Ski resorts accessible by train in Europe

This winter, take advantage of Europe’s extensive rail network and hit the slopes without the hassle. Whether you’re departing from London or finishing up a city break in Amsterdam, you’ll find a route to your favourite ski resort. Let’s have a look at some of the most popular slopes connected to key cities by rail.

Ski resorts in the French Alps

A ski village in Courchevel, French Alps

The French Alps are easily accessible from Paris and from neighbouring countries. Most journeys are direct, so you can sit back and enjoy the scenery without worrying about changing trains. Bring your own gear (no luggage weight restrictions!) or hire it when you arrive. You’ll be able to take advantage of France’s extensive winter sports infrastructure and legendary cuisine.

LA PLAGNE & LES ARCS: from Amsterdam, Rotterdam, or Brussels

Thalys Neige is a seasonal route to the French Alps. Direct and affordable, there’s no easier and faster way to reach popular French ski stations like La Plagne and Les Arcs, which are twinned and together make up Paradiski. Boasting over 425km of slopes and installations for all kinds of winter sports (snowboarding, sledding, and snowtubing), Paradiski is indeed a winter holiday paradise.

🚅 Destinations to book: Aime-la-Plagne (La Plagne), Bourg-Saint-Maurice (Les Arcs)

⏲️ Duration: Brussels to Bourg-Saint-Maurice in 6 hours 20 minutes

📅 Dates: Every Saturday from 24 December 2022 to 8 April 2023

LES ARCS & VILLARD-DE-LANS: from London or Paris 

If you’re starting in London, hop on the Eurostar to cross the English Channel. From Paris, there are several TGV routes to French ski destinations. The Alps are easily accessible, of course—Les Arcs, for one. If you’re looking for something a bit more off the beaten track, Villard-de-Lans might be more to your taste. As part of the Vercours National Park, it offers stunning views of vast pine forests in addition to great skiing.

🚅 Destinations to book: Bourg-Saint-Maurice (Les Arcs) plus a 10-minute shuttle bus or Grenoble (Villard-de-Lans) plus 40-minute shuttle bus

⏲️ Duration: Paris to Bourg-Saint-Maurice in 4 hours 30 minutes (plus a 10-minute shuttle bus)

📅 Dates: Year-round

Ski resorts in the Swiss Alps

An aerial view of Matterhorn

Winter tourism originated in Switzerland, so the Swiss are expert ski holiday providers. From charming chalets to world-class dining, Swiss resorts have got it all. With over 350 resorts, choosing might just be the hardest part. Two of the major players, Zermatt and St Mortiz, are accessible by train (often via scenic routes). They’re great places to combine sight-seeing and fresh air.

ZERMATT: from Geneva, Zurich, or Milan

Zermatt, Europe’s highest ski resort, is easily accessible from Switzerland’s major cities and from Milan. Located at the foot of the Matterhorn, it’s the ideal mix of an authentic Swiss village feel and a massive winter sports infrastructure. You’ll need to change trains once along the way (in Brig or Visp), but Swiss regional trains are punctual and come often, so it’ll be a fool proof stopover!

🚅 Destinations to book: Zermatt 

⏲️ Duration: Milan to Zermatt in 3 hours 31 minutes (fastest)

📅 Dates: Year-round

ST MORITZ: from Tirano, Basel, or Zurich 

Swanky St Moritz may be associated with luxury, but you don’t have to spend a lot to visit! It’s a cinch to get there from Tirano, Italy—there are a dozen direct trains daily. St Moritz has hosted the Winter Olympics and Alpine Ski World Championships several times, so take advantage of 87 championship-level pistes between your shopping and restaurant excursions.

🚅 Destinations to book: Saint Moritz 

⏲️ Duration: Tirano to Saint Mortiz in 2 hours 11 minutes (fastest)

📅 Dates: Year-round

Ski resorts in the Austrian Alps

Innsbruck in winter

Austria is a less frequented, but stunningly beautiful, place to hit the slopes. A mix of steep peaks and tapering terrain make it an ideal location for skiers of all ages and levels. Austria’s after-ski scene is legendary, and arguably the best in Europe. So, it will certainly be an experience to remember. Whatever activities you choose, you’re sure to have a warm Austrian welcome.

ST ANTON: from Zurich, Munich, or Salzburg

St Anton Am Arlberg (Austria’s largest ski area) is known for its extensive network of slopes and cable cars and, of course, it’s party atmosphere. It’s the perfect destination for those who’d like to let loose after a long day on the slopes. Direct trains are available from Zurich and Salzburg. Passengers coming from Munich will have a connection to make once they get into Austria.

🚅 Destinations to book: Saint-Anton-am-Arlberg

⏲️ Duration: Zurich to Saint-Anton in 2 hours 21 minutes (fastest)

📅 Dates: Year-round

INNSBRUCK: from Vienna or Salzburg

Seen as a jumping off point to reach other destinations, Innsbruck is often overlooked. But the capital of the storied Tirol region is a charming city with a beautiful historic centre. After exploring the city, head off to discover the breath-taking peaks of the Austrian Alps. Whether you’re looking for panoramic views from the peaks (head to Nordkette by cable car) or great skiing (13 ski resorts easily accessible by bus or cable car), there is something for kids and adults of all ages.  Innsbruck is accessible by direct train from Vienna or Salzburg.

🚅 Destinations to book: Innsbruck

⏲️ Duration: Vienna to Innsbruck in 4 hours 16 minutes (fastest)

📅 Dates: Year-round

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