Europe's New Sleeper Trains Are Perfect For Your Upcoming Ski Trip

Skiers and snowboarders will be excited to learn that they now have a new and more comfortable option when traveling to their favorite snow-covered European destinations. Traveling by rail is gaining momentum in Europe, and snow-lovers are learning to navigate by trains that can whisk them to their destinations overnight. These sleeper trains save time, money, and provide a more restful experience for those looking to hit the slopes upon arrival.

Whether you are headed towards Italy's highest village in the Dolomite Mountains for your winter ski retreat or to popular Austrian ski resorts, there is likely a train option that can get you to or near your destination overnight. Sleeper trains are nothing new. In fact, one route crossing Turkey has been on the tracks since the 1930s.

It's a romantic way to travel reminiscent of the classic Orient Express. But improving technology and more flexible European borders are providing more options for those looking to catch a ride to snow-filled peaks. Large cities like London and Paris are now hubs for overnight transportation, and some routes to the snowy Alps are included with pre-purchased ski packages. These new and revitalized routes offer comfortable accommodations along with dining options.

The beginning of the 2025-2026 ski season marked the start of expanded train routes to ski resorts throughout Europe. Among them are expanded services through Eurostar, which now offers more connections at Lille, France. These additions are likely an attempt to ease crowding on this popular route from Paris to the French Alps. Also operating sleeper trains from Paris to ski destinations is the French-owned company Travelski.

Travelski provides overnight transportation to multiple ski resorts like Bourg-Saint-Maurice. Other resorts that feature family-friendly experiences and varying slopes for a myriad of skill levels are also available through the company. Purchased packages also include transportation from the arrival station to accommodations at specific resorts when booked in advance.

For those traveling from Sweden, the Snälltåget whisks outdoor enthusiasts to the Austrian Alps until mid-March. Ski resorts along the route, such as Schladming and Ischgl offer complimentary shuttle services from their respective train stations. The Snälltåget also provides ski packages through its partnership with Skinetworks.
There's also the Caledonian Sleeper, which runs regularly from London through Scotland, with stops at several winter sports destinations. Among them is Aviemore, a highlands town with world-class skiing. situated within Cairngorms National Park. This resort has offered winter recreation for more than several decades and is home to nearly 19 miles of runs. By using the Caledonian Sleeper, ski enthusiasts can depart London in the evening and arrive near the resort shortly after sunrise.

As the saying goes, time is money. And this motto absolutely applies to vacation and travel. In fact, travel expert and blogger Rick Steves is a fan of sleeper trains and has some simple advice to save you time and money on rail transportation. On his website he says that the prices for sleeper trains are usually less expensive than hotels. Steves also adds that those sleeper cars result in time affluence as well, since your travel time and sleep time are combined.

"For every night you spend on the train, you gain a day for sightseeing and avoid the cost of a hotel," Steves explains. Planning ahead can reduce headaches, Steves adds. And when booking, he suggests paying attention to details such as necessary connection times to reduce any layovers.

If you're concerned about missing any beautiful European scenery while you get some shuteye, don't be. According to Steves, it's important to ask yourself questions like "did the missed scenery matter, since you gained an extra day for hiking the Alps?" His answer to that is a resounding "No!" The time and money saved by traveling on a sleeper far outweighs any missed scenery whizzing past the windows. But to make sure there are no surprises, research the travel options that work best for you and your travel companions.

As with anything else, you get what you pay for when you book passage aboard a sleeper train. Compartment amenities vary, and usually the nicer the space, the higher the price. You may decide to upgrade your experience, if one is available. Before you leave for your trip remember to be prepared for any extra expenses you may encounter by taking the proper steps to avoid sticky financial situations.

According to the one website you need for train travel anywhere, several options are available when choosing your sleeper train accommodations. The Man in Seat 61 explains that there are essentially three levels of comfort on an overnight train: sleeper, couchette, and sit-up-all-night seats. The last option is self-explanatory. Sleepers, or berths, have real beds that can convert to sitting areas and often include a private washroom or toilet. Couchettes, on the other hand, are "basically padded bunks," the site says. 

It's also important not to overpack, especially for ski trips. Each train is different, but for Travelski trips, for example, overhead racks are available for skis. In couchette compartments, storage is usually found under a bunk, which can store skis or snowboards. Bag limits vary by train service, according to The Man in Seat 61, but trains are usually less strict than airlines. Probably the most important thing to remember is that handling your bags is your responsibility, so don't pack what you can't handle. This will ensure that getting to your skiing destination really is an enjoyable and relaxing part of the journey.