Daniel Elkan and Robert Thorne take a look at sustainable ways to get to the slopes that are also surprisingly quick and easy – plus have the added benefit of offering you a scenic journey getting there. The odd thing…
Skier & Snowboarder
Daniel Elkan and Robert Thorne take a look at sustainable ways to get to the slopes that are also surprisingly quick and easy – plus have the added benefit of offering you a scenic journey getting there.
The odd thing about flying to ski resorts is how long it takes, overall; and the strange thing about going by train is how quick it can be. If you are starting from the UK, there are a surprising number of resorts that you can reach with convenience daytime or overnight. Scenic, sustainable options to the white stuff.
Currently, the most direct option is Eurostar Snow. This is a combination of two Eurostar trains, requiring only a change of adjacent platform at Lille. The service reaches Moutiers, Aime-la-Plagne, Landry and Bourg-Saint-Maurice stations in the French Alps, from where some of France’s most famous resorts are just a short transfer away.
But when it comes to rail travel to resorts, Eurostar Snow is only one part of the picture. If you take a Eurostar to Paris and switch stations there, a whole suite of TGV trains can speed you towards resorts all over France, Italy and Switzerland.
Image: Train travel in Switzerland by Daniel Elkan
What’s more, there is the recent introduction of the Travelski Night Express. This sleeper train runs on two routes to Bourg-Saint-Maurice: one from Paris, introduced last winter; the other – new for this winter – from Amsterdam and Brussels. The train has couchette beds and an impressive cafe-bar-restaurant, too. And, by going overnight, you get to ski the day that you arrive and the day that you leave – extending your ski time significantly.
Austrian resorts can be accessed by overnight train, too. National carrier OBB’s Nightjet will choo choo you from Brussels or Paris to SalzburgerLand and from Cologne to the Tirol region. This makes for easy connections from the UK, too.
But where to go? Here’s a selection of some of the best ski resorts by train.
Les Arcs, France
An icon of French modernist design, Les Arcs comprises four purpose-built villages – Arc 1600, 1800, 1950 and 2000 – climbing the hillside of the Tarentaise. Linked with neighbouring La Plagne via cable car, the two resorts form the immense Paradiski Domain: over 425km of pistes traversing every gradient and terrain imaginable.
Given that the resort is purpose-built, most of the accommodation is ski-in/ski-out (as well as the entire high street of Arc 1950, which is practically built into the piste); it’s also car-free, serviced by a funicular which ascends directly from the station platform at Bourg-Saint-Maurice. This makes Les Arcs one of the easiest ski resorts to access by train from the UK, and also one of the most ecologically minded in the Alps.
As a larger resort, new events and developments appear each season: for winter 2026/27, this includes La Descente champagne bar at Arc 1800, two candlelight concerts in December and a brand new kids’ fun run, Les Pitchouns, winding through the trees under the Vallandry gondola.
Example journey
Depart London St Pancras on the 09:01 Eurostar Snow, changing at Lille to arrive at 17:59; from there it’s seven minutes by funicular railway to Arc 1600, with bus connections (15-25 mins) to the other villages.
Alpe d’Huez, France
Perched 1860m above the Romanche Valley, Alpe d’Huez is widely regarded as one of the sunniest resorts in the Alps. Its 250km of south-facing local pistes encompass several villages, each with its own distinct feel: from the rustic Villard-Reculas to bustling, valley-base Vaujany. Given its size, the resort caters to all abilities, and as one giant resort it’s easy to traverse in a day (though with enough skiing to occupy you for weeks). You’ll find gentle nursery runs directly above the eponymous main village, and the legendary 16km black, the Sarenne, at the resort’s glacier summit.
For non-skiing activities, Alpe d’Huez is well-supplied, with a large shopping district, an ice rink and a good après-ski scene (we recommend the Underground and the Sporting), plus winter staples like snowshoeing, dog-sledging and a high-altitude cave of ice sculptures.
Example journey
Depart London St Pancras on the 10:31 Eurostar to Paris-Nord; change to Paris-Lyon and take the 15:14 TGV, arriving at Grenoble station at 18:13. From there it’s a 90-minute taxi or bus ride.
Bardonecchia is an old Italian town that sits just across the border from France. It’s an ideal resort for families and beginners, with excellent childcare facilities and a respectable 100km of uncrowded piste, as well as some decent tree-skiing and off-piste on Jafferau. Along with the resort’s hosting of the 2006 Winter Olympics’ snowboard events, the latter has made Bardo quite popular among boarders and powderheads alike. Nevertheless, it’s retained its traditional, laid-back charm and lack of lift queues.
Perhaps the biggest plus is Bardonecchia’s proximity to Turin, with which it’s linked by rail. Hence, it’s not only a popular weekend resort for Italy’s urbanites, but a great way to combine a ski holiday with a city break among some of the most beautiful buildings in Europe. Off the slopes, Bardonecchia has plenty of its own to offer too, including winter horse riding, biking and snow-tubing.
Example journey
Depart London St Pancras on the 09:31 Eurostar to Paris-Nord; change to Paris-Lyon and take the 14:48 TGV, changing at Oulx to arrive at Bardonecchia at 19:48.
Les Gets, France
Les Gets’ greatest appeal comes from its combination of a historic village centre with access to one of the world’s largest interconnected ski areas, the Portes du Soleil. With 600km of marked piste, ski opportunities within the domain are endless. However, Les Gets’ 120km of local tree-lined local slopes (shared with neighbouring Morzine) are equally fantastic, with some of the best black runs and views of Mont Blanc at the top of Mont Chéry.
Local off-piste powder here is also notably quiet and plentiful, thanks to the resort’s family-focused vision. The village itself is a delight, with foundations dating back to the 11th century and an attractive chalet style. Though the après-ski is tamer than other resorts of an equal size – think cocktails at the Christiania Bar, or wine-tasting at Le Bacchus – where Les Gets excels is in its gastronomy, with in-resort restaurants like La Païka, L’Auberge de la Fruitière, and La Part des Anges frequently receiving rave reviews.
Example journey
Depart London St Pancras the 09:31 Eurostar to Paris-Nord; change to Paris-Lyon and take 14:18 TGV, changing at Bellegarde, to arrive in Cluses at 18:52; from there it’s 25 minutes by bus or taxi.
Image: Tignes
Tignes, France
Tignes is a classic in European skiing – and with good reason. Purpose-built on a high, snowy plateau, accessibility to the slopes could not be better (although those staying in the outlying villages of Les Boisses and Les Brévières will need to take the shuttle). Sharing over 300km of pistes with neighbouring Val d’Isère, including some of the world’s best freeriding terrain and an immense snowpark, the emphasis here is on skiing hard and partying harder.
The latter is made possible by a combination of an afternoon at La Folie Douce, an evening at buzzing Cocorico, and then a night out in Val Claret’s so-called ‘Golden Triangle’. Non-ski activities here can be just as hardcore, with options for ice-diving in the resort’s central lake, paragliding and bungee-skiing beside the Merles chair. Nevertheless, there are options for a quieter stay, especially in down-valley Tignes Le Lavachet and the resort’s aforementioned outlying villages.
Example journey
Depart London St Pancras on the 17:31 Eurostar to Paris-Nord; change to Paris-Lyon and take the 22:52 Travelski Night Express, arriving at Bourg-Saint-Maurice station at 08:09. From there it’s a 45-minute taxi or bus ride.
Montgenevre, France
The only French resort in the Franco-Italian Via Lattea Domain, Montgenèvre was once the stomping ground of Paris’ interwar jet set, before becoming the “Monty” that British skiers flocked to in the 1990s. Today, it’s a quiet, family-friendly village, with some of the best beginner slopes in the Alps just above.
Thanks to its high-altitude, north-facing slopes, the resort has the best snow record in the region, with some excellent powder bowls around Gondrans and off the Col de l’Alpet. Montgenèvre’s lift infrastructure has seen considerable investment over the past decade, with two new high-speed gondolas and a chair opening this season – ensuring a smoother ascent and more time on the slopes for the skiers.
Accommodation and dining also tend to be inexpensive here, comprising mostly two to three-star hotels and a mixture of French and Italian fare. Lastly, while the nightlife is quiet, there’s plenty of non-ski activities – the Monty Express Mountain Coaster being a must-try.
Example journey
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 arrive at Oulx at 17.21. From there it’s 35 minutes by bus or taxi.
Nendaz, Switzerland
Nendaz is a friendly, intermediate-oriented resort in the Swiss Valais. Sat on a sunny plateau, skiers here have a choice between the vast 410km of the 4 Vallées Domain, of which Nendaz is part, or the smaller (and less expensive) Printse sector, which still comprises a respectable 220km of piste. The resort offers a quieter, more affordable alternative to neighbouring Verbier, with which it shares its slopes. It’s also more authentic, made up of traditional Swiss chalets, fondue restaurants, and woodland walking trails.
That said, Nendaz isn’t without its modern comforts; the in-resort Spa de Bisses is a world-class thermal bath facility, containing a bio-sauna and dew steam bath. Meanwhile, in mid-April, the slopes light up with the Snow Vibes Festival: a snow-side celebration of techno and EDM that in the past has featured world-renowned DJs like Dimitri Vegas and Benny Benassi.
Example journey
Depart London St Pancras on the 07:31 Eurostar to Paris Gare du Nord; change to Paris Gare de Lyon and take the 12:18 TGV to Geneva and then the 16:05 InterRegio train to Sion, arriving at 17:56. From there it’s 25 minutes by bus or taxi.
Image: Switzerland Tourism, Rhaetische Bahn
Obergurgl, Austria
One of Austria’s most snow-sure destinations, Obergurgl is a small, high-altitude Tirolean town with over 110km of local piste. Its unique climate and position give it an exceptionally long season, with heavy snowfalls beginning in early November and lasting into May – making it perfect for an off-season break.
Obergurgl also boasts an excellent local culinary scene, with Austrian delicacies like Käsespätzle and Kaiserschmarrn commonly on offer at mountain grottos like Nederhütte. While the après-ski scene may not be as lively as nearby Sölden, there are a few notable sun terraces and firepits where you’ll find skiers enjoying a pint and bowl of fries after a hard day’s carving.
Experts are advised to head to the more challenging runs around the Top Mountain Star viewpoint, while families can benefit from the ample greens and blues located just above the village.
Example journey
Depart London St Pancras on the 15:04 Eurostar to Brussels, then take the 18:25 ICE to Cologne and the 21:14 Nightjet from Brussels to Innsbruck, arriving 09:14, and then the 09:47 Railjet, arriving at Ötztal at 10:10. From there it’s 45 minutes by bus or taxi.
Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, France
Saint-Martin is the newest addition to France’s almighty 3 Vallées: the largest interlinked ski area on the planet, at over 600km of piste. The tranquil cobblestones of its main village revolve around a 17th-century stone bell tower, with an excellent range of cosy eateries and local bars.
While there’s little by the way of local slopes, Saint-Martin is only a few lift rides away from the piste above neighbouring Les Menuires, Méribel and Val Thorens, making it an excellent destination compromise between world-class skiing and an authentic Alpine village. The off-piste is also fairly untapped, next to the rest of the 3 Vallées Domain, with good beginner freeriding just next to the top of the St Martin Express chair.
Finally, for those with a taste for the finer things, two must-visits are La Bouitte and Simple & Meilleur – run by the same father-son pair of Michelin-starred chefs.
Example journey
Depart London St Pancras on the 09:01 Eurostar Snow to Moûtiers, changing at Lille to arrive at Moûtiers at 17:00; from there it’s 25 minutes by bus or taxi.
Sainte-Foy, France
A mere 20-minute drive from Bourg-Saint-Maurice station, Sainte-Foy remains one of the Alps’ best-kept secrets. Tucked away above the busy traffic leading to Tignes and Val d’Isère, its 41km of north-facing, treelined pistes are Sainte-Foy’s alone. They’re quiet, uncrowded, and boast exceptionally good snow, with few flats to trip up boards and enough freeriding opportunities to keep experts happy – try the 1700m vertical off the north face of Fogliettaz for a real adventure.
The village of Sainte-Foy itself has managed to avoid both the crowds and plagues of overdevelopment, retaining its small, local feel and good-quality mode de vie, with most accommodations being classic Savoyard chalets within easy walking distance of the lifts. For raclette on a 16th-century sun terrace, try La Maison à Colonnes; or else, get a guide to take you off-piste for lunch at the remote Chez Mérie.
Example journey
Depart London St Pancras on the 09:01 Eurostar Snow, changing at Lille to arrive at 17:59; from there it’s 25 minutes by bus or taxi.
The definition of an idyll, Aussois is a tiny Savoyard village set at the edge of the spectacular Vanoise National Park. While its 60km of piste may not seem much, they offer a quieter, more personal alternative to the crowded slopes of France’s big resorts – at a much lower price.
Aussois is well-suited to families, beginners and intermediates looking for a safe space to develop their skills, as well as couples looking for something a tad more romantic. The village itself is very historic, centring around a gorgeous Catholic chapel (the foundations of which go back to the 12th century), with nearby brasseries, boulangeries and pizzerias, and several ancient Piedmontese fortresses downhill. Altogether, it’s a great choice for skiers who value peace, scenery and a fair price over fast-paced après-ski and high dining.
Example journey
Depart London St Pancras on the 08:01 Eurostar to Paris-Nord; change to Paris-Lyon and take the 12:46 TGV, arriving at Modane station at 16:48. From there it’s a 15-minute taxi or bus ride.
Schladming, Austria
Schladming is much more than your cookie-cutter tourist resort. With a year-round population of around 7,000, this former silver mining town feels distinctly urban, containing a plethora of shops, bars and restaurants in its central district.
Unlike ski-cities like Chamonix, however, Schladming is very easy on the eye. Its pastel colours, Belle Époque architecture, and winding, pedestrianised streets would look good on a gingerbread tin, surrounded by snowy pine forests and hikeable waterfalls.
Perhaps that’s why the resort plays host to one of the biggest events in the FIS World Cup calendar: the floodlit Nightrace, which takes place at the end of January each year, attracting thousands of visitors to the temporary stadium at the foot of Schladming’s slopes. For those who love ski racing, it’s a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, with an atmosphere aided by some pretty lively après-ski.
Example journey
Depart London St Pancras on the 15:04 Eurostar to Brussels-Midi. Then take the 19:07 NightJet to Salzburg, and then the 08:07 Railjet to arrive at Schladming at 09:39.
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