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TOP 5 SKI RESORTS BY TRAIN
Lots of popular European destinations are easily accessible by train – here’s a head start on finding the best way to get to FIVE of them.
Recommended routes and times are the best possible for that resort based on civilised departure time, fastest journey and fewest changes. All start from London, but routes can be adapted from elsewhere in the UK. Where overnight journeys are listed, they are outbound Friday evening, returning the following Saturday night. Daytime trains depart and return on Saturdays. However, services run daily, except the direct Eurostar ski train, which only runs at weekends.
St Moritz - Switzerland
This resort has a glitzy reputation, but its superb, scenic slopes are suitable for everyone.
Daytime journey
Depart St Pancras International on the 8.32am Eurostar, change in Paris for the train to Zurich, changing there and again in Chur before arriving at St Moritz station at 8.58pm.
Journey highlights
Passing the vast expanse of Lake Zurich, and a big tea at the Café Les Arcades in Zurich station.
Cost
Adult fares from £203 return; child from £154 return.
Zell am See - Austria
A charming, lively lakeside town, with varied local slopes and a glacier at Kaprun.
Overnight journey
Depart London on the 4.25pm Eurostar, change in Paris for the sleeper to Munich. In the morning, change trains in Munich and again at Wörgl, arriving at Zell am See station at 10.18am.
Journey highlights
Approaching the resort past the lakes of the valley.
Cost
Adult fares from £239 return; child from £190 return.
Soldeu - Andorra
A great resort for beginners and intermediates, part of the huge Grandvalira area, with miles of pistes to cruise.
Overnight journey
Depart St Pancras International on the 5.30pm Eurostar, change in Paris and take the overnight sleeper train to l’Hospitalet on the Andorran border. In the morning, take the connecting bus (60 mins, €6.50) arriving in Soldeu at 8.40am.
Journey highlights
A hearty dinner in the Gare d’Austerlitz, Paris, before taking the overnight train.
Cost
Adult fares from £124 return; child from £110 return.
Les Gets - France
An attractive chalet-style village popular with families, linked with Morzine and situated on the edge of the massive Portes du Soleil circuit.
Overnight journey
Depart St Pancras International on 5.56pm Eurostar, change in Paris, take overnight sleeper train to Cluses. In the morning, take a taxi from Cluses (30 mins, around €45) arriving in Les Gets at 9.30am.
Journey highlights
Waking up to spectacular Haute Savoie scenery.
Cost
Adult fares from £124 return; child from £104 return.
Leukerbad - Switzerland
This quiet, charming village has 50km of intermediate pistes, and is famous for its natural hot spas.
Daytime journey
Depart St Pancras International on the 8.32am Eurostar, change in Paris, take the train to Lausanne in Switzerland. Change here for Leuk, where a connecting bus (30 mins, €4.50) arrives in resort at 7.21pm.
Journey highlights
A leisurely lunch at the Gare de Lyon in Paris, and admiring the views afforded of Lake Geneva at dusk.
Cost
Adult fares from £168 return; child from £137 return.
