Written on 1^st December 2023

How to Save Time When Planning Your Ski Trip  

Snow has arrived early around much of Europe and in sufficient quantity for many resorts to open their doors for the start to their season.

With the end of the year looming and Christmas round the corner, it is difficult for many to escape the daily grind to make the most of this fortuitous weather.

The journey too many of the top European ski resorts can be an arduous one.  Generally a combination of a flight followed by a lengthy road transfer, on top of the commute to the airport.

There is a solution!  By changing the way you travel you can save bundles of time.  Affording you more time on the slopes and making a short trip more feasible.

Rail all the way

Travelling by train all the way to a ski resort may take longer than flying but there are benefits:

• The journey itself will be prettier. What better way to see the French and Swiss lakes or Arlberg Valley?
• Some routes offer sleeper trains that allow you to maximise the time you spend in resort.
• Generally train stations are closer to the ski resorts than the international airports so the transfer upon arrival will be shorter.
• The space and generous luggage allowance on trains is great for families.
• If you need to work, a straight stint on a train can enable you to be more productive compared to a broken journey by air and road.
• Some of the top resorts that are ‘rail friendly’ include Les Arcs, Zell am See, Meribel, Verbier and Tignes.
• Between late December and early April you can make use of the Saturday Eurostar Ski Train service that travels directly from London to Moutiers, Aime and Bourg St Maurice. These stations afford easy access to the Tarentaise region of the French Alps.

The downside?  If you are not on the Eurostar Ski Train service you may have to change trains and stations in Paris to continue your journey.

Private jet

Many ski resorts have smaller airports nearby that are not used by commercial airlines. Hiring a private jet may be an extravagant option but you will avoid many hours of travel and enjoy more time skiing.

Upon arrival you can take a quick road transfer to your choice of resort or, on occasion, continue the last stage of your journey by helicopter.

Resorts that are ‘private jet friendly’ include St Moritz, Verbier, Courchevel, Meribel, Val d’Isere, Chamonix, St Anton…the list goes on!

If you would like to discuss your ski travel plans, please contact 'The Appointment Group' on telephone 0208 962 6703 or email private.uk@appointmentgroup.com.