Skiing has long had a reputation as the sport of the ultra-wealthy, and this year it is set to be even more expensive as resorts hike up prices. However, if you look beyond the big-name slopes you’ll find plenty of alternative affordable options. You can also save money and do your bit for the environment by taking the train instead of flying.
Travel booking platform Omio has compiled a guide to the white-knuckle sport and its magical apres scene for those who want to be eco and wallet-conscious this year. Dubbed ‘slow skiing,’ this is likely to become a trend this year as skiers and snowboarders look to swerve the tiny, crowded airports and ever-increasing baggage fees that flying brings.
Here are 5 European ski resorts accessible by train where a vacation on the slopes won’t break the bank.
Whilst Chamonix is the more popular (and pricey) option, Les Houches shares the same Chamonix Mount-Blanc Valley—with the same access to the breathtaking views of Mont Blanc.
Les Houches is also a great option for beginner and intermediate skiers who want to build their confidence before rocketing down the slopes.
The journey from London to Les Houches takes 7 hours and 50 minutes. You’ll need to change three times, including in Paris.
Despite being one of the cheapest ski resorts in all of Europe, Jasna has over 40km of pistes for you to explore. Plus, there’s a great selection of high-end feeling hotels to choose from—making Jasna a great option if you want a generous bang for your buck.
The journey is a longish one from London, so you could stop off in Brussels and Vienna or jump off at Slovakia’s capital Bratislava for a few hours.
To get to Jasna from London, you take a train via Brussels to Liptovsky Mikulas and then a bus to Jasna-Demänovská Dolina, taking around 22 hours.
La Plagne in the French Alps is the gateway to the vast Paradiski ski area. You can hit the slopes uninterrupted all the way to Les Arcs and Peisey-Vallandry.
With so much diversity of terrain on offer, you’ll find a range of winter activities for all levels of skiers and snowboarders.
From London, take the train to Paris where you can change for a direct service to Aime-la-Plagne. The total journey time is around seven hours.
Head to the Bavarian Alps to ski the slopes of Germany’s highest peak, the Zugspitze. You can reach the 2,962m summit by cogwheel train and cable car.
At its foot, you’ll find the fairytale resort town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Fashionistas should stay in the Garmisch side, while those looking for rustic Bavarian taverns and cobbled streets should stick to Partenkirchen.
From London, you have to take four trains to reach Garmisch-Partenkirchen, with a total journey time of 9 hours and 30 minutes.
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