Gliding towards the mountains by rail can make flying to a ski resort feel unnecessarily stressful. A journey that looks quick on paper often becomes an all-day ordeal once airport queues, crowded cabins and lengthy road transfers are added in.

When calculated from door to door, a daytime train journey from London can rival flying for speed, while an overnight service can leave you with more valuable time on the snow. As Alpine glaciers continue to lose snow cover in a warming climate, travelling by train is also one of the most meaningful ways for skiers to cut the emissions linked to their holiday.

One of the most appealing recent additions is the dedicated Travelski Night Express, introduced last winter and expanding with another route for the next season. The train has couchette-style sleeping berths, but its standout feature is a spacious bar, café and restaurant with a retro, lounge-like feel, low lighting and music. It delivers the charm of classic overnight rail travel, with the bonus of potentially gaining two extra ski days.

The Travelski Night Express operates on two routes, leaving from Paris or from Amsterdam and Brussels on Fridays, then returning on Saturdays. Both services stop at Moûtiers, Aime-la-Plagne and Bourg-Saint-Maurice, key stations for the French Alps’ popular Tarentaise valley. Skiers travelling from the UK can connect through Paris or Brussels by Eurostar.

Austria is also accessible by sleeper train. Travellers can take Eurostar to Paris or Brussels before joining a Nightjet service to Salzburgerland, while Innsbruck and the Tirol can be reached by Nightjet trains departing from Amsterdam and Cologne.

Many French resorts, along with destinations farther afield, can be reached throughout the week by taking Eurostar to Paris Gare du Nord, making the short cross-city journey by taxi or RER to Gare de Lyon, then continuing south by high-speed TGV.

The simplest daytime choice is Eurostar Snow, the operator’s dedicated winter sports service. Skis and snowboards travel without an additional charge alongside the standard luggage allowance. Passengers leave London for Lille, where they can change across the platform for the onward train to Bourg-Saint-Maurice.

However, the last outbound departure for the forthcoming season is scheduled for 20 February, a decision that has disappointed many in the ski sector. Eurostar says it must allocate trains where demand is strongest, adding that March has not historically been its busiest period for Eurostar Snow.

Iain Martin, who founded the sustainable ski-travel campaign Ski Flight Free, argues that the decision is short-sighted. He says that if Eurostar collaborated more closely with ski companies and tour operators to promote the service, it could fill many more trains.

Ski holiday providers are equally keen to see greater rail capacity. Alison Willis, managing director of French ski specialist Peak Retreats, says customers clearly want the option of train travel to the French Alps. Although changing stations in Paris is manageable, she notes that direct services are much more attractive for people who would otherwise fly. March remains a popular month for skiing thanks to longer daylight hours and often excellent snow, so extended direct rail services would be welcomed throughout the season.

Inghams shares that view and has expanded its rail-inclusive holidays to cover 75% of its French programme, as well as selected destinations in Switzerland, Italy and Austria. Its sustainability lead, Krissy Roe, says there is a real and growing enthusiasm among skiers for reaching the mountains by train.

Here are 12 ski resorts that are straightforward to reach by rail.

St Anton am Arlberg, Austria

Often described as the birthplace of Alpine skiing, St Anton regularly appears among the world’s leading ski destinations. It is famous for demanding, thrilling terrain, especially around the imposing Valluga, though there are gentler slopes for less experienced skiers as well. The village offers far more than skiing, with swimming, bowling, indoor climbing and some excellent tobogganing. Its reputation for energetic après-ski is deserved too, with lively terraces where guests dance to bands and DJs while enjoying a schnapps or two.

By train: 10h 30min Leave London St Pancras on the 07.31 Eurostar to Paris Gare du Nord; transfer to Paris Gare de Lyon for the 12.22 TGV to Zurich; then take the 16.40 Railjet to St Anton, arriving at 19.01.

Where to stay Ski Solutions offers seven nights at Hotel Post from £1,870pp half-board, including return rail travel.

Alpbach, Austria

With its old-fashioned, chocolate-box chalets, Alpbach may be the most picturesque village in this selection, and it has plenty of excellent terrain to match. Although it sits relatively low, north-facing slopes help preserve powder, while the far side of the Wiedersbergerhorn is especially rewarding for off-piste skiing and snowboarding. The village has worked hard to retain its traditional Tyrolean atmosphere. Main lifts are reached by a short shuttle ride, and visitors can enjoy mountain-hut meals, torchlit walks, horse-drawn sleigh rides and an Alpine coaster. The free Alpbachtal Card provides access to a range of local attractions.

By train: 16h 49min Depart London St Pancras on the 15.04 Eurostar to Brussels-Midi; take the 18.25 ICE to Cologne; then board the 21.45 Nightjet to Jenbach, arriving at 08.53. Alpbach is around 20 minutes away by bus or taxi.

Where to stay STC Ski offers the four-star Hotel Alphof, with double rooms from £955pp for seven nights’ half-board.

Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise, France

Sainte-Foy is the smallest resort featured here, yet it is widely admired by ski writers as a genuine hidden treasure. Only 25 minutes from Bourg-Saint-Maurice station, it has kept a peaceful, intimate feel because larger neighbours attract much of the area’s visitor traffic. Skiing is excellent, with long-lasting powder on quiet north-facing slopes and strong facilities for beginners and families. Even with some recent growth, the village still feels rustic, offering traditional food in centuries-old farmhouses and local rosé on sunny terraces. Pine forests invite snowshoeing, while paragliding offers a more adventurous way to see the Tarentaise valley.

By train: 7h 58min Eurostar Snow leaves London St Pancras at 09.01 for Lille Europe; change to the 11.35 continental Eurostar Snow service to Bourg-Saint-Maurice, arriving at 17.45. The resort is then 25 minutes away by bus or taxi.

Where to stay Premiere Neige offers seven nights’ self-catering in the three-bedroom Panorama apartment from €600pp, based on six people sharing.

La Rosière, France

With sweeping views across the Tarentaise valley, La Rosière combines good looks with a practical location. Set on the French-Italian border, it gives visitors access to sunny south-facing slopes as well as the north-facing terrain of neighbouring La Thuile. Its two main villages are compact, friendly and traditionally chalet-like. Investment has kept the resort modern, including the fast Petit-Bois chairlift, helping the whole ski area run smoothly. Sledging is a favourite activity, particularly on the sunset toboggan run from the top of the Les Eucherts lift. The atmosphere is generally relaxed, although Le Comptoir offers some enjoyable après-ski and DJ nights.

By train: 7h 44min Eurostar Snow departs London St Pancras at 09.01 for Lille Europe; change to the 11.35 continental Eurostar Snow train to Bourg-Saint-Maurice, arriving at 17.45. La Rosière is about 40 minutes away by bus or taxi.

Where to stay Traditional chalet-hotel L’Accroche-Cœur has double rooms from €240 a night including breakfast.

Les Menuires, France

Part of the celebrated Three Valleys, Les Menuires is among the Alps’ best-value resorts. It gives access to 600km of pistes without the premium prices often associated with Méribel or Courchevel. It is understandably popular with families, particularly those who appreciate early ski-patrol sessions for children through ESF Club Piou-Piou. Food is similarly family friendly, with generous Savoyard dishes made from local ingredients served at places such as Chez Pépé Nicolas. In March, the resort also hosts its playful seasonal slalom event, Complètement à la Masse, which welcomes all ages.

By train: 13h 5min Leave London St Pancras on the 17.31 Eurostar to Paris Gare du Nord; transfer to Paris Gare de Lyon and take the 22.52 Travelski Night Express to Moûtiers, arriving at 07.36. Les Menuires is then 45 minutes away by bus or taxi.

Where to stay Travelski offers seven nights at Hôtel Les Menuires Les Bruyères from £1,356pp including breakfast, rail from Paris, transfers and a seven-day ski pass. The Eurostar journey to Paris must be arranged separately.

Montgenèvre, France

As France’s oldest ski resort, Montgenèvre has a long history and an easy-going appeal. It was once especially popular with visitors from Paris, before British skiers arrived in greater numbers during the 1990s, drawn by affordable prices and simple access to Italy. Pleasantly traditional and fully pedestrianised, “Monty” works particularly well for families, with a broad beginners’ zone and reasonably priced places to stay. Intermediates have a good choice of red and blue pistes, while stronger skiers can seek powder in the Gondrans bowl and beyond the Col de l’Alpet. A major lift-system upgrade has improved speed and convenience ahead of the 2030 Winter Olympics.

By train: 8h 20min 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 Oulx, arriving at 17.21. Montgenèvre is around 35 minutes away by bus or taxi.

Where to stay Peak Retreats offers seven nights including breakfast in a suite at Hôtel Anova from £1,046pp, including rail travel, based on four sharing.

Peisey-Vallandry, France

Peisey-Vallandry sits between Les Arcs and La Plagne, linked to both through the vast Paradiski area. Its sunny west-facing slopes provide options for every level, from a high beginner zone to scenic intermediate tree runs towards Chapelle Notre-Dame, plus two serious black pistes and access to all 425km of Paradiski skiing. The resort is also strongly associated with cross-country skiing, helped by local Olympic champion Éric Perrot. Facilities include a newer Nordic centre, shooting range and 43km of well-maintained trails suitable for children from age three. For a change from skiing, visitors can try electric snow bikes or skijoring, where a horse pulls skiers across the snow.

By train: 7h 47min Eurostar Snow departs London St Pancras at 09.01 for Lille Europe; change to the 11.35 continental Eurostar Snow train to Landry, arriving at 17.34. The transfer takes around 25 to 35 minutes by bus or taxi.

Where to stay The recently renovated, ski-in-ski-out Hotel Émeraude has double rooms from €130 including breakfast.

Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, France

Saint-Gervais has welcomed visitors since the Middle Ages, thanks largely to its natural thermal springs. Today, its modern spa facilities remain a major attraction for skiers seeking a more restorative mountain break. With more than 455km of generally quiet skiing and some of France’s finest Mont Blanc views, it is an impressive all-round destination. The resort opened Le Topo, a high-standard indoor climbing centre, in 2022. Restaurants retain a traditional character, serving Savoyard sharing plates, fondue and regional craft beer. It is also especially convenient for rail visitors, thanks to the Valléen gondola linking the station to the village and the Mont-Blanc tramway, one of Europe’s highest railways.

By train: 8h 45min Depart London St Pancras on the 09.31 Eurostar to Paris Gare du Nord; transfer to Paris Gare de Lyon for the 14.18 TGV to Bellegarde; then catch the 17.15 TER to Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, arriving at 19.16. The Valléen gondola takes five minutes to reach the village centre.

Where to stay Seven nights’ self-catering in a two-bedroom apartment at Les Sources de Canopée in Saint-Gervais costs from £645pp with Peak Retreats, including rail travel, based on four sharing.

Val Cenis, France

Val Cenis has invested €25m in more sustainable infrastructure, and the improvements are becoming increasingly visible. Its Combe de l’Ours chairlift is a second “recycled” lift, built using reused seats, pylons and cables to dramatically reduce the need for new materials. This winter brings a panoramic treetop path and an energy-efficient gondola, improving access to 125km of quality north-facing pistes. The resort is made up of several lived-in villages, with a broad choice of shops, restaurants, bars and even a bowling alley. Snowshoeing off-piste in the remarkable Vanoise national park is especially popular, while local guides offer overnight snowshoe trips to mountain refuges, including breakfast overlooking the sunrise.

By train: 7h 47min Depart London St Pancras on the 08.01 Eurostar to Paris Gare du Nord; change to Paris Gare de Lyon and take the 12.46 TGV to Modane, arriving at 16.48. Val Cenis is then around 30 minutes away by bus or taxi.

Where to stay Erna Low offers seven nights’ self-catering in a one-bedroom apartment at Les Balcons de Val Cenis Village from £132pp, based on four sharing. Travel is not included.

Villars-sur-Ollon, Switzerland

Villars is one of the quieter and comparatively better-value resorts in French-speaking Switzerland, well suited to a lively but relaxed mountain holiday. Its 130km of pistes extend across neighbouring Les Diablerets and Gryon, with terrain for all ages and levels, alongside cross-country tracks, touring routes and toboggan trails. A highlight is the 1,500-metre off-piste descent from the Les Diablerets glacier to the village. After skiing, visitors can book a massage at Les Bains de Villars or soak in the thermal waters at Lavey, before spending an evening enjoying music and malt whisky at Les Mazots du Clos.

By train: 8h 49min Depart London St Pancras on the 09.31 Eurostar to Paris Gare du Nord; transfer to Paris Gare de Lyon and take the 14.18 TGV to Geneva; then board the 18.05 InterRegio train to Aigle, arriving at 19.20. Villars is around 20 minutes away by bus or taxi.

Where to stay Alpe Fleurie Hotel & Residence has double rooms from £193 including breakfast.

Grandvalira, Andorra

Andorra’s duty-free status makes Grandvalira appealing to visitors interested in shopping, as well as good-quality accommodation at relatively low prices. Spread across three high-altitude villages, it is by far the largest ski area in the Pyrenees, offering 215km of pistes that are especially suited to intermediates. Pas de la Casa is known for energetic après-ski, while Soldeu is home to a collection of smart four- and five-star hotels. Grandvalira’s strongest point may be its distinctive Catalan cooking, which differs from classic Alpine menus with its grilled meats and rich vegetable stews.

By train: 15h 12min Depart London St Pancras on the 17.31 Eurostar to Paris Gare du Nord; transfer to Paris Gare d’Austerlitz and take the 22.14 Intercités de Nuit to Andorre-L’Hospitalet, arriving at 09.43. The resort is then 35 to 55 minutes away by bus or taxi.

Where to stay Alpine Answers offers seven nights in a double room with balcony at the four-star Sport Hotel Village from £1,030pp including breakfast.

Sestriere, Italy

Europe’s first purpose-built ski resort remains a cheerful, affordable choice, particularly suited to families and younger skiers travelling on a budget. Sestriere has some of the strongest pistes in the Via Lattea area, which also includes Montgenèvre in France and nearby Sauze d’Oulx. Terrain ranges from spacious beginner slopes to the steep Olympic giant slalom course on Col de Sises. Facilities are well arranged, and non-ski options are plentiful, including a leisure centre with swimming pool, an outdoor ice rink and dog-sledding. Après-ski is more animated than might be expected from a family-focused resort, with several popular central pubs and the traditional Tabata nightclub.

By train: 8h 20min 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 Oulx, arriving at 17.21. Sestriere is around 35 minutes away by bus or taxi.

Where to stay Inghams offers seven nights at Grand Hotel Sestriere from £1,134pp, including rail travel and transfers.

Accommodation prices are for the 2026/27 season and were accurate at the time of publication.