Skiing is a good excuse to head for the Alps in winter. But it’s hardly the only one. There are mountain villages to explore, restaurants worth lingering in, snow-covered walking trails and, of course, the pleasure of doing very little with a spectacular view.
Getting there is becoming more interesting, too. The 2026–2027 winter season brings new direct rail connections to Austria, upgraded overnight trains to Switzerland and the return of Eurostar Snow to the French Alps.
With these developments in mind, Rail Europe has selected five Alpine escapes that are particularly appealing this winter. Some are made for keen skiers, while others have plenty to offer visitors who wouldn’t know what to do with a pair of ski boots.
The French Alps: a winter classic, with or without skis. Eurostar Snow from the Netherlands and Belgium, plus additional TGV services from France
Eurostar Snow returns on 19 December, connecting Amsterdam, Schiphol Airport, Rotterdam, Antwerp and Brussels with six stations in the French Alps, including Moûtiers, Aime-la-Plagne and Bourg-Saint-Maurice. From France, additional TGV INOUI services offer plenty of choice, with up to seven special trains from Paris to Bourg-Saint-Maurice on peak days, direct Saturday connections from northern France and services towards the Chamonix Valley. Once there, resorts such as Courchevel, La Plagne and Les Arcs are within easy reach. From Bourg-Saint-Maurice, a seven-minute funicular ride takes visitors straight to Arc 1600.
Innsbruck, Austria: a city break with mountains on the doorstep. New daily direct ICE connection from Hannover
Innsbruck combines a charming old town with mountains just minutes away. Its Nordkette cable cars take visitors to around 2,300 metres in approximately 30 minutes. From 13 December, a new year-round daily ICE service from Hannover, via Kassel and Würzburg, makes it easier to reach Innsbruck and other destinations in the Tyrolean Inn Valley. Ideal for travellers who want a little skiing, sightseeing or both.
St. Anton am Arlberg, Austria: serious skiing, excellent après-ski. New weekend ICE connection from Frankfurt
Known for its challenging slopes and lively après-ski, St. Anton is one of Austria’s winter favourites. A new ICE connection from Frankfurt brings travellers to the resort on Saturdays, with return services on Sundays until 4 April. The train continues along the scenic Arlberg railway to Landeck, opening up more of western Tyrol. Beyond the slopes, there are winter walking trails, traditional restaurants and mountain bars worth settling into.
Switzerland: the pleasure of travelling overnight. Upgraded Nightjet sleeper trains from Amsterdam to Basel and Zurich
Going to sleep in Amsterdam and waking up in Switzerland is already an appealing prospect. From 13 December, new-generation Nightjet trains make the journey more comfortable, with upgraded sleeping compartments and private mini cabins. From Basel or Zurich, travellers can continue towards the Swiss Alps or enjoy a city break before heading into the mountains. A welcome alternative to an early-morning flight.
Kitzbühel, Austria: Alpine tradition beyond the slopes. Seasonal direct ICE services from Hamburg
Kitzbühel may be famous for its Hahnenkamm ski race, but its medieval centre, traditional restaurants and winter walking routes are just as appealing. The seasonal ICE Großglockner returns this winter, connecting Hamburg and Hannover directly with Kitzbühel on selected weekends between 18 December 2026 and 4 April 2027. A good choice for anyone who enjoys the atmosphere of a ski resort, with or without skis.
The new and returning rail services for winter 2026–2027 make it easier to consider the Alps for something other than a traditional ski holiday. A weekend in Innsbruck, a few days exploring the Tyrol or an overnight journey to Switzerland can be just as appealing as a week on the slopes.
Rail Europe brings together major European rail operators, including Eurostar, Deutsche Bahn and ÖBB, allowing travellers to search for and book rail journeys across Europe through a single platform. Travel professionals can also access its rail offering through dedicated B2B solutions.
Whether the plan involves skis, snowshoes or simply a good winter coat, there’s plenty of reason to head for the mountains this season.
