What are Michelle Dekker's favourite winter sports areas?
While most children start with football, athletics or ice skating, Michelle Dekker started snowboarding at the age of seven. No Messi, Dafne Schippers or Erben Wennemars got her excited about the sport, but an enthusiastic gym teacher. He trained a snowboard team away from school and persuaded Michelle to take a snowboarding lesson. She joined and never stopped after that. From then on, Michelle continued enthusiastically sliding. The Olympic alpine snowboarder has now seen half the world, often accompanied by her father. And she is taking a part-time course at NS to become a mechanic with a specialisation in mechatronics. Reason enough to ask this train fan about her favourite winter sports areas.
From SnowWorld to slopes across the Dutch border
Michelle Dekker grew up in Zoetermeer, a stone's throw from SnowWorld. It is where the foundations for her top-level sports career were laid. A unique achievement when you consider that not many Dutch people participate in winter sports at such a high level. As early as 17, she made her debut at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. She finished 22nd on the Parallel Giant Slalom. She also competed in 2018 in Pyeongchang and 2022 in Beijing. Her sights are now set to qualify for the Winter Olympics in Italy, Milan 2026.
Her highest result so far has been fourth place, achieved at the Beijing Games of 2022. A superb achievement for which she trained hard and sacrificed much. After all, as a professional alpine snowboarder, she practices a sport for which she always has to leave the country.
Travelling with the most stunning views
Countless ski resorts, diverse tastes: choosing a favourite
There are so many beautiful places in Europe that pinpointing the most beautiful winter sports region is immensely difficult for Michelle. After all, are you looking for perfect slopes for a workout? Do you think the lively aprés-ski venue is important? Do you want to descend with the most beautiful views? Or do you have fond childhood memories of a certain area? These are all elements that play a role in deciding which area is your favourite. And it varies from person to person.
Before sharing her favourites, Michelle would like to stress that she wants to encourage other winter sports enthusiasts to explore many different ski resorts to gain unique experiences.
Michelle Dekker's favourite winter sports regions in Europe
For Michelle, it is important that her favourite winter sports areas should be breathtakingly beautiful. And fine memories from her childhood also play a big role in her decision.
1. Cortina in Italy
2. Wallis in Switzerland
Michelle Dekker's other favourite winter sports region is Wallis (Valais) in Switzerland, with its majestic Alps and iconic Matterhorn. This is where Michelle made her first metres through real snow as a child. That alone naturally evokes fond memories. And perhaps this is also where the seed was planted to work with trains. After all, the world-famous Glacier Express passes through Valais. This panoramic train connects Zermatt with St Moritz.
Valais is futhermore an ideal option for both novice and experienced skiers and snowboarders looking for well-maintained slopes, breathtaking nature and an accessible train and bus network.
Training as a top athlete versus enjoying as an enthusiast
As an elite athlete, Michelle has the luxury of visiting many unique places around the world. But she does not every location equally challenging. For example, the snowboarder often trains around Schladming, Austria. This is a real base for all types of winter sports enthusiasts and is about 1.5 hours away from Salzburg. Despite being surrounded by the imposing alpine landscape, Michelle's preference in Austria is not Schladming, but Bad Gastein as the most beautiful winter sports area. "Bad Gastein really comes into its own if you already have some years of experience on the boards," comments the three-time Olympian.
Winter sports for novices and experts
Every ski area has something fun or special for both beginners and experienced skiers, such as in Cortina or Valais. But some areas are more for beginners or only for advanced skiers. There too, the Olympic alpine snowboarder has her preferences. With the two options below, Michelle Dekker will be happy to send you to the winter sports area that best suits your needs and talents.
1. For experienced skiers: Bad Gastein
2. For winter sports novices: Winterberg
Winter sports holiday by train
Do you have your sights on a beautiful winter sports destination and would you like to get there by train? Taking the train to a ski resort provides many advantages. You do not have to consider buying snow chains and winter tyres. In addition, your journey starts at a reasonable time. That is often different with the car, where you sometimes have a restless night and you end up not winning a lot of travel time due to heavy traffic. Plus, you can take your ski gear on the train for free. And, in the digital age, Michelle finds it a breeze to book her international tickets herself.
Practical train travel tips from Michelle Dekker for winter sports enthusiasts
Before Michelle can settle down in her train seat, she has to get all her winter sports equipment to and on the train. This can be a challenge, but the experienced snowboarder is happy to share some practical tips.
Ski destinations in Germany
The most famous winter sports area is Winterberg in the Sauerland. The larger ski areas are all located in the south of Germany.
Ski destinations in Switzerland
It takes less than 10 hours to get to the Swiss mountains by train. After this comfortable journey, you're ready to relax and ski or snowboard!
Ski destinations in Italy
Every day, several daytime trains depart to Germany and Switzerland. Here you can catch trains to various destinations in Italy.
Ski destinations in Austria
Most winter sports resorts in Austria are easily accessible by train. You can travel by train, day or by night.
Ski destinations in France
In France there is something for everyone. See all winter sports destinations in France.
Which ski regions can be reached by train?
Discover train-accessible ski regions in Europe for a relaxing winter sports holiday.
Winter sports and train travel: tips from alpine snowboarder Michelle Dekker
She is also training part-time to become an NS mechanic. Plenty of reasons to ask this experienced winter sports star for some tips.
Our 6 most popular ski destinations
There are numerous beautiful ski resorts in Europe. Each better and more popular than the last. Which winter sports destination will you choose coming winter?