When you take an overnight train you get up to two extra days on the slopes. Most ski holidays involve an early-morning charter flight. But, however early you set your alarm clock, you won’t get to ski that day. Your 7-night holiday is a really a 6-day one.
Instead of getting up early on a Saturday morning, you can take the train on Friday evening. You’ll arrive in resort just in time for the first lift. And – because Saturday is the main transfer day in most resorts – you’ll enjoy a full day on the slopes without the usual crowds.
Meanwhile, your mates who mistakenly thought it would be more efficient to fly will be stuck in an airport or on a long coach transfer.
Alternatively, you can take an overnight journey in one direction, and a daytime train in the other direction, thus giving you one extra day on the slopes, and a bit more time to relax on the train.
Here’s how it works:
- Arrive in resort at around 8am or 9am after a comfortable overnight journey.
- Take a taxi, bus or walk to your hotel or chalet. There is usually a storage room where you can leave your luggage and a ski room where you can change. Some hotels will let you take a shower.
- If you need to rent ski or snowboard equipment you can save money by booking it in advance. Turn up at the shop to collect it when there are no queues.
- It’s also a good idea to arrange your ski pass in advance.
- If there’s time, grab a quick coffee. Now suck in that gorgeous fresh mountain air – and get on the slopes!
Going home
On the following Saturday, most people will have to get up early for the long coach transfer to the airport. You, on the other hand, can take your time as you pack your bags, put them into storage – then head out for another day on the slopes.
Again, you can store your luggage at the hotel or chalet. Get back in the afternoon, take a shower, eat an early dinner then – with plenty of time to spare – arrive back at the train station for your overnight journey home.
Having skied all day, you’ll sleep like a baby and arrive back in the UK feeling refreshed and smug that you enjoyed a 8-day skiing holiday rather than a 6-day one.
