To qualify, the train platform must be within walking distance to the slopes. That is, you can ski right up to the platform, or it is a very short 10 minute walk to the slopes. Unfortunately, shuttle buses, while very helpful, are not included in our list.
Winter Park Express Denver to Winter Park
Starting off our list in the Rocky Mountains, the Amtrak’s Winter Park Express departs Denver’s Union Station at 7 a.m. for a trip out to Winter Park Resort. This newly renovated Union Station easily earns its title as a central hub for the city with rapid transit and regional lines, radiating out in all directions with Denver International Airport being an important endpoint.
The return train leaves the ski area at 16:30. Journey time is approximately two hours. Running primarily on weekends and holidays from January to March, this service is perfect for residents of Denver and car-free tourists looking for a car-free getaway out of the city. Heading west, you’ll witness the Great Plains give way to the Rockies and while the mountains seem impassable, the train will enter Moffatt tunnel – one of the longest mountain railroad tunnels in the United States. This tunnel spans the Centennial Divide, separating the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean watersheds. Emerging out of the tunnel’s western portal is Winter Park Resort Station, and, voila, you’re at the slopes. Ski all day to your heart’s content and enjoy the train ride back to Denver, free from the hassle of driving.
Eurostar to Bourg-Saint-Maurice, in the Alps
Leave the stress of driving through metropolitan France or the chaos at the airport behind, and consider taking the Eurostar directly to the alps. Departing from London St Pancras International on Saturdays and returning on Sundays during the winter months, this high-speed train whisks you from central London to deep into France and drops you off in the heart of the Alps, Bourg-Saint-Maurice. For travellers from Amsterdam, the Eurostar also runs a winter train directly to Bourg-Saint-Morrice.
Bourg-Saint-Maurice is a bustling intermodal hub for the area with numerous connections as passengers travel further into the mountain. In order to conform to the rules of this blog, take L’Arc-En-Ciel Funicular from the station (conveniently located within the station area via a walkway above the tracks) to Les Arcs 1600, the base of the ski area and your gateway to the massive Les Arcs ski area.
Oslo Metro Vinterpark
Not a long distance train by any means, but who doesn’t enjoy the ability to take the Metro from the centre of the city up the mountain to a ski area. Oslo sure does! At the end of Oslo Metro’s Line 1 is Frognerseteren Station and a short walk from that is Skimore Ski Resort. While far from the largest ski resort, its proximity to a large metropolitan area and accessibility via the Metro makes Skimore a perfect escape from the city. Enjoy breathtaking views of Oslo while you shred the slopes. Want some better views? At the top of the slopes is Tryvannstårnet, a communications tower with a public observatory. It offers distant views of the Swedish border.
On the way back, instead of riding the Metro, why not ride a toboggan (or GT Snowracer, if you’re set on sport mode), and race the Metro down the hill on the Korketrekkeren (The Corkscrew). This former bobsleigh track runs two kilometres long and descends 255 metres and conveniently ends at Midtstuen, also on Line 1. Perfect to ride until your heart’s content. Toboggan rentals are available from Akeforeningen.
Glacier Express to Zermatt
Sitting just below the imposing Matterhorn mountain and nestled into the end of a valley, Zermatt is a true resort town with an incredible après-ski atmosphere. This regional railway, Matterhorn Gotthard strikes a perfect balance between tourism and essential local transportation. The Glacier Express is Swiss Federal Railway’s flagship tourist service. With panoramic windows to help you take in the majestic view, savour the regional delicacies of cheese (dare we say, fondue). Pared with regional wines to let the flavours dance as your train crosses valleys from viaducts and straight into mountains. Arriving at Zermatt Station, multiple gondolas await as well as Gornergrat Railway, this mountain rack railway will bring you to the top of Gornergrat Mountain with multiple stops along the way to find your perfect ski trail.
Not only is Zermatt a great place to catch the train from, it’s also the only way to reach the village. Zermatt is car-free to prevent pollution from clouding views of the Matterhorn. Save for some exceptions, internal combustion engines are prohibited. Smaller electric vehicles are permitted, but walkability is heavily promoted in the village. While a tourist train, the Glacier Express is essential in order to reach Zermatt.
OBB to St. Anton Am Arlberg
Set in the Tyrolean section of the Alps. When you think of prestigious Austrian ski resorts, you’re thinking of St. Anton. Professional skiers over the past century have called St. Anton home. Located on the mainline between Zurich and Innsbruck/Vienna, St. Anton Station sees very frequent service with multiple intercity trains passing through everyday. You’ll have plenty of options to choose, whether coming from either larger city. Even Austrian Federal Railway’s (OBB) renaissance Nightjet – they made night trains in Europe cool again after all – makes a stop in St. Anton. So, if you’re OK with a very late night/early morning arrival, go for it.
Stepping out, make a stop at the Service Center to get your bearings and purchase any and all train and lift tickets to get yourself to the top of the mountain as soon as you arrive. Multiple gondolas are a short walk away. We suggest hopping on the Galzigbahn and making your way to the top of Valluga to soak in the 360 degree views of the Alps. After a long day shredding the slopes, heading over to MooserWirt for the “baddest” Après-Ski bar in Alberg. Their words, not ours.