Ever thought about going on a winter sports vacation by train? After all, there are so many advantages: there are no traffic jams, no need for winter tires or snow chains. You also do not need to drive the car and change drivers every few hours.
A downside is that winter sports are not very environmentally friendly hobbies (snow cannons, snow ploughs and ski lifts). But no worries if you compensate your skiing vacations with a train trip to your winter sports destination.
There are countless ski resorts in Europe, but what are the best ski destinations that can be reached by train? We made our personal top 3. And Milieu Centraal calculated how much CO2 you will save with this train trip compared to an average car with roof box.
With 27 kilometers of well-facilitated ski slopes, Winterberg ski resort is one of Germany's best-known ski resorts. The rolling slopes, child-friendly practice slopes and plenty of Dutch ski instructors makes skiing in Winterberg ideal for beginners and the whole family. In just 5 hours you can travel comfortably by train to ski resort Winterberg, making it the ideal winter sports destination for a weekend or even a day of skiing. And your ski vacation in Winterberg will not be complete without a fun evening of après-ski.
| Car (with roof box) | Train travel | |
|---|---|---|
| Transport | 150 kilo CO2 | 40 kilo CO2 |
| Winter sports activities | 150 kilo CO2 | 150 kilo CO2 |
| Total | 300 kilo CO2 | 190 kilo CO2 |
You will save 110 kg of CO2, which is equivalent to the CO2 emissions of 145 hot water showers.*
What could be more beautiful than looking out over an ice-blue lake as you descend from the slopes? Skiing with stunning views of the Zellersee is possible in the Zell am See ski resort. By train you it takes hours to travel this destination where snow is guaranteed. In fact, most of the slopes are located above 1,400 meters. The slopes around the Schmittenhöhe, the highest mountain in the Zell am See ski area, are divided into blue, red and black runs, making skiing in this area suitable for everyone. After a day of intensive winter sports, you can visit the lively town of Zell am See for an evening of vibrant après-ski.
| Car (with roof box) | Train travel | |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation | 450 kilo CO2 | 130 kilo CO2 |
| Winter sports activities | 150 kilo CO2 | 150 kilo CO2 |
| Total | 600 kilo CO2 | 280 kilo CO2 |
You will save 320 kg of CO2, which is equivalent to the CO2 emissions of 425 hot water showers.*
Every Saturday during the winter months directly with Ski Thalys to the Alps near Bourg St. Maurice. You leave in the morning from Amsterdam Central, Schiphol or Rotterdam Central and hours later you will be in the snow. Bourg St. Maurice can be reached with TGV all year round. So put on your ski clothes on the way, because you can ski in the afternoon. You get off the Ski Thalys at Bourg St. Maurice. Then cross the footbridge and take the funicular to Les Arcs, a challenging ski resort.
| Car (with roof box) | Train travel | |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation | 500 kilo CO2 | 150 kilo CO2 |
| Winter sports activities | 150 kilo CO2 | 150 kilo CO2 |
| Total | 650 kilo CO2 | 300 kilo CO2 |
You will save 350 kg of CO2, which is equivalent to the CO2 emissions of 465 hot water showers.*
The Alpine countries of Austria, Switzerland, France and Italy have incredibly beautiful areas for an unforgettable winter sports vacation. But do not discount Germany, which is nearby and also consider the Czech Republic as relatively unknown winter sports destination.
There are blue, red and black slopes, making skiing in this area suitable for everyone.
Ski area close to home. You’ll arrive well-rested when travelling by train.
Step off the train and go directly to the slopes? Thalys drops you off in town.
* Milieu Centraal's CO2 emissions calculation for a winter sports holiday assumes: