Which ski resorts are easy to reach by train?
Would you like to enjoy a relaxing winter sports holiday by train this year, but are unsure which ski resorts are easy to reach? On this page, you’ll find an overview of popular ski areas in Austria, Germany, France and Switzerland that are easily accessible by train. In many cases, you can travel directly or with just one transfer.
This page helps you choose which ski resort is easily accessible from the Netherlands by train.
Overview of popular ski resorts by train
More and more winter sports enthusiasts are choosing the train. Not only because it’s a sustainable and relaxing way to travel, but also because many ski resorts are surprisingly well connected. From Winterberg in Germany to Zermatt in Switzerland — you’ll travel comfortably and often faster than expected.
Below, you'll find an overview of ski resorts that are easy to reach by train in Germany, Austria, France and Switzerland. For each destination, you'll see how to get there, which train operators to use, how many transfers are needed, and the total travel time from Amsterdam Central.
Ski destinations in Germany
| Winter sports region | Village(s) | Train station | Train carrier | Travel time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Skiliftkarussell | Winterberg | Winterberg (Wesf) | Regional trains | 5.46 hours (change trains 3 times) |
| 2. Mittenwald Kranzberg en Karwendelbahn – Dammkarr | Mittenwald | Mittenwald | ICE International & regional train | 10.30 hours (change trains 2 times) |
| 3. Nebelhorn, Kleinwalsertal, Söllereck, Fellhorn en Riezlern | Oberstdorf | Oberstdorf | Nightjet & regional train | 13.10 hours (change trains in Augsburg) |
| 4. Garmisch Classic en Zugspitz Arena | Garmisch-Partenkirchen | Garmisch-Partenkirchen | Nightjet & regional train | 13.26 hours (change trains in Munich) |
Ski destinations in Austria
| Winter sports region | Village(s) | Train station | Train carrier | Travel time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5. Ski Optimal | Kaltenbach / Hochzillertal | Kaltenbach-Stumm im Zillertal | Nightjet & regional train | 14.06 hours (change trains in Jenbach) |
| 6. Kitzski | Kitzbühel | Kitzbühel Hahnenkamm | Nightjet & regional train | 14.28 hours (change trains in Wörgl) |
| 7. Schmittenhöhe | Zell am See | Zell am See | Nightjet & regional train | 14.44 hours (change trains in Wörgl) |
| 8. Ski Arlberg | Sankt Anton am Arlberg | Sankt Anton am Arlberg | Nightjet & regional train | 15.25 hours (change trains in Innsbruck) |
| 9. Ski Amadé | Radstadt | Radstadt | Nightjet & regional train | 10.56 hours (change trains in Salzburg) |
Ski destinations in France
| Winter sports region | Village(s) | Train station | Train carrier | Travel time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10. Les Trois Vallées | Courchevel, Méribel, Val Thorens and Les Ménuires | Moûtiers (Salins-Brides-les-Bains) | Eurostar (Snow), TGV & bus (bus ride: 15 to 45 minutes) | 8.16 hours (Eurostar Snow, direct) or 8.55 hours (change trains 3 times) |
| 11. Les Arcs | Bourg St. Maurice | Bourg St. Maurice | Eurostar (Snow), TGV & bus (bus ride: 15 minutes) | 9.01 hours (Eurostar Snow, direct) or 9.30 hours (change trains 2 times) |
| 12. Chamonix Mont Blanc | Chamonix | Chamonix Aiguille Midi | Eurostar, TGV & Regional train | 10.59 hours (change trains 3 times) |
| 13. Serre Chevalier | Briançon | Briançon | Eurostar, TGV & Regional train | 13.30 hours (change trains 2 times) |
Ski destinations in Switzerland
| Winter sports region | Village(s) | Train station | Train carrier | Travel time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14. Jungfrau Ski Region (Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau and Wetterhorn) | Grindelwald | Grindelwald | Nightjet & regional trains | 12.41 hours (change trains 3 times) |
| 15. Aletsch Arena | Riederalp, Bettmeralp, Fiescheralp and Eggishorn | Riederalp (Mitte) | Nightjet & regional trains | 12.47 hours (change trains 3 times) |
| 16. Matterhorn Zermatt | Zermatt | Zermatt | Nightjet & regional trains | 13.23 hours (change trains 2 times) |
| 17. SkiArena Andermatt-Sedrun | Andermatt | Andermatt | Nightjet & regional trains | 14.38 hours (change trains 2 times) |
Which train operators take you to the snow?
For your ski holiday by train, you’ll travel with a mix of train operators. These include ICE (to Germany and Switzerland), Nightjet (to Germany and Austria), TGV (to France), Eurostar Snow (to France), and various regional trains. The combination of operators depends on your final destination and the route you choose.
Why we recommend taking the night train for your ski holiday
Travelling to your ski destination by night train comes with many advantages. You depart in the evening from Amsterdam, Utrecht or Arnhem, and arrive refreshed at your final or transfer station the following morning. It’s a relaxing way to start your holiday — no traffic jams or long waits.
In many cases, you won’t need to transfer trains during the night. You can sleep comfortably until breakfast. That’s often very different by car: long drives and heavy traffic can lead to a restless night. The night train also saves you the cost of a hotel stay, since you sleep on board.
A small downside is that you miss out on the scenic views you would enjoy during a daytime train journey. Still, many travellers choose the night train for its convenience, peace and comfort.
Not all ski destinations listed on this page are accessible via a direct night train. In most cases, you’ll transfer to a regional train in the morning — for example in Germany, Austria or Switzerland. Use our itinerary planner to check whether your destination is reachable by night train.
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 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 France
In France there is something for everyone. See all winter sports destinations in France.
