Let The Train Take The Strain To The Austrian Tirol (17-Nov-10)

If you think flying is the only option for your ski trip to Austria, think again..

If you think flying is the only option for your ski trip to Austria, think again. Train travel may not be you think.

Daniel Elkan, from rail ski website snowcarbon.co.uk, says, “Train travel to the Alps is increasingly popular – skiers want a more relaxing, scenic journey, a lower carbon footprint and an alternative to the hassle of airports. Yet few skiers realise that they can reach Tirolean resorts by train from the UK, either travelling during the daytime or going overnight and getting extra time on the slopes.”

There are more advantages to train travel over flying than you might immediately think of. A 30 minute check in rather than two hours plus; no baggage charges or other random supplements – not even a hefty credit card fee on your booking; a central departure point and often arrival right in the centre of your resort too after a few changes en route – no walking for miles in airports, endless waiting and battling for long coach connections often stuck in traffic.

In short, instead of moving from airport queue to airport queue you can sit back, relax and enjoy the journey by train as the scenery glides by. And if you opt to go by train overnight you can ski on the day you arrive and depart, potentially giving you two extra days on the slopes or simply taking less of your precious holiday time.

Relatively undiscovered by the UK ski market, the City Night Line train is Austria’s answer to the Snow Train to France .

“One of the highlights of travelling to Austria overnight is the restaurant-bar of the City Night Line train. The food is freshly prepared, reasonably priced and there is draft beer on tap. There’s no disco carriage - as there was on the Snow Train - but at least that way you can be sure to wake up refreshed and raringto ski!” says Daniel Elkan.

The resorts of Alpbach, Söll and Hopfgarten are easily accessible using the City Night Line. Leaving London by Eurostar at 4.02pm and changing in Paris, you reach the local town of Wörgl, a 15-30 minute bus or taxi ride away at 9.40 next morning. Adult returns start from £195.

Alternatively a day time trtip to St anton can be cpmpleted in about 12 hours leaving London St. Pancras on the 6.22 Eurostar (pre-rush hour). Change in Paris at 9.47 (post rush-hour) and arrive in Zurich at 3pm by TGV where you have time for a meal before leaving for St Anton at 4.40pm, arriving at 6.57pm ready to party. Tickets again cost from £195.

www.snowcarbon.co.uk / www.visittirol.co.uk