Our destinations / Out and about / Ski destinations by train / What are Michelle Dekker's favourite winter sports destinations?

What are Michelle Dekker's favourite winter sports areas?

While most children start out with soccer, athletics or ice skating, Michelle Dekker began snowboarding at the age of seven. It wasn’t Messi, Dafne Schippers or Erben Wennemars who inspired her to take up the sport, but an enthusiastic PE teacher. He coached a snowboard team outside school hours and managed to persuade Michelle to give it a try. She joined one of his lessons—and never looked back. From that moment on, Michelle threw herself into snowboarding. Almost always accompanied by her father, the Olympic alpine snowboarder has since travelled halfway around the world.

Alongside her sporting career, Michelle completed a part-time mechatronics course at NS, where machines and computers come together to create smart systems. Although she successfully finished the programme, a full-time position at NS is currently not possible due to her sports commitments. Still, her love of travelling by train remains. All the more reason to ask this adventurous train fan about her favourite winter sports destinations.

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

Having to cross the Dutch border is often not a punishment when it comes to the view. Certainly not when Michelle daydreams away on a train whizzing round the mountains. "Travelling round the mountains gives a totally different feeling," she says. "A completely different sensation than in the Netherlands. And the train takes me to my destination while I can relax. Especially with a good music playing in the background."

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

Experienced snowboarder or not, everyone succumbs to the fantastic views of the Dolomites in northern Italy. Cortina d'Ampezzo, often called Cortina, is a jewel in the Italian mountain landscape. This winter sports region offers an enchanting winter sports experience. Together with quaint alpine villages, it forms a picturesque backdrop with a wide range of winter sports activities for skiers of all levels.

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

A seasoned snowboarder like Michelle prefers to race downhill fast and technically. Then Bad Gastein is the ideal place for her. This ski resort in the Hohe Tauern National Park mostly has red slopes. Bad Gastein is also perhaps the most a-typical village you will find in the Austrian Alps. The posh buildings give Bad Gastein a flair all its own. It is a fascinating destination where you can enjoy a slice of history in addition to a 'traditional' winter sports holiday.

2. For winter sports novices: Winterberg

If you have not started winter sports from a young age like Michelle, the threshold to try it once can be high. The Winterberg ski resort in Sauerland lowers this threshold enormously. The rolling slopes, child-friendly practice slopes and many Dutch ski instructors makes skiing in Winterberg ideal for beginners and the whole family. And there is the lively après-ski scene. In just under 6 hours, you can travel comfortably by train from Amsterdam to the Winterberg ski resort. This makes it the ideal winter sports destination for a weekend getaway.

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.

Michelle Dekker’s practical tips for travelling by train