Five Alpine destinations you can reach on new train routes this winter

The Alps offer plenty of reasons to visit in winter, even if you have no intention of putting on a pair of skis. Think pretty mountain villages, cosy restaurants, snowy walking trails and spectacular views. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Getting there is also becoming easier by train. For the 2026-2027 season, new direct rail links to Austria, upgraded sleeper services to Switzerland and the return of Eurostar Snow to the French Alps are opening up more ways to reach the mountains without flying. For anyone keen to cut the carbon footprint of their winter escape, going by train is also a solid choice, as rail travel is far better for the environment than flying. The experts at Rail Europe have picked out five Alpine destinations worth considering this winter, from resorts made for serious skiers to mountain retreats with plenty to offer those who prefer to keep their feet firmly on the ground. The French Alps The French Alps are a winter classic, whether you’re heading there to ski or simply fancy a few days in the mountains. Getting there is easier this season, too, with the return of Eurostar Snow and additional TGV services. From 19 December, Eurostar Snow will connect Amsterdam, Schiphol Airport, Rotterdam, Antwerp and Brussels with six stations in the French Alps, including Moûtiers, Aime-la-Plagne and Bourg-Saint-Maurice. There are also extra TGV INOUI services from France, with up to seven special trains running from Paris to Bourg-Saint-Maurice on peak days, as well as direct Saturday connections from northern France and services towards the Chamonix Valley. Once there, Courchevel, La Plagne and Les Arcs are all within easy reach, and there's plenty to do beyond the slopes – from snowshoeing and winter walks to sledging, spa days and long lunches in mountain restaurants. If you’re in Bourg-Saint-Maurice, try a seven-minute funicular ride which whisks visitors up to Arc 1600, a family-friendly, pedestrian-only village. Innsbruck, Austria If you’re keen to experience a city break with mountains on the doorstep, Innsbruck could be the place for you. It’s going to be easier to get to the Austrian city next month, as a new daily direct ICE connection from Hanover, via Kassel and Würzburg, is set to launch on 13 December. Innsbruck boasts a handsome medieval Old Town, traditional cafés and plenty of Tyrolean restaurants to explore. Be sure to visit the famous Golden Roof or, if you’re visiting from mid-November to the end of December, don’t miss the chance to wander around the city's Christmas markets. An added bonus to this city is that the mountains are just minutes away. Its Nordkette cable cars, designed by Zaha Hadid, take visitors to around 2,300 metres in approximately 30 minutes. Here, you’ll find steep, sun-soaked slopes – for all ability levels – as well as spectacular views across the city and the surrounding Austrian Alps. St. Anton am Arlberg, Austria St. Anton am Arlberg is one of Austria’s best-known winter resorts, drawing keen skiers with its challenging runs alongside a lively après-ski scene. Getting there is set to be easier this season, with a seasonal ICE train connection from Frankfurt arriving on Saturdays and returning on Sundays from 13 December until 4 April. The route continues along the scenic Arlberg railway to Landeck, opening up more of western Tyrol. Away from the slopes, visitors can explore winter walking trails, tuck into traditional Tyrolean food or spend an afternoon in one of the resort’s mountain bars. Switzerland Think of mountains, and you’ll probably think of Switzerland. Getting there by train will soon become a more comfortable experience, thanks to upgraded Nightjet sleeper trains which will run from Amsterdam to Basel and Zurich, starting on 13 December. Sleeping compartments and private mini compartments have been improved and make an excellent base for an overnight journey. As well as exploring the delights of cities Basel or Zürich, travellers can also opt to continue towards the Swiss Alps by rail – and not an airport in sight. Kitzbühel, Austria Austria is seeing a particular boom in new routes this winter, and Kitzbühel is no exception. The historic town may be best known for its famous Hahnenkamm ski race, but there’s plenty to enjoy here beyond the slopes. Its medieval old town, with its colourful gabled houses, narrow cobblestone streets, and a 750-year history, is packed with traditional restaurants, cafés and shops, while winter walking routes offer a chance to take in the surrounding mountain scenery. Getting there is more straightforward this season, too, with the seasonal ICE Großglockner set to run direct services from Hamburg and Hannover on selected weekends between 18 December 2026 and 4 April 2027.