Not all ski trips should begin with the hustle and bustle at the airport, long bus rides, and attempts to squeeze skis into a little car. Europe has its share of amazing winter train travel.
For student skiers, mountain trains could become a good alternative to this type of travel. It will not only be more affordable if ordered ahead of time but also easier to navigate and more comfortable. One can relax by the window and enjoy passing landscapes while saving energy for skiing.
But the main advantage of train travel in the mountains is the views of snowy villages, elevated bridges, frozen rivers, pine forests, and rocky mountain summits that can enrich a vacation experience.
Why Should Student Skiers Choose Mountain Trains
Most student skiers plan their holidays keeping the budget as their priority, and there is no wonder in it since lift passes, equipment, meals, accommodation, and transport cost a lot. Trains can become useful in that aspect since they deliver to the nearest towns without additional expenses on airport transfer or rental cars.
The train can also serve as a good means for students conducting group work or working on presentations on travel and transportation. In case a student needs to conduct a travel project in wintertime, it is possible to use the services of a PowerPoint presentation writing service when they need assistance in creating a PowerPoint presentation based on their travels, routes, maps, pictures and other material.
According to Adam Jason, a student expert in travel and education, train trips through mountains are very helpful for younger travellers as they combine movement, scenery, and education. As he puts it, “A scenic trip teaches students about interrelations between geography, tourism and local culture in real life.”
One of the possible official sources to use in order to plan such a journey is the route description of the Glacier Express. It is said that the train connects Zermatt and St. Moritz through impressive alpine scenery, which includes bridges, tunnels, valleys and mountain passes.
1. Glacier Express, Switzerland
Glacier Express is one of the most famous trains in Europe when it comes to spectacular views. It is frequently associated with Swiss skiing towns like Zermatt and St. Moritz. For student skiers, Glacier Express is more about relaxing than travelling.
Glacier Express travels through deep valleys, snow-covered forests, mountain towns and vast wintry landscapes. With many windows, it provides a chance to admire the scenery. At times, you can see cosy wooden houses, then cross high bridges or see the mountain from above.
The Express is perfect for those who seek a memorable experience. It is usually more expensive than other trains, which makes it suitable for a special journey or a once-in-a-season skiing vacation.
2. Bernina Express, Switzerland and Italy
Another fantastic mountain train ride is the Bernina Express, which takes place in the Alps of Switzerland and goes into the north of Italy. It is notable for its tight curves, passes covered with snow, impressive views, and red trains that travel through snowy areas.
This train trip is very attractive for student skiers since there is no need to make any additional efforts; you just sit, keep a camera at hand, and let nature show its best!
This ride is ideal for students who love photography and geography. Winter days with clear skies make the views breathtaking. Even if you ski only sometimes, this kind of trip makes your winter vacation memorable.
3. Mont Blanc Express, Switzerland and France
Mont Blanc Express is an ideal option for students wanting to combine train travel and some of the best-known mountain areas in Europe. This rail route goes through many places in the Swiss and French Alps and has a very special association with the Chamonix area.
Chamonix is famous among skiers, snowboarders, climbers and those who love mountains. The rail journey has a much more intimate and informal feel compared to some of the expensive tourist trains in Europe.
This could be a good option for students who want excitement but don’t want something that is too fancy.
4. Jungfrau Region Train Network, Switzerland
The Jungfrau region is a perfect choice for students who desire train connections, mountains, and ski lifts to operate in synergy. Towns such as Interlaken, Grindelwald, Wengen, and Kleine Scheidegg are served by rail and mountain transport.
This region is useful because the students will be able to have one point of reference while being able to move around. The scenery is magnificent with the snow-capped mountains and typical Swiss villages on the way.
Moreover, this region suits various people because some will be skiing actively throughout the day, others can take trains, take pictures, explore the villages, or sit in mountain coffee shops.
5. Arlberg Train Route, Austria
Austria has proved itself a solid destination for taking ski trips by rail. The Arlberg train route proves to be quite helpful for getting into the famous ski destinations of western Austria, which are surrounded by mountains, tunnels, valleys, and ski towns.
From the students’ perspective, Austria may prove to be a bit more laid-back than the most popular ski destinations in Switzerland. Food, accommodation, and transportation can be easier to organise if one organises beforehand.
It is a perfect choice for those students who seek skiing fun, Alpine atmosphere, and mountainous landscapes without making the whole experience too formal.
6. Bergen Railway, Norway
However, one does not have to go to the Alps to ride the scenic ski trains. The train going to Bergen is an awesome journey in the snowy highlands with stunning views of the Nordic landscape.
The trip differs from what one can find in Switzerland or Austria. The scenery in this country is wilder and more open than in other alpine countries. It might fit well those student skiers who do not mind seeing some unusual places.
This journey may be suitable for people who are interested in nature and sports, as well as those who enjoy peace.
Packing List for Ski Train Journey
One needs to prepare for the ski train trip in a special way. Bring everything that you need, but keep it light to move around:
- Warm jacket, gloves, hat, and thick socks
- Waterproof shoes or boots in case of snow at the stations
- Small backpack with food, water, chargers, and papers
- Sunglasses, sunscreens, and lip balm
- Student card to get discounts
- Power bank for long trips
- Easily accessible food for a train journey, especially a budget one
The ideal travel route for students is not necessarily the most expensive route; it is the route that suits their budget, provides good snow conditions and makes memories that will last a lifetime.