TL;DR: Skiing Europe by train : The complete guide , Ditch the rental car and skip the airport chaos. Europe’s best ski resorts are connected by trains that are faster, cheaper, and way less stressful than flying or driving. This guide covers routes from major hubs, real prices, timetables, and insider tips for planning your train-to-slopes adventure.
The old way of skiing goes something like this: a 3:00 AM alarm, a frantic drive to a long-stay airport car park, the “liquid logic” of security lines, and the inevitable dread of the oversized baggage carousel. By the time you finally squeeze into a cramped transfer van for a three-hour winding climb into the Alps, you’re exhausted, dehydrated, and significantly poorer.
But in 2026, a new—yet classic—way of traveling is taking center stage. The European Rail Renaissance has officially reached the mountains. From the high-speed tracks of the Eurostar Snow to the cozy cabins of the ÖBB Nightjet, the journey to the slopes is no longer a logistical hurdle to be cleared; it is the first morning of your holiday.
The “Hidden” Budget of Rail Travel
When we talk about “affordable” ski vacations, we often focus solely on the lift pass. But for the savvy traveler in 2026, the real savings are found in the transit. While budget airlines might lure you in with a €29 seat, the “ski tax” is real—often adding €60 or more for your gear and another €100 for a shared transfer from a distant hub like Geneva or Lyon.
On the rails, the economics shift in your favor. Most major European lines, including the direct services from London, Paris, and Amsterdam, allow you to bring your skis or snowboard for free. Furthermore, by choosing “station-in-resort” destinations like St. Anton am Arlberg or Bardonecchia, your transfer cost is exactly €0. You step off the platform, walk five minutes (or hop on a free village shuttle), and you are at your hotel.
Let’s break down the real numbers. A typical budget airline ski trip from London to the Alps:
- Flight: €29-89 (if you’re lucky)
- Ski baggage: €60-80
- Airport parking or transport: €30-60
- Transfer to resort: €80-150 per person
- Total: €199-379 per person
Compare that to the train:
- Eurostar to Bourg-St-Maurice: £139-299 return (€160-345)
- Ski baggage: Free
- Station to resort: €0-25 (many resorts have free shuttles)
- Total: €160-370 per person
The difference? You arrive relaxed, with legroom, and you’ve started your holiday the moment you board.
Highly Related
Sustainability Meets Sophistication
Beyond the wallet, there is the “why.” In an era where we are more conscious than ever of our mountain footprint, taking the train is the single most impactful choice a skier can make. Shifting from a flight to a train can reduce the carbon emissions of your journey by up to 80%.
And let’s be honest: there is a certain “James Bond” romance to it. Imagine waking up in a sleeper cabin as the sun hits the snow-capped peaks of the Tyrol, or sharing a bottle of wine in the dining car while the French countryside blurs past at 300 km/h. In 2026, luxury isn’t about arriving the fastest; it’s about arriving the most relaxed.
The mountains we love to ski on are shrinking. Glaciers are retreating, snow lines are rising, and resorts are investing billions in snowmaking just to keep operating. If you want your kids (or their kids) to experience powder days, the train isn’t just a nice option—it’s the responsible one.
What’s in This Guide?
In this post, we are stripping away the complexity of mountain logistics. We’ve mapped out the best piste-to-platform connections across France, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, and Germany, specifically curated for high-value experiences. Whether you’re looking for the tax-free perks of Livigno, the Olympic terrain of Bardonecchia, or the seamless funicular connection of Les Arcs, this is your blueprint for an affordable, sustainable, and entirely stress-free winter 2026.
Pack your bags (the big ones—there’s no weight limit here). The mountain is calling, and the train is waiting at the platform.From London: The Eurostar Ski Train
Best For: British skiers heading to the French Alps
The legendary Eurostar ski train runs direct from London St Pancras to the French Alps on winter Saturdays (typically December to April). You board in London on Friday night or Saturday morning and wake up in Moûtiers, Aime-la-Plagne, or Bourg-St-Maurice.
Sample Route: London → Bourg-St-Maurice (gateway to Les Arcs, La Plagne, Tignes, Val d’Isère)
- Travel Time: 7-8 hours direct
- Price Range: £139-299 return (book 3-6 months ahead for best deals)
- Frequency: Weekly on Saturdays during ski season
- Pro Tip: Bring your own snacks—the bar car prices are painful
Resorts You Can Reach:
- Les Arcs (20 min bus from Bourg-St-Maurice, or take the funicular directly from the station)
- La Plagne (35 min bus from Aime-la-Plagne station)
- Val d’Isère & Tignes (1 hour bus from Bourg-St-Maurice)
- Les Trois Vallées (40 min from Moûtiers to Méribel, Courchevel, Val Thorens)
From Paris: Gateway to the French Alps
Best For: Anyone flying into Paris or starting in France
Paris is your launching pad for the biggest ski areas in Europe. The TGV (high-speed train) network connects you to dozens of resorts in just a few hours.
Sample Routes:
Paris Gare de Lyon → Chambéry (for Méribel, Courchevel, Val Thorens)
- Travel Time: 3 hours
- Price Range: €35-90 one-way (cheaper if booked 3 months ahead)
- Frequency: 4-6 trains daily
- Then: Bus to resort (1-2 hours, €25-35)
Paris Gare de Lyon → Annecy (for La Clusaz, Le Grand Bornand)
- Travel Time: 3.5 hours
- Price Range: €40-95 one-way
- Frequency: 5-8 trains daily
Paris Gare de Lyon → Grenoble (for Alpe d’Huez, Les Deux Alpes, Chamrousse)
- Travel Time: 3 hours
- Price Range: €30-80 one-way
- Then: Bus to resort (1-1.5 hours)
Paris → Bardonecchia (Italy)
- Travel Time: 5.5 hours via Lyon and Turin
- Price Range: €55-120 one-way
- Station-in-resort: Walk to slopes in 10 minutes
- Why Go: Olympic-level terrain, Italian prices, direct platform access
From Zürich: Swiss Precision Meets Alpine Access
Best For: Travelers flying into Switzerland or exploring Swiss/Austrian resorts
Switzerland’s train system is basically a religious experience. Everything runs on time, connects perfectly, and the views are insane.
Sample Routes:
Zürich → St. Moritz
- Travel Time: 3.5 hours
- Price Range: CHF 72-134 (€75-140) one-way; Half-Fare Card cuts this in half
- Frequency: Hourly
- Pro Tip: The Glacier Express route is stunning but slower—take the regular train
Zürich → Zermatt (car-free resort, Matterhorn views)
- Travel Time: 3.5 hours with one change in Visp
- Price Range: CHF 78-142 (€82-148) one-way
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes
- Note: Zermatt is car-free, so train is your only option anyway
Zürich → Davos/Klosters
- Travel Time: 2.5 hours
- Price Range: CHF 58-106 (€60-110) one-way
- Frequency: Hourly
Zürich → Andermatt (station-in-resort)
- Travel Time: 2 hours
- Price Range: CHF 48-88 (€50-92) one-way
- Station-in-resort: 5-minute walk to gondola
Swiss Travel Pass Hack: If you’re doing multiple trips in Switzerland, the Swiss Travel Pass (from CHF 232/€242 for 3 days) includes most trains, buses, and boats. It basically pays for itself in 2-3 journeys.
From Munich: Your Austrian Alps Connection
Best For: Accessing Austrian and German ski areas
Munich Airport is often cheaper for flights, and the train connections to Austria are excellent.
Sample Routes:
Munich → Innsbruck
- Travel Time: 1.5-2 hours
- Price Range: €35-70 one-way (Bayern-Ticket can make this much cheaper)
- Frequency: Every 1-2 hours
- From Innsbruck: Easy connections to Stubai Glacier, Nordkette, and surrounding resorts
Munich → St. Anton am Arlberg (station-in-resort)
- Travel Time: 2.5 hours
- Price Range: €45-85 one-way
- Station-in-resort: Walk to town center and lifts in 10 minutes
- Why Go: Legendary off-piste, direct platform access
Munich → Garmisch-Partenkirchen (Germany’s top resort, station-in-resort)
- Travel Time: 1.5 hours
- Price Range: €28-55 one-way
- Frequency: Hourly
- Note: Walk from station to slopes in 15 minutes
Munich → Salzburg → Ski Amadé Resorts
- Travel Time: 1.5 hours to Salzburg
- Price Range: €38-75 one-way to Salzburg
- Then: Regional trains to Bad Gastein, Flachau, etc. (1-2 hours more)
From Vienna: The ÖBB Nightjet Experience
Best For: Long-distance travelers who want to sleep their way to the slopes
Vienna → Innsbruck (Nightjet)
- Travel Time: 8 hours overnight
- Price Range: €39-149 (couchette), €79-299 (sleeper cabin)
- Frequency: Daily
- Why It’s Great: Board at 10 PM, sleep, wake up in the mountains at 6 AM
Vienna → Zürich (Nightjet)
- Travel Time: 10 hours overnight
- Price Range: €59-199 (couchette), €99-349 (sleeper cabin)
- Then: Onward to Swiss resorts
From Milan: Italian Dolomites & Tax-Free Skiing
Best For: Skiing the Dolomites and accessing Italy’s hidden gems
Milan → Livigno (tax-free resort)
- Travel Time: 3.5 hours to Tirano, then bus (1 hour)
- Price Range: €25-55 one-way to Tirano
- Why Go: Tax-free shopping, cheaper lift passes, duty-free booze
Milan → Cervinia/Breuil
- Travel Time: 3.5 hours to Châtillon, then bus (30 min)
- Price Range: €25-50 one-way
- Frequency: Several daily
Milan → Bardonecchia (station-in-resort)
- Travel Time: 2.5 hours
- Price Range: €15-35 one-way
- Station-in-resort: Walk to lifts in 10 minutes
- Why Go: Olympic runs, Italian hospitality, direct access
Milan → Cortina d’Ampezzo
- Travel Time: 5-6 hours with changes
- Price Range: €35-65 one-way
- Note: This one’s a bit more complex, but totally doable
From Amsterdam: Northern Europe’s Alpine Gateway
Amsterdam → Swiss & Austrian Resorts
- To Innsbruck: 8-9 hours with one change
- To Zürich: 8-10 hours
- Pro Tip: Consider the Nightjet from Amsterdam to Innsbruck or Zürich for overnight travel
Money-Saving Hacks & Booking Tips
Book Early, Book Smart
- 3-6 months ahead: Best prices on Eurostar and TGV
- Last minute: Sometimes you score deals, but don’t count on it
- Tuesday/Wednesday departures: Often 30-40% cheaper than weekends
- Night trains: Often same price as day trains but save you a hotel night
Rail Passes Worth Considering
- Interrail Pass (for Europeans): From €185 for 4 days in one month
- Eurail Pass (for non-Europeans): From $258 for 4 days in one month
- Swiss Travel Pass: Often better value than point-to-point tickets
- Bayern-Ticket (Bavaria Day Pass): €27-71 for unlimited regional trains (up to 5 people)
- ÖBB Sparschiene: Austria’s advance-purchase tickets, sometimes as low as €9
Luggage & Ski Equipment
Most European trains allow ski bags for free, but there are limits:
- Eurostar: One ski bag + one regular bag free (max 85kg total)
- TGV/SNCF: Ski bags allowed, storage space first-come-first-served
- Swiss trains: Dedicated ski racks in winter sports season
- ÖBB (Austria): Free ski transport, generous luggage allowance
- Pro Tip: Board early to secure storage space, or send bags ahead using services like Ski Excess
Sample Itineraries: Train-Based Ski Trips
The French Alps Week (From London)
- Day 1: Eurostar to Bourg-St-Maurice, funicular to Les Arcs
- Days 2-4: Ski Les Arcs
- Day 5: Local bus to La Plagne (20 min), ski there
- Days 6-7: Ski La Plagne
- Day 8: Return via Eurostar
- Total Transport Cost: £280-600 depending on booking timing
The Swiss Grand Tour (From Zürich)
- Days 1-2: Zürich → Zermatt (ski the Matterhorn glacier paradise)
- Day 3: Train to Verbier via Visp (3.5 hours)
- Days 4-5: Ski Verbier
- Day 6: Train to St. Moritz (4 hours)
- Days 7-8: Ski St. Moritz
- Day 9: Return to Zürich
- Total Transport Cost: CHF 350-600 (€365-625) without pass; CHF 290 (€302) with 8-day Swiss Travel Pass
The Austrian Adventure (From Munich)
- Day 1: Munich → Innsbruck → Stubai Glacier
- Days 2-4: Ski Stubai & Innsbruck area
- Day 5: Train to St. Anton (1.5 hours)
- Days 6-8: Ski St. Anton (station-in-resort luxury)
- Day 9: Return to Munich
- Total Transport Cost: €150-280
The Italian Tax-Free Tour (From Milan)
- Days 1-2: Milan → Bardonecchia (station-in-resort)
- Days 3-4: Ski Bardonecchia
- Day 5: Train to Livigno via Tirano
- Days 6-8: Ski Livigno (tax-free shopping spree)
- Day 9: Return to Milan
- Total Transport Cost: €80-180
Essential Planning Tips
Check Train Schedules in Real-Time
- SNCF Connect: French trains
- SBB Mobile: Swiss trains (best app ever, honestly)
- ÖBB: Austrian trains (Nightjet bookings)
- Trainline: Multi-country searches
- Deutsche Bahn: German trains and good for international routes
- Trenitalia: Italian trains
Resort Buses & Connections Most ski stations have coordinated bus services meeting train arrivals. Check resort websites for “Getting Here” sections with timetables. Many are free with your lift pass or included in your accommodation’s guest card.
Station-in-Resort Winners These resorts have train stations literally at the base:
- Les Arcs (funicular from Bourg-St-Maurice)
- St. Anton am Arlberg (Austria)
- Garmisch-Partenkirchen (Germany)
- Bardonecchia (Italy)
- Andermatt (Switzerland)
- Zermatt (Switzerland, car-free)
What to Pack
- Ski bag with wheels: Trust us on this
- Snacks & water: Station food is expensive
- Power bank: For those long journeys
- Offline maps: Cell service in tunnels is sketchy
- Eye mask & earplugs: For night trains
- Patience: Connections can be tight, build in buffer time
Weather Delays Trains handle snow way better than cars or planes, but major storms can cause delays. Build in a buffer day at the start of your trip if possible, and consider travel insurance that covers missed connections.
The Environmental Win
Here’s something worth celebrating: taking the train instead of flying or driving cuts your carbon footprint by up to 90%. A return flight London to Geneva produces about 0.2 tonnes of CO2 per person. The Eurostar? About 0.01 tonnes. That’s 20 times less.
The numbers are even more dramatic for shorter routes. Flying Munich to Innsbruck emits around 0.08 tonnes of CO2. The train? 0.003 tonnes—that’s 96% less.
If you care about skiing existing in 30 years (thanks, climate change), train travel is the move. And unlike carbon offsets (which are often questionable), this is a real, measurable difference you can make.
The Logistics
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I really bring all my ski gear on trains? Yes! Most European trains have dedicated ski storage or racks. Ski bags count as special luggage and are usually free. Helmets and boots typically fit in your regular luggage.
What if I miss my connection? Most tickets allow you to take the next available train if you miss your connection due to delays (check your ticket terms). If it’s your fault, you might need to pay for a new ticket or change fee.
Are trains cheaper than flying? Often yes, especially when you factor in airport transfers, baggage fees, and car rentals. Plus, you save time—no 2-hour pre-flight arrivals or waiting for luggage. And many station-in-resort destinations eliminate transfer costs entirely.
Do I need reservations? For high-speed trains (TGV, Eurostar), yes—always. For regional Swiss trains, usually not. Night trains require reservations and book up fast. Book ahead for peace of mind.
Can I bring my dog? Most European trains allow pets, but rules vary. Small dogs in carriers often travel free; larger dogs need tickets (usually 50% of adult fare). Night trains have specific pet-friendly cabins.
What about families with kids? Trains are brilliant for families. Kids under 4-6 travel free (varies by country), there’s space to move around, bathrooms on board, and no seatbelt requirements. Many trains have family compartments.
The Bottom Line: Why Train-to-Slopes Works
Three years ago, I drove from Paris to Méribel. White knuckles, €60 in tolls, and a near miss with a snowplow. Last year, I took the TGV to Moûtiers, caught a bus, and arrived with zero stress and €200 still in my account. This year, I’m taking the Eurostar to Bourg-St-Maurice, then the funicular directly to Les Arcs. Door to slopes in under 8 hours, and I’ll read a book the whole way.
Train travel to ski resorts isn’t some eco-warrior pipe dream—it’s genuinely the better option. You’ll save money, avoid stress, reduce your carbon footprint, and actually enjoy the journey. The Alps are stunning from a train window, especially when you’re sipping coffee instead of gripping a steering wheel.
Start planning your route, book those tickets early, and get ready for the most civilized ski trip of your life.
Quick Recap: Your Train-to-Slopes Checklist
✅ Book trains 3-6 months ahead for best prices
✅ Consider station-in-resort destinations (St. Anton, Bardonecchia, Les Arcs)
✅ Check resort bus connections before booking
✅ Get a rail pass if doing multiple journeys
✅ Pack smart—wheeled ski bags are essential
✅ Download offline maps and train apps (SBB Mobile is gold)
✅ Build in buffer time for connections
✅ Bring snacks (seriously, station food is robbery)
✅ Check luggage policies for your specific trains
✅ Consider night trains to save accommodation costs
✅ Choose tax-free resorts like Livigno for extra savings
✅ Consider travel insurance for weather delays
✅ Enjoy the journey—it’s part of the adventure
Disclaimer
Train schedules, prices, and routes mentioned in this guide are based on 2025-2026 winter season information and are subject to change. Always verify current timetables and fares on official railway websites before booking. Price ranges are estimates and can vary significantly based on booking time, travel dates, ticket class, and availability.
Resort bus connections and frequencies may change—check with individual resorts for up-to-date information. Station-in-resort walking times are approximate and may vary based on your accommodation location and mobility.
While we strive for accuracy, train services can be affected by weather, strikes, or operational changes beyond anyone’s control. Build flexibility into your plans and consider travel insurance that covers missed connections and weather-related cancellations.
This guide is for informational purposes and doesn’t constitute professional travel advice. Tax-free shopping regulations in resorts like Livigno may have allowance limits and customs requirements—check current regulations before making purchases.
Always check current travel requirements, visa regulations, and COVID-19 related restrictions before booking international train travel. Carbon emission figures are estimates based on publicly available data and may vary by specific route and train type.
Last updated: January 2026
