This winter, Eurostar will once again run an indirect service to the Tarentaise region of the French Alps. Tickets go sale on the morning of July 10, 2025.
Called Eurostar Snow, the service combines two trains – a Eurostar from London to Lille and then an onward connecting Eurostar continental (formerly Thalys) train. The service stops at six stations in France: Chambéry, Albertville, Moûtiers, Aime la Plagne, Landry and Bourg St Maurice. The outbound service will leave London on Saturdays throughout the season (from December 20), returning from the French Alps on both Saturdays and Sundays (ending April 5).
Eurostar Snow serves a multitude of resorts – including La Plagne, Les Arcs, Peisey-Vallandry, Les Menuires, Méribel, St Martin de Belleville, Sainte Foy, Valmorel, Tignes, Val d’Isère, Val Thorens, Courchevel and La Rosière.
What’s more, several tour operators and travel agencies will sell rail-inclusive packages using the service. These include Inghams, Peak Retreats, Travelski, Ski Solutions, Skiline, Snowfinders and SNO. Eurostar also sells seats independently, giving skiers the chance to use the service in combination with any accommodation they like.
While the operational dates of Eurostar Snow have been extended for winter 2025/26, skiers wanting to travel to French Tarentaise ski resorts before or after the set dates of Eurostar Snow must travel using a combination of Eurostar to Paris and TGV.
Ticket sales for rail services such as TGV and Intercités de Nuit from Paris, open in early October 2025, for dates between December 15, 2025 and January 8, 2026. In mid-November, tickets for train travel in Europe for dates between January 9 and March 30, 2026 will go on sale. Some international routes, such as Paris to Geneva and Turin, go on sale a few weeks earlier.
Travelling via Paris, Lille or Brussels, combined with onward high-speed or sleeper trains, has become an increasingly popular choice for British skiers and snowboarders looking for relaxing, scenic journeys and no airport queues or long drives.
Indirect routes open up many more resorts in other regions of the Alps. These include Alpe d’Huez, Avoriaz and Les Gets in France, Sauze d’Oulx in Italy, and the Swiss resorts of Saas-Fee and Zermatt – by using a combination of Eurostar to Paris and TGV from Paris to the Alps. Travellers can also depart from Paris by sleeper train to resorts such as Serre Chevalier in France and Claviere in Italy, or take high-speed services via Brussels to Cologne to take the Nightjet sleeper trains to the ski slopes of Austria.
Private train company Urlaubs Express runs an overnight service for skiers from the Netherlands and Germany to Austria. At February half term, UK-based skiers can connect to this at Cologne.
Below we run through the best ski resorts to reach by rail, and how to do it this winter. Find out more about this winter’s Eurostar Snow service here.
In this guide:
- Top destinations and packages
- Maps for rail travel to the Alps
- How to book independent tickets
- When to book tickets
- Further information
1. Morzine, France
Central to the vast 650km Portes du Soleil, Morzine is a resort with something for everyone. Chalet-style buildings give the village bags of ambience, and the lift system gives easy access to neighbouring Avoriaz, Les Gets and beyond. For eco-conscious train travellers, the resort has been awarded the prestigious Flocon Vert for its environmental steps and train travellers can receive discounts around the village.
The journey
Depart London St Pancras on Saturday on 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 40 minutes by bus or taxi.
Rail journey time
8 hours, 21 minutes
Journey highlight
Gliding through the Arve valley on the approach to Cluses
How much?
Return rail fares cost from £124 per adult, booked through Trainline or Rail Europe.
2. Les Arcs, France
Les Arcs’ four villages are part of the Paradiski, a huge 425km ski area that caters for all abilities. The villages, 1600, 1800, 1950 and 2000, offer convenient, often ski-in/ski-out, access to the slopes – and with its upgraded, unique funicular railway. Daredevils can try the resort’s zipline, which speeds from the Aiguile Rouge at 3,226m at speeds up to 130kmph.
The journey
Depart London St Pancras 09:01 on Saturday on the Eurostar Snow service via Lille arriving at Bourg St Maurice at 17:45. From there it’s a 35- to 45-minute transfer to the villages of Les Arcs.
Rail journey time
8 hours, 19 minutes
Journey highlight
Direct overnight travel gives holidaymakers an extra day’s skiing
How much?
Rail fares on Eurostar Snow cost from £99 one way in Standard Class, booked with Eurostar. Snowfinders offers seven nights at the Residence Le Belmont Apartments, Arc 1800, in a one-bed apartment, from £938 per person, self catering, including return train travel, lift pass and transfers.
3. Alpbach, Austria
When you arrive at Alpbach it becomes immediately obvious why this resort has a loyal following. Voted one of the most attractive villages in Austria, the pretty streets are lined with rustic, timber-clad chalets. The 145km of pistes are dotted with mountain-hut restaurants, such as the Bogalm and the Alphof and in the evenings the friendly vibe continues.
The journey
Depart London St Pancras on Friday on the 15:04 Eurostar to Brussels, then the 18:25 ICE to Cologne and from there, the 21:45 Nightjet, arriving at Jenbach at 08:53. From there it’s 20 minutes by bus or taxi.
Rail journey time
16 hours, 48 minutes
Journey highlights
Waking up to wintery Tirolean landscapes
How much?
Return rail fares cost from £158 return per adult in a six-berth couchette, booked with Eurostar for London to Cologne, and ÖBB for Cologne to Jenbach.
4. Val Thorens, France
Val Thorens’ enviable position perched at 2,300m in the huge Trois Vallées ski area makes it a popular choice for British skiers and snowboarders. The resort has excellent beginner slopes and all the skiing that intermediates and experts could dream of, with 600km of slopes in total, and a 1,800-metre zipline, called La Bee, above the resort. There’s an abundance of stylish hotels and a dedicated ski touring zone in the Borgne sector of the ski area.
The journey
Depart London St Pancras 09:01 on Saturday on the Eurostar Snow service via Lille arriving at Moutiers at 17:05. From there it’s 50 minutes by taxi or bus.
Rail journey time
7 hours, 29 minutes
Journey highlight
The varied scenery of the Tarentaise valley
How much?
Rail fares on Eurostar Snow cost from £99 one way in Standard Class, booked with Eurostar. Snowfinders offers seven nights at the Résidence Le Cheval Blanc, Val Thorens, in a one-bed apartment, from £1,062 per person, self catering, including return train travel, lift pass and transfers.
5. Alpe d’Huez, France
A quick jaunt by train brings you to the heart of the Isère region, where Alpe d’Huez’s vast 250km ski area encompasses five villages, including the longest black run in Europe – La Sarenne. The terrain here will suit beginners through to advanced, and is dotted with cosy restaurants such as La Bergerie, at Villard Reculas – an ideal place for a coffee stop at the end of a powder run.
The journey
Depart London St Pancras on Saturday on the 10:31 Eurostar to Paris-Nord. Change to Paris-Lyon and take the 15:14 TGV to arrive Grenoble at 18:13. From there it’s 90 minutes by taxi or bus.
Rail journey time
6 hours, 42 minutes
Journey highlight
Paris to Grenoble by TGV, through the French countryside
How much?
Return rail fares from £124 per adult, booked through Trainline or Rail Europe.
6. Tignes, France
Tignes has a high proportion of ski-in/ski-out accommodation in its higher villages, and an inviting array of traditional chalets at Les Brevières, its lowest. There are 300km of slopes to explore, which it shares with neighbouring Val d’Isère. Alternative activities include ice diving, ice climbing, snow tubing and Bun J Ride – a hybrid combination of a ski jump, bungee and a zip-line ride.
The journey
Depart London St Pancras 09:01 on Saturday on the Eurostar Snow service via Lille arriving at Bourg St Maurice at 17:45. From there it’s a 40-minute transfer.
Rail journey time
8 hours, 19 minutes
Journey highlights
The views onto mountain villages in the Tarentaise valley
How much?
Rail fares on Eurostar Snow cost from £99 one way in Standard Class, booked with Eurostar. Inghams offers seven nights at Hotel Le Paquis, Tignes from £1,139 per person, B&B, based on two adults sharing, including return train travel and transfers.
7. Söll, Austria
The impressive SkiWelt region, of which the compact village of Söll forms a part, boasts 284km of ski runs dotted with 77 rustic Alpine huts and après bars. The views over the Wilder Kaiser mountain range are stunning and you can even ski at night, as well as enjoy some of the longest floodlit toboggan runs in Europe at Hexenritt and Mond.
The journey
Depart London St Pancras on Friday on the 15:04 Eurostar to Brussels, then the 18:25 ICE to Cologne and from there the 21:45 Nightjet, arriving at Kufstein at 08:26. From there it’s 25 minutes by bus or taxi.
Rail journey time
15 hours, 26 minutes
Journey highlights
The ICE restaurant carriage en route to Cologne.
How much?
Return rail fares cost from £168 return per adult in a six-berth couchette, booked with Eurostar for London to Brussels, and ÖBB for Brussels to Radstadt.
8. St Martin de Belleville, France
Far less famous than its neighbours, St Martin de Belleville delivers the huge Trois Valleés ski area while providing an authentic, relaxed base. The picturesque Savoyard village has been adopted by innovative chalet providers, and its superb local restaurants, such as the high-end Le Montagnard and the hearty L’Eterlou are helping create a loyal following. A new wellness centre, La Belle Vie, sits above the village, with panoramic views.
The journey
Depart London St Pancras 09:01 on Saturday on the Eurostar Snow service via Lille arriving at Moutiers at 17:05. From there it’s a 30-minute transfer.
Rail journey time
7 hours, 29 minutes
Journey highlight
Snacks at high-speed in the café bar carriage
How much?
Rail fares on Eurostar Snow cost from £99 one way in Standard Class, booked with Eurostar. Ski Solutions offers seven nights at the five-star M Lodge Hotel, St Martin de Belleville from £2,295 per person, B&B, based on two sharing, including return train travel and private transfers.
9. St Anton, Austria
You can’t walk through St Anton’s charming centre without being impressed by the bustle and character. This is a resort with buzz, and part of the excitement stems from the fact that it’s blessed with some of the Alps’ finest expert off piste, in addition to 340km of pistes, as part of the giant Arlberg ski area.
The journey
Depart London St Pancras on Friday on the 07:31 Eurostar to Paris-Nord. Change to Paris-Lyon and take the 12:22 TGV from Paris-Lyon, changing in Zurich onto the 12:40 RailJet to arrive at 21:01 in St Anton.
Rail journey time
12 hours, 30 minutes
Journey highlight
Passing by Lake Zurich and later through the Arlberg Valley
How much?
Return rail fares from £174 per adult booked through Railtrail. SNO offers eight nights at Chalet Valluga, St Anton, from £1,189 per person, chalet board, based on two sharing, including return train travel and transfers.
10. Obertauern, Austria
Crowned as Austria’s snowiest ski resort, the village of Obertauern, in the SalzburgerLand region, sits at 1,740m above sea level. The ski area has 100km of terrain, with slopes that will suit intermediates. For children, there are beginner zones that include slalom runs and a ghost-themed piste. The season runs from late November to early May.
The journey
Depart London St Pancras on Friday on the 15:04 Eurostar to Brussels, then the 19:07 Nightjet to Salzburg and then the 08:16 InterCity, arriving at Radstadt at 09:34. From there it’s 20 minutes by bus or taxi.
Rail journey time
17 hours, 30 minutes
Journey highlights
Waking up to Austrian winter scenery
How much?
Return rail fares cost from £158 return per adult in a six-berth couchette, booked with Eurostar for London to Cologne, and ÖBB for Cologne to Kufstein.
11. Serre Chevalier, France
Made up of four villages, Serre Chevalier is a friendly, unpretentious resort with access to some marvellously varied terrain and plenty of wooded runs. The 250km of pistes suit intermediates perfectly, with long reds and simple off piste. Alternative winter activities here include paintballing on snow, dog sledding and fat biking.
The journey
Depart London St Pancras on Friday on the 15:31 Eurostar to Paris-Nord. Change to Paris-Austerlitz and take the 20:51 Intercités de nuit to Briancon, arriving at 08:21. From there it’s 15 to 25 minutes by bus or taxi to Serre Chevalier’s other villages.
Rail journey time
15 hours, 50 minutes
Journey highlights
Waking up in the Southern Alps, looking forward to an extra day’s skiing
How much?
Return rail fares from £128 per adult, booked through Trainline, Rail Europe or Railtrail. Peak Retreats offers seven nights at Cristal Lodge apartments in a two-bedroom apartment, sleeping four, from £820 per person, self catering, including return train travel and transfers.
12. Peisey-Vallandry, France
Located right at the heart of the 425km Paradiski region, between its more famous neighbours, Les Arcs and La Plagne, this resort is made up of several charming villages with old farmhouse buildings converted into beautiful chalets and apartments amid a friendly, laid-back vibe – and a superb Nordic ski network of slopes too. There’s a museum of mountain wildlife, and the resort offers guided tours through the Vanoise National Park with reindeer.
The 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.
Rail journey time
8 hours, 8 minutes
Journey highlight
The scenery in the Tarentaise valley
How much?
Rail fares on Eurostar Snow cost from £99 one way in Standard Class, booked with Eurostar. Peak Retreats offers seven nights at l’Oree des Cimes apartments in a two-bedroom apartment sleeping four, from £776 per person, self catering, including return train travel and transfers.
13. Montgenèvre, France
Montgenèvre’s nursery slopes sweep down right into its pretty village centre, making it an attractive destination for families with young children. The resort also has plenty of intermediate-friendly terrain and links into the 400km Milky Way ski area, which includes Sestriere in Italy.
The journey
Depart London St Pancras on the 09:31 Eurostar to Paris-Nord. Change to Paris-Lyon and take the 14:48 TGV to Oulx, arriving at 19:23. From there it’s 30 minutes by bus or taxi.
Rail journey time
8 hours, 52 minutes
Rail journey highlights
A ringside seat passing Lac du Bourget
How much?
Return rail fares from £124 per adult, booked through Trainline, Rail Europe or Railtrail. Peak Retreats offers seven nights at Le Napoleon apartments in a two-bedroom apartment sleeping four, from £918 per person, self catering, including return train travel and transfers.
14. Les Gets, France
Part of the huge 650km Portes du Soleil, Les Gets is dotted with chocolate-box chalets that give it an enduring charm. You can ski to some wonderful mountain restaurants. The resort has electric snowmobiling for children, as well as a geocaching trail and chocolate-making workshops to add to its already family-friendly appeal. At night, the Alta Lumina trail of light offers an interactive experience through the forest.
The journey
Depart London St Pancras on Saturday on 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 40 minutes by bus or taxi.
Rail journey time
8 hours, 21 minutes.
Journey highlight
Gliding through the Arve valley on the approach to Cluses.
How much?
Return rail fares from £124 per adult, booked through Trainline or Rail Europe. Peak Retreats offers seven nights at Residence Annapurna in a two-bedroom apartment sleeping four, from £1,331 per person, self catering, including return train travel and transfers.
15. La Plagne, France
The 11 villages that make up the resort of La Plagne are dotted across some tantalising terrain, with much of the accommodation being ski-in/ski-out. There’s a vast range of activities here, including electric moonbikes – a cross between a snow-scooter and a skidoo, ideal for exploring the terrain once the lifts close. You can also stay in a luxury converted snow groomer, under the stars at the top of the Arpette slopes.
The journey
Depart London St Pancras 09:01 on Saturday on the new Eurostar Snow service via Lille arriving at Aime la Plagne at 17:27. From there it’s a 20 to 40 minute transfer.
Rail journey time
7 hours, 57 minutes
Journey highlights
The scenery en route to the Tarentaise
How much?
Return rail fares on Eurostar Snow cost from £99 one way, booked with Eurostar. Skiline offers eight nights at the Araucaria Hotel & Spa from £1,716 per person, half board, based on two sharing, including return train travel, transfers and lift pass.
Travel tips and essentials
Useful resources for rail travel to the Alps
The Rail Map of Europe 3rd edition (£12.99; europeanrailtimetable.eu) is a fantastic companion for planning rail journeys. Change stations in Paris (Gare du Nord to Gare du Lyon) with a pre-booked taxi from companies such as City Airport Taxis or Ski Lifts.
SnowCarbon has developed a series of rail-ski maps to help plot routes to Europe. For travellers visiting France the map features 38 railway stations within the French mountains, serving over 135 ski resorts. Skiers travelling further can use a dedicated Austria rail map, which highlights daytime and overnight routes, using a variety of trains and shows over 50 railway stations and 120 ski resorts.
France rail-ski map
Austria rail-ski map
How to book independent tickets
Plan your trip and book your tickets direct through rail booking agencies such as Railtrail, Trainseurope, International Rail and Ffestiniog Travel. Alternatively use online ticket agents such as Rail Europe and Trainline.
When to book tickets
Eurostar offers travellers the ability to change tickets to a different date and time, paying only the difference in fare and with no fee to do so. And because of this, rail-booking agents and websites generally advise that to save money, skiers should book their Eurostars in advance first, rather than waiting for onward trains to go on sale.
Further information
The three major rail companies skiers and snowboarders need to be familiar with are Eurostar, SNCF Connect and Deutsche Bahn. For more information about Nightjet sleeper trains, see the Nightjet website.
Useful guides on journeys into Europe and the Alps can be found at The Man in Seat 61 and Ski Flight Free.
About our expert
Daniel Elkan is founder of snowcarbon.co.uk, an independent guide to how to travel to ski resorts by train. The website has train journey schedules up to one year in advance, ski packages with rail travel included, detailed guidance on independent travel, videos and by-skier-for-skier stories of ski holidays by train.
Reader Service: Planning on travelling to the continent? Make sure you book European travel insurance before you go.
This article was first published in October 2021, and has been revised and updated.