Travelling by train
In the age of cheap air fares and package deals, there is still something undeniably chic about the international rail journey. Forget what you know about rail travel in this country, with its delays and general sense of chaos. On the continent they know how to travel in style, and journeys are fast, efficient, convenient, clean and an all round pleasant experience which puts our own system to shame.
Though travelling on the overnight trains can sometimes seem a bit of a pricey option, remember that cheap flights always seem to have expensive extras, and that transfers to resort can push the price up quite a bit. Besides, when you can wake up in your destination and get an extra day on the slopes, a journey this effortless is surely worth it.
France If you are heading for the French Alps, nothing could be simpler. The snow train makes light of a journey of around seven or eight hours by doing it overnight. Board at either Waterloo or Ashford on a Friday evening, and you will be at the foot of the Alps by the next morning. Stopping at Moutiers, you are a mere half-hour coach journey from Courchevel, Meribel and Val Thorens, and from Bourg St Maurice, you can reach Les Arcs, Tignes and Val d'Isere in the same time. Just beware, because an onboard disco does exist, which may eat into your time in your couchette!
For other destinations in France, you will have to change in Paris, but an overnight train is still a very good option. For instance, a train from Paris can have you in Chamonix before 10 o'clock the next morning.
Austria Both of our Austrian destinations, St Anton and Kitzbuhel, can also be reached by an overnight train. The new Bergland express train departs from Brussels, but the return Eurostar fare from London is also included in the price. It leaves on a Friday and returns on a Saturday. With a variety of sleeping compartments to choose from, you can decide on what level of luxury you want. All berths come with breakfast included in the price. With an onboard bar and cafe, the journey will fly by.
Switzerland
The journey to Switzerland can be slightly more complicated as it requires more than one change, but there are overnight options too, which are quite time-effective. Besides, you will want to revel in the sheer serenity of a Swiss railway experience, where everything runs to clockwork. If you are going to Zermatt or Saas-Fee there is an overnight train which leaves from the Gare de l'Est in Paris, and arrives in Visp (very!) early the next morning. A short onward train journey will whisk you up to your resort. Another route that is well recommended is the overnight train from Gare de l'Est in Paris to Lanquart and Chur. From here it is an easy journey to Davos.
Websites An excellent website to check out is the independent
www.seat61.com, which gives you all the options available. Here are some other useful ones to look out for:
EurostarRail Europe OEBB - Austrian rail
SBB - Swiss rail
SNCF - French rail
Bear in mind that all trains from Paris apart from the Snowtrain require you to change stations in Paris, so if you have heavy luggage, it is easier to get a taxi, which will cost around 20 euros. Get an earlier Eurostar and relax into your journey with a good dinner in Paris before you depart.
