depart London St Pancras on the 09.31 Eurostar to Paris Gare du Nord. Transfer to Paris Gare de Lyon and take the 14.18 TGV to Bellegarde. From Bellegarde, connect to the 17.15 TER regional train directly to Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, arriving at 19.16. From the station, it’s a quick five-minute ride by the Valléen gondola directly into the village centre.
Where to stay: Seven nights’ self-catering in a two-bedroom apartment in Les Sources de Canopée in Saint-Gervais, with Peak Retreats, costs from £645pp, including rail travel, based on four sharing.

Val Cenis, France

Val Cenis recently invested €25m in sustainable development and infrastructure, and the results are impressively showing. The resort has successfully created a second "recycled" chairlift, Combe de l’Ours, ingeniously using secondhand seats, pylons, and cables to reduce the need for new materials tenfold. This winter, guests will be greeted by a new panoramic treetop walkway and an energy-efficient gondola, providing easy access to its 125km of high-quality, north-facing piste. As a year-round working community, the resort comprises several well-stocked villages with a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and bars, as well as a bowling alley for non-skiing entertainment. Off-piste snowshoeing in the spectacular Vanoise National Park is a popular activity; locals Thierry Bardagi and Hélène Degano offer a combined snowshoeing and mountain refuge package, complete with a cooked breakfast overlooking the mountain sunrise.
By train: 7h 47min
Depart London St Pancras on the 08.01 Eurostar to Paris Gare du Nord. Transfer to Paris Gare de Lyon and take the 12.46 TGV to Modane, arriving at 16.48. From Modane, it’s a straightforward 30-minute bus or taxi journey to Val Cenis.
Where to stay: Erna Low offers seven nights’ self-catering in a one-bedroom apartment in Les Balcons de Val Cenis Village, from £132pp, based on four sharing (travel not included).

Villars-sur-Ollon, Switzerland

Villars is one of French-speaking Switzerland’s quieter and (relatively) more affordable resorts, making it perfect for an active, yet relaxed, holiday. Its respectable 130km of piste spreads across neighbouring Les Diablerets and Gryon, providing something for all ages and abilities, including excellent cross-country, touring, and toboggan trails. A highlight is the spectacular 1,500-metre off-piste descent from the Les Diablerets glacier directly to the village. After a long day’s skiing, visitors can indulge in a rejuvenating spa massage at Les Bains de Villars or take a dip in the famous hot springs at Lavey. Evenings can be spent enjoying live music and fine malt whisky in the cosy bar at Les Mazots du Clos.
By train: 8h 49min
Depart London St Pancras on the 09.31 Eurostar to Paris Gare du Nord. Transfer to Paris Gare de Lyon and take the 14.18 TGV to Geneva. From Geneva, catch the 18.05 InterRegio train to Aigle, arriving at 19.20. From Aigle, it’s a scenic 20-minute bus or taxi ride up the mountain to Villars.
Where to stay: Alpe Fleurie Hotel & Residence offers double rooms from £193 B&B, combining comfort with convenient access to the resort.

Grandvalira, Andorra

Andorra’s unique duty-free status makes Grandvalira particularly attractive to visitors seeking both extensive skiing and high-quality, low-cost accommodation and shopping. Spread across three high-altitude villages – Pas de la Casa, Soldeu, and El Tarter – the resort is by far the largest in the Pyrenees, boasting 215km of interconnected piste best suited to intermediates. The village of Pas de la Casa has garnered a lively reputation for its vibrant après-ski scene, while further along, Soldeu is home to some swanky four- and five-star hotels offering luxurious stays. The ace up Grandvalira’s sleeve, however, is its unique Catalan cuisine, which stands quite apart from traditional Alpine fare, with an emphasis on delicious flame-grilled meats, hearty vegetable stews, and a rich culinary heritage.
By train: 15h 12min (overnight option)
Depart London St Pancras on the 17.31 Eurostar to Paris Gare du Nord. Transfer across Paris to Paris Gare d’Austerlitz and take the 22.14 Intercités de Nuit sleeper train to Andorre-L’Hospitalet, arriving at 09.43 the next morning. From there, it’s a 35-55 minute bus or taxi ride to reach the various sectors of Grandvalira.
Where to stay: Alpine Answers offers seven nights in a double room (with balcony) at the four-star Sport Hotel Village, from £1,030pp B&B.

Sestriere, Italy

Europe’s first purpose-built ski resort, Sestriere, remains a cheap and cheerful destination, catering exceptionally well to families and young adults on a budget. Its slopes are consistently ranked among the best in the vast Via Lattea (Milky Way) domain, which includes France’s Montgenèvre and neighbouring Sauze d’Oulx. The pistes range from sprawling nursery meadows perfect for beginners to the steep, challenging Col de Sises Olympic giant slalom run, offering variety for all skill levels. Local amenities are well-organised and non-ski activities are abundant, including a sizable leisure centre and swimming pool, an open-air ice rink, and exciting dog-sledding excursions. Après-ski is surprisingly lively for a family-focused resort, with several popular pubs in the centre of town, alongside a good, old-fashioned discoteca, Tabata, keeping the party going into the night.
By train: 8h 20min
Depart London St Pancras on the 08.01 Eurostar to Paris Gare du Nord. Transfer to Paris Gare de Lyon and take the 12.46 TGV to Oulx, arriving at 17.21. From Oulx, it’s a convenient 35-minute bus or taxi journey directly to Sestriere.
Where to stay: Inghams offers seven nights at Grand Hotel Sestriere, from £1,134pp, including rail travel and transfers, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable holiday experience.

Accommodation prices are for the 2026/27 season and were correct at the time of publication.