Winter sports by train: these are the best destinations
Fill up the car and... jetzt geht's los; Of course there are advantages to going on a winter sports holiday by car, but there are certainly advantages too winter sports by train: you don't need traffic jams or winter tires and snow chains. And the most important thing: winter sports is not such a sustainable hobby (snow cannons, snow groomers, damaging nature and of course the lifts) and if we do go, we can best compensate for sustainability with the trip. Your trip to your destination is responsible for 70% of the emissions of the entire holiday. So taking that train is an immediate result!
Create a ski-in ski-out destination can be useful during a winter sports holiday by train, because you only need a transfer for the return journey. There are also destinations that are ideal for winter sports by train. We'll make a list for you.
- Nesslerhof: Sets Hotel Nesslerhof in Salzburgerland, Austria on your list. This lovely (family) hotel has that nice, warm, cozy atmosphere for the ultimate (fancy) holiday feeling. Think luxurious suites, an extensive spa, and fine dining – perfect for those seeking snow, comfort, and ambiance. Thanks to its ski-in/ski-out location, you can walk straight onto the slopes in winter, and in summer, you can enjoy the peace, mountains, and alpine charm. Exactly what we're looking for.
- SalzburgerLand: by train to SalzburgerLand is thoroughly relaxed. The high-speed connection will take you to Munich and before you know it you will be at the brand new Salzburg station. The shuttle buses in the regions of SalzburgerLand do the rest. Blink your eyes three times and you are standing on the slats in one of the seventy villages. If we can give you a tip: take the night train.
- Zell am See-Kaprun: this is perhaps the most popular winter sports destination by train in Europe. This is partly because the train station is in the center of Zell am See and the accommodations and slopes are therefore not far away. Not the least winter sports area, because with the Ski ALPIN CARD you have access to no less than 408 km of slopes.
- Bad Gastein: of course it is a bit of a journey and you have to change trains a few times, but Bad Gastein is located next to the valley station of the Stubnerkogelbahn. Bad Gastein is a chic spa town built on a steep rock.
- Westendorf: a Huge area that serves as a connection between the largest connected ski area in Austria: the SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser Brixental and Kirchberg. Actually, a ski area where there is something for everyone and where you can easily get to.
- Innsbruck area: the easiest thing might be to take the Nightjet and get off at the ski areas in the Innsbruck area. The final station of the Nightjet is Innsbruck and from there you are in no time in one of these surrounding ski areas.
- Engelberg: it requires a few transfers, but Engelberg is also easily accessible by train. Can be done both at night and during the day. The Engelberg ski area consists of two parts and is especially a big hit for experienced skiers.
- Saas fairy: Switzerland is train country, so we could list quite a few ski resorts here. But you really shouldn't miss Saas Fee and the night train is a good option. A small transfer at Basel and Visp, but at half past nine in the morning you are on the slopes. And those slopes are not bad.
- Zermatt: Basel again to switch. But this time for Zermatt. From the Netherlands you can travel several times a day with the ICE International. You know, the ski area at the foot of the world-famous Matterhorn.
- Andermatt, : and when we travel to a winter sports area, we want snow. And where you will certainly find snow is in Andermatt, one of the snowiest ski areas in Switzerland.
- Jungfrau RegionFrom Interlaken, you can step straight onto the train towards Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen, and from there, gondolas and cable cars take you directly up into the mountains. No car is needed, not even for the Jungfraujoch or the Gornergratbahn, as they can simply be reached by train themselves, with the Eiger or the Matterhorn as company along the way.
- Davos-Klosters: Davos-Klosters can be reached directly by train from major European cities, and once you arrive, you won't need a car. The village is situated right next to the railway, and from the station you can walk straight to the cable cars or take a bus to one of the five sub-areas. Read our full article about Davos-Klosters for more inspiration.
At French ski areas the story is a little more difficult when it comes to good accessibility. In France, the mountain villages are higher and are therefore less easy to reach by train. Of course there are exceptions, these are two good options in France:
- Les Arcs: hop on the Ski Thalys and get off at Bourg-Saint-Mauricein. Then you have to cross the footbridge and take the funicular to Les Arcs. And in 2022 this funicular will be completely free. Just a little trip, but Les Arcs is a very challenging ski area.
- Briançon: first to Paris and then by night train to Briançon. A large winter sports area with a beautiful decor. In addition to tourists, you will also find plenty here locals
- Oz-en-Oisans: You can get there almost faster by train than by car. For the first part you need the Thalys. From Paris you travel on to Grenoble and then take the bus to meander up the mountain to Oz via a well-maintained road.
- La Plagne: in the French Alps you will find La Plagne. No less than 425 km of ski slopes and can be reached directly (yes, ladies and gentlemen, directly) by Thalys. Within nine hours you can get from Amsterdam Central Station to the village of Aime in La Plagne. La Plagne
