Ski enthusiasts seeking to reduce their carbon footprint are increasingly turning to train travel as a viable alternative to flying. With services like Eurostar Snow and overnight sleeper trains, reaching top European resorts by rail can be both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. For example, a journey from London to the French resort of Meribel takes just over seven and a half hours, with carbon emissions of only 14kg compared to 285kg by plane.
The convenience extends beyond environmental benefits. Travellers can avoid airport security queues and lengthy transfers. In Saint Gervais, a new cable car from the train station provides a scenic five-minute ride to the slopes. Similarly, Les Arcs offers a free funicular or bus transfer from Bourg-Saint-Maurice station, making the journey seamless.
For those willing to embrace overnight travel, Austria's Kühtai and Obertauern are accessible via sleeper trains from Brussels. The European Sleeper service to Innsbruck takes just under 17 hours, with carbon emissions of 18kg versus 366kg by plane. Obertauern, Austria's snowiest resort, can be reached via a Nightjet service to Salzburg followed by a short train ride.
Package deals combining train travel, accommodation, and lift passes are available from specialist operators. For instance, a seven-night stay at Les Arcs with self-catering accommodation and ski pass starts from £1,013 per person through Inghams. Similar packages for Meribel and Saint Gervais are offered by Ski Solutions and Peak Retreats respectively.
While journey times are longer than flying, the lower cost and reduced environmental impact make train travel an attractive option. With careful planning, skiers can enjoy a guilt-free holiday knowing their carbon footprint is kept to a minimum.
