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This winter a new sleeper train to Austria has added to the suite of train-travel options – making it easier to avoid airport queues and cut carbon emissions. Tickets for trains go on sale for dates between 9th January and 30th March 2025 this Tuesday 13th November. If the idea of snow fills you with joy but the thought of airport queues fills you with dread, there’s good news. A new overnight train service aimed at delivering skiers to the slopes has been launched for winter 2024–25. Private train company European Sleeper will take skiers from Brussels to Innsbruck overnight. The train has couchette carriages with flat beds and a proper restaurant and bar carriage on board too – so you can wine and dine before bedtime. Travelling from the UK, skiers can connect with the European Sleeper by taking the Eurostar from London St Pancras to Brussels. The European Sleeper only runs on certain dates in February and March 2025, but it’s not the only option for travelling to Austria. ÖBB’s Nightjet sleeper trains (pictured top) run from Brussels or Paris to Salzburg, from where you can travel onward via local trains to a variety of Austrian ski resorts. Meanwhile, there are plentiful rail options to the French Alps, too. Eurostar no longer operates its direct Ski Train but instead offers a service called Eurostar Snow. This is essentially a Eurostar to Lille, where skiers change platforms to take another Eurostar train to Moûtiers, Aime-la-Plagne and Bourg-Saint-Maurice, a short transfer from some of France’s big-name resorts in the Tarentaise region of the French Alps. Another popular option for resorts in France and Switzerland, as well as some in Italy, is to take a Eurostar to Paris, switch stations and then take a high-speed TGV train from there. This opens up even more ski resort options, too. With this in mind, here’s our pick for some of the top destinations by train for winter 2024–25. Alpbach, Austria Alpbach CREDIT Foto Alpbachtal Tourismus Matthias Sedlak Kicking off this list is “Austria’s most beautiful village”, Alpbach. Situated in the Kitzbühel Alps, the historic resort has spent the past century preserving its pristine image. Here, the emphasis is as much on skiing as the Alpine way of life. That means exquisite, hand-carved architecture; more than twenty “hereditary farms” (family-owned for 300+ years); and exceptionally good food, air and drink. While you can learn about the village’s unique history at the Alpbach Mountain Farm Museum, you’ll find a more Epicurean learning experience at Jausenstation Zottahof, a farmhouse restaurant high above the town. Here you’ll find refreshments such as Löffelmilch: a hot drink combining fresh milk, sugar, and rum. How’s that for après-ski? For visitors, skiing is, of course, Alpbach’s main attraction—and the resort more than provides. With over 113km of slopes, Alpbach is one of the largest ski areas in Tyrol, with over 45 lifts, 25 on-slope restaurants, and two snow parks. The views from the top of its new Horbahn2000 cable car are breathtaking, and there’s nothing quite like a bowl of spätzl and a stein of local beer on the wooden sundecks of its rustic mountain bistros. Example rail journey Depart London St Pancras on the 15:04 Eurostar to Brussels. Then take the 19:00 European Sleeper to Jenbach, arriving at 08:30. From there it’s 20 minutes by bus or taxi. La Plagne, France Instantly recognisable by its iconic red bobblehat logo, La Plagne is one of the most popular ski resorts in the world. Alongside neighbouring Les Arcs and Peisey-Vallandry, it forms the enormous Paradiski domain: over 425km of world-class pistes. Given its size, the resort is very customer-friendly. Keep an eye on their social media for exclusive discounts, as well as their partners in-resort (Ski Hut offers incredibly cheap secondhand gear). With over nine base villages to choose from, including a new set of self-catering chalets deep in the woods (Chalet Montana), La Plagne has something for everyone. Calm or crazy, ace or amateur, freelance or family—the resort will happily accommodate you. Of great excitement to locals and visitors, La Plagne will be hosting the 2030 Winter Olympics. The resort’s sporting credentials are clear: this winter season it will be hosting the Junior Luge World Cup in December, the French Ski Mountaineering Champs and Ice Climbing World Cup in January, and the more light-hearted La Mega Bell ski obstacle course in April. La Plagne is also one of the only Alpine resorts where you can try bobsleigh—reaching speeds of 120kmph with a professional pilot. Amid constant development, new for winter 2024–25 at La Plagne are: the Chantemouche Distillery, offering artisan amaretto, Génépi, and Gentian; the Chalet du Bresson, a classic farmhouse restaurant, perfect for a steaming hot pot au feu after a successful snowshoeing session; and the Aérolive, an open-air high-altitude gondola ride and La Plagne world-exclusive. Example rail journey Depart London St Pancras 09:01 on Saturday on the new Eurostar Snow service via Lille arriving at Landry at 17:38. From there it’s a 35-minute transfer. Alpe d’Huez, France Sarenne © Laurent Salino Big and sunny: Alpe d’Huez, in the Isère region, is one of France’s most iconic resorts, comprising over 250km of high-altitude, south-facing slopes, including the “longest black run in the Alps” Sarenne, (at just over 16km). As with most large resorts, its size caters to all levels of skiers, from families to backcountry pros. Alpe d’Huez even has a “beginner’s snowpark” in the works at Villard-Reculas, alongside its existing snowparks for intermediates and above. The resort is well-known for its lively après-ski at bars like Underground, Pacific Pub, and O’Bar. From its glacial summit at Pic Blanc (3,330m)—reached via the newly renovated Pic Blanc Gondola—Alpe d’Huez also offers splendid panoramas of the nearby Mont Blanc Massif and Sarenne Glacier. For a touch of whimsy, stop off at the Grotte de Glace 2,700m up: a wondrous cave of ice sculptures dug into the slopes. Alpe d’Huez’s system of 84 lifts connects several base villages, some of which are much older than others. While Villard-Reculas and Vaujany 1250 are smaller, quieter, and follow the traditional chalet style, the central hub of Alpe d’Huez 1860 is more modern and purpose-built. Regardless of where you stay, the resort’s excellent infrastructure will get you where you need to be—from party central to pastoral paradise. Example rail journey Depart London St Pancras on Saturday on the 09:31 Eurostar to Paris-Nord. Change to Paris-Lyon and take the 14:14 TGV to arrive Grenoble at 17:13. From there it’s 90 minutes by taxi or bus. Les Gets, France At the heart of the massive Portes du Soleil domain is Les Gets, a gorgeous Savoyard town dating back to the 11th century. The resort strikes a good balance between slopeside fun and après-ski intrigue, with panoramas of the Mont Blanc mountain range visible throughout. Les Gets is divided into two main ski areas: the larger and more popular Les Chavannes (connected to neighbouring Morzine), and the south-facing Mont Chéry. While not the highest resort, Les Gets’ extensive fir forests provide some of the best opportunities for tree skiers in the French Alps. It’s great for kids too, with four themed children’s slopes and a high proportion of blue runs. The village itself is exquisite, with a wide range of accommodation and dining options. Resort highlights include the Alta Lumina, an interactive, light-and-sound nighttime trail through snowy forests; snowshoeing at sunset with Émile Fourot; and the Museum of Mechanical Music, with over 900 working antique instruments (the only one of its kind in Europe!) Example rail journey Depart London St Pancras at 06:31 to Paris Nord. Change to Paris-Lyon and take 10:50 TGV to Cluses, arriving 15:09. From there it’s a 25-minute transfer. St Anton, Austria ©TVB St. Anton am Arlberg Patrick Bätz Known as the “cradle of Alpine skiing” for its role in developing the sport, St Anton is one of the best-regarded Austrian resorts today. Visitors have access to over 300km of marked piste forming the fifth-largest ski area in the world. The resort continues to nurture the skiers of tomorrow, with over 130km of blue runs, multiple nursery slopes, and a bargain under-8s season pass for just €11—making it a fantastic place for your child’s first run. However, St Anton’s size and prestige cater to all levels, including elite athletes. The FIS Women’s Ski World Cup will take place there this January, offering you the chance to watch some of the best winter sports in the world. For free riders and cross-country pros, St Anton boasts 200km of off-piste plus extensive forested XC routes through the beautiful Verwall Valley. Lastly, hardened mountaineers can take on the Rendl Via Ferrata: an 850m climbing route, offering some of the most spectacular views in the Austrian Alps. For après-ski, expect classic Alpine chalets and hearty Tyrolean fare. The Tanzcafé Music Festival, held at the end of March, hosts dozens of slopeside concerts, while guests with remaining energy can take a romantic walk along one of St Anton’s many forested hiking trails—the Wagner Hütte being an excellent pitstop for a glass of Glühwein. Example rail journey Depart London St Pancras on Friday on the 08:01 Eurostar to Paris-Nord. Change to Paris-Lyon and take the 12:22 TGV from Paris-Lyon, changing in Zurich onto the 18:40 RailJet to arrive at 21:01 in St Anton. Les Menuires, France Les Menuires CREDIT G.Lansard Les Menuires is by far your best value-for-money resort in Les Trois Vallées, the largest interconnected ski area in the world. With access to an unprecedented 600km of slopes, your options for skiing are virtually limitless, and Les Menuires’ high altitude village makes an excellent starting point. The sheer size of Les Trois Vallées means there’s a world-class slope for every age and ability here. The resort advertises itself as the most affordable for families in the region, perhaps due to its highly efficient and integrated design. Like Les Arcs to the north, Les Menuires’ core village is ‘ultra modernist’, comprising mostly 1970s ski-in/ski-out apartments and hotels with a few new additions (including the brand-new Alpeen Hotel, opening its doors this winter). Off-piste, Les Menuires has a packed itinerary for winter 2024–25. For fans of Savoyard wine, a Winemaker’s Week will kick off the new year, followed by La Masse (a sort of Alpine Wacky Races) in March, and finally, the Yogiski Yoga Festival at the start of April to welcome in spring. Example rail journey Depart London St Pancras at 09:01 on Saturday on the Eurostar Snow service via Lille arriving at Moûtiers-Salins at 17:00. From there it’s a 40-minute transfer. Meribel CREDIT JM Gouedard Meribel Tourisme Also part of vast Les Trois Vallées, Meribel is Les Menuires’ much older brother. Its classic chalet architecture and state-of-the-art lift system single it out as the prototypical French ski town, with excellent service, snow cover, and scenery. For expert skiers, the freeriding routes around Meribel and the reds and blacks on nearby Mont Vallon are must-tries. Families are equally provided for thanks to 12 dedicated children zones and the new Family Flex pass, offering six days of skiing at the price of five. Since lockdown, ski touring (or “skimo”) has taken off at Meribel in a big way: make sure to check out the long-distance Le Roc trail, which opened in 2021. Highlights for winter 2024-25 include Meribel’s Jazz Festival in January and the French Elite Alpine Skiing championships in March. ‘First tracks’ has also returned—by far the most enchanting Alpine experience there is. After a hearty breakfast at La Folie Douce, be the first to carve Meribel’s crisp, groomed slopes just after sunrise. Example rail journey Depart London St Pancras at 09:01 on Saturday on the Eurostar Snow service via Lille arriving at Moûtiers-Salins at 17:00. From there it’s a 25-minute transfer. Nendaz, Switzerland Nendaz ©Valais Wallis Promotion David Carlier Rivalling France’s Les 3 Vallées, Nendaz is at the heart of Switzerland’s 4 Vallées: a mega-domain comprising 410km of slopes, ranging from 1300m to 3300m in elevation. The north-facing resort offers exceptional views across the Rhône Valley of some of the most famous mountains in the Alps, including Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn. The resort has newly renovated many of its lifts for winter 2024–25, maximising your time on the slopes and ease in getting to them. It’s a hub for off-piste and slopeside partying too, with the Nendaz Freeride Carnival taking place in March, followed by the Snow Vibes Festival in April. Besides a host of authentic Swiss restaurants, Nendaz offers a range of activities uniquely designed to tempt foodies. The Rando’Miam is a snowshoeing experience with “gourmet breaks” along the way. For raclette lovers, the resort offers a visit to their legendary Hérens cattle herd, accompanied by a fresh raclette prep and tasting session. Finally, for thrill-seekers who love the rush of Alpine air, Nendaz boasts the highest zipline in the world: 3,300m above sea level, reaching speeds of 100kmph. Example rail journey Depart London St Pancras on the 08:01 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. Obergurgl, Austria Obergurgl Obergurgl’s remote location at the upper end of Tyrol’s Ötzal Valley makes it a very special spot for skiing, surrounded by a dramatic wall of 3500m mountains. It also lends the resort some of the best snow conditions in the Alps, thanks to its uncommonly high base altitude of 1930m. With over 112km of slopes served by 25 high-speed lifts, Obergurgl by itself is a big resort. Nevertheless, if you fancy trying out the slopes down-valley, the Ötzal Super Skipass gives you access to Sölden, Vent, Gries, Niederthai, and Hochoetz-Kühtai at a highly competitive price. For maximum convenience, most of Obergurgl’s accommodations are premium ski-in/ski-out hotels with boot rooms on the snow—getting you booted up and carving crescents in no time. Obergurgl’s non-ski activities can be found in state-of-the-art health and leisure facilities, including a timber-clad indoor golf centre and the Aqua Dome spa. For a romantic winter’s eve, visit the resort’s gorgeous Christmas market or go night skiing from 19:00 to 22:30 (with a glass of vino to chase!). Finally, as something of a novelty (and testament to the Ötzal Valley’s James Bond connections), check out the TOP Mountain Motorcycle Museum in-resort—the highest museum of vintage motorbikes in Europe! Example rail journey Depart London St Pancras on the 15:04 Eurostar to Brussels, arriving 18:05; then take the 19:00 European Sleeper from Brussels to Innsbruck, arriving 09:00, and then the 09:47 Railjet, arriving at Ötztal at 10:10. From there its 45 minutes by bus or taxi. Peisey-Vallandry, France Peisey Vallandry A haven for Nordic ski lovers in France, Peisey-Vallandry serves as both the gateway to the magnificent Vanoise National Park and a convenient location within the Paradiski domain. Downhill skiers have access to over 425km of piste connecting Peisey-Vallandry with neighbouring Les Arcs and La Plagne. Peisey-Vallandry’s Nordic ski options are its unique sell, such that the resort hosts an exclusive Nordic Festival in February. Its expansive fir forests and stunning natural beauty offer some of the best opportunities in the Alps for cross-country, biathlon, and snowshoeing. Further playing to its strengths, Peisey-Vallandry has launched ‘Sk’e-biking’ for winter 2024–25, combining electric mountain biking with ski touring. Rewarding all that hard work is Peisey-Vallandry’s Croq’Rando event in March: a combined ski touring trek and Savoyard buffet, and for lively après-ski drinks, there’s the jovial Mont Blanc bar. Compared to nearby Les Arcs, Peisey-Vallandry is the more traditional, contemplative resort, complete with a planetarium for indoor stargazing and charming reindeer rides. If you’re looking for some special, winter-wonderland secluded glades—or easy access to the vast Paradiski area—Peisey-Vallandry is a great choice. Example rail journey Depart London St Pancras at 09:01 on Saturday on the Eurostar Snow service via Lille arriving at Landry at 17:38. From there it’s a 35-minute transfer. St Gervais, France Saint Gervais Les Bains A hidden gem among British skiers, Saint Gervais combines well-being with great skiing. Besides its picturesque pistes (best for intermediates) and access to the Mont Blanc region, Saint Gervais’ off-slope activities are a draw for thousands each year. Above all is Les Thermes Saint-Gervais, the resort’s iconic hot springs and spa complex, which harks back to the medieval era. Forget dancing on tables: the soothing mineral waters of Saint Gervais’ hot springs, combined with expert massage and beauty treatments, serve as the ultimate après-ski reward. For all-round mountaineers, Saint Gervais’ newly-opened rock climbing centre, Le Topo, is one of the largest and most popular in the French Alps. It’s also a haven for history buffs, with the iconic Mont Blanc Tramway (constructed 1909) still carting resort visitors to panoramic views; Saint Gervais has some exquisite ancient churches and art museums too. This winter a new cable-car opens from the train station directly to the village, making the transfer quicker, easier and more scenic. Example rail journey Depart London St Pancras at 06:31 to Paris Nord. Change to Paris-Lyon and take 10:50 TGV to St-Gervais-les-Bain, arriving 15:36. From there it’s just a five-minute transfer. Stubai, Austria Stubai is the closest resort to Innsbruck, making it one of the most accessible resorts in Austria. Its proximity to Tyrol’s capital is especially handy if you fancy a day off in the medieval city, shopping or sightseeing. Better yet, the Stubai Guest Card gives you one free in-bound/out-bound connection from Innsbruck via the Stubaitalbahn train. The resort’s biggest attraction is its glacier skiing from the summit of the Schaufelspitze (3,333m), open from October to June. You’ll find some of the best powder in Austria in its massive snow-covered bowl, easily accessed via a series of high-speed lifts. There’s also a panoramic restaurant at the top if you fancy a Viennese coffee between runs. Each of Stubai’s four main skiing areas provides for different audiences: Elferbahnen is for more experienced, race skiers; while Schlick 2000 is the largest, most affordable, and family-friendly. The village of Stubai itself features some gorgeous Tyrolean architecture, with plenty of ‘hut-style’ wooden restaurants, bars, and hotels to choose from. Besides skiing, ice climbing, skating, snowshoeing, tobogganing, and 80km of winter hiking trails are on offer for visitors this winter. Example rail journey Depart London St Pancras on the 15:04 Eurostar to Brussels, arriving 18:05; then take the 19:00 European Sleeper from Brussels to Innsbruck, arriving 09:00. From there it’s 45 minutes by bus or taxi. Eurostar at London St Pancras Useful guides and resources Guides on journeys into Europe and the Alps can be found at SnowCarbon (snowcarbon.co.uk), Seat 61 (seat61.com) and Ski Flight Free (skiflightfree.org). An excellent planning and travel companion is the Rail Map of Europe (https://www.europeanrailtimetable.eu/rail-map-europe-folded-1111-p.asp) Plan your trip and book your tickets direct through rail booking agencies such as The Travel Bureau (rail-travel.co.uk) or Trainseurope (trainseurope.co.uk), Alternatively use online ticket agents such as Rail Europe (raileurope.co.uk) and Trainline (trainline.com). Rail companies include Eurostar (eurostar.com), SNCF Connect (sncf-connect.com) and Deutsche Bahn (bahn.co.uk). For more information about NightJet sleeper trains, see the NightJet website (nightjet.com) and for European Sleeper, the European Sleeper website (europeansleeper.eu).

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