Traveling to the Alps Without Flying: The Greenest Option for Skiers

As the climate crisis deepens, more and more people are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. For winter sports enthusiasts, this often means considering alternatives to flying. The good news? There are several eco-friendly ways to travel to the Alps that not only help the planet but can also offer a more enjoyable and cost-effective experience.

Flying to ski resorts is a major contributor to carbon emissions. The good news is that there are greener alternatives that still let you enjoy everything the Alps have to offer. Traveling by train, coach, or even self-driving with a group can significantly reduce your environmental impact.

One of the easiest and most eco-friendly ways to travel to ski resorts in the French and Swiss Alps is by train. It’s a convenient, comfortable, and stress-free way to get there—and in many cases, it can be cheaper too.

If you're looking for the simplest way to reach the Alps during the winter season, the Eurostar Snow package is your best bet. This single ticket takes you from London to the Alps with a quick change at Lille.

Although currently limited in both availability and weeks, the Eurostar Snow package will likely become a more accessible option in the 2025-26 season, making it a great option for eco-conscious skiers.

For those who want more flexibility, booking your own train tickets is a great option. For travel to the French Alps, you can take the Eurostar from London St Pancras and then change trains in Paris (which requires a few stops) or Lille (an easier transfer within the station). Depending on your destination, train travel can be fast and efficient, especially to popular ski resorts like Les Arcs, Tignes/Val d'Isère, and some resorts in the 3 Valleys area.

There are also overnight and one-day train routes available to Austria, Switzerland, and Italy, so you can reach a wide range of European ski resorts without flying.

Booking in advance is key to securing the best deals on train tickets. Eurostar tickets are typically available up to six months in advance (currently available until mid-May), while French train tickets are available about three months ahead of travel (currently available until March 30). The best time to book is the moment the tickets are released, as prices are typically lower and availability higher.

If you prefer the convenience of a package deal, there are options for train travel through companies like Inghams. Crystal is also launching train-inclusive packages, which is something to keep an eye on for the upcoming seasons. However, if you're looking for the best experience and flexibility, booking directly with rail operators might be your best option.

For more information and to book your tickets, use platforms like Powmobility, Trainline, and Trainpal. You can also check out Snowcarbon for detailed information on routes and a newsletter that provides updates on ticket release dates. For those looking for more inspiration, visit Ski Flight Free for more examples of ski trips that avoid flying.

Are you planning on bringing your bike to the Alps for some ski-cross or summer mountain biking? Good news—Eurostar allows bikes on specific trains, either boxed or assembled. Bikes can be transported from London to Paris, or from London to Brussels, with additional restrictions for specific routes. Visit the Eurostar website for more information on taking your bike.

Certain ski resorts offer discounts to those who choose train travel over flying. For example, if you’re heading to Morzine, Les Gets, or Avoriaz, you can access discounts on ski passes and other activities. La Rosière also offers 15% discounts for train travelers, which can add up to a significant saving on your trip.

While train travel is one of the best options for reducing your carbon footprint, other land-based travel methods are also worth considering.

Coaches: Coaches are an eco-friendly and affordable way to get to the Alps. While the journey is longer, it’s a cost-effective and green option. Direct services are available through SnowExpress.

Train + Coach: If certain train routes are too expensive or unavailable, you can combine trains with coaches like Flixbus. This can be an effective way to save money and still reduce your carbon footprint.

Self-Drive: If you have a small group, driving to your destination can be more eco-friendly than flying. The key is to have at least 3-4 people in the car to share the emissions. Many companies offer self-drive ski packages, so you can plan your journey with ease.

At Protect Our Winters UK, we have been advocating for greener travel options for skiers for years. Our Save the Ski Train campaign has worked tirelessly to encourage more sustainable transport options to the Alps. We're now eagerly awaiting the next opportunity to push for better rail access to ski resorts.

The travel industry is slowly catching up, with rolling stock availability being one of the key challenges. By travelling during quieter times, such as Sunday to Sunday, you can help boost the availability of trains and make rail travel even more accessible for future skiers.

There’s no need to fly to the Alps if you’re passionate about skiing and the environment. From Eurostar packages to self-drive options, there are plenty of alternatives to flying that can help you reduce your carbon footprint while still getting the most out of your ski trip. Start planning now and make your next trip to the Alps one that’s both thrilling and green!

For more information on how to travel to the Alps without flying, visit Snowcarbon, Ski Flight Free, or Man in Seat 61, who offer a wealth of tips and resources to help you plan your sustainable ski holiday.