Let the train take the strain in Austria

If you think flying is the only option for your ski trip to Austria, think again. Train travel may not be the first thing that springs to mind but with improved services and connections, Austria is closer than 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."

Train v plane

We all know the benefit of train travel in terms of sustainability, but there are some key advantages to skiers in letting the train take the strain, such as:

- No charges for skis or luggage
- 30-minute check in
- Railway stations in resort or a 15-30 minute taxi or bus ride away

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. By going overnight you can ski on the day you arrive and depart, giving you two extra days on the slopes.

City Night Line

Relatively undiscovered by the UK ski market, the City Night Line train is Austria's answer to the Snow Train. Daniel Elkan says: "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 raring to ski!"

The resorts of Alpbach, Söll and Hopfgarten are easily accessible using the City Night Line. The journey times are as follows, with adult returns starting from £195.

Outbound
Depart London St. Pancras 16.02 Eurostar
Arrive Paris-Nord 19.17 (change stations)
Depart Paris-Est 20.20 City Night Line
Arrive Wörgl 09.40

Inbound
Depart Wörgl 20.31 City Night Line
Arrive Paris-Est 09.23
Depart Paris-Nord 10.13 Eurostar
Arrive London St. Pancras* 11.28

Then take a taxi:
Worgl to Alpbach (30 mins; €40)
Worgl to Soll (15 mins: €22)
Worgl to Hopfgarten (15 mins: €22)

Söll
Part of the Ski Welt circus, Austria's largest connected ski area, the resort of Söll has access to over 270km of varied and interesting slopes. Located between the majestic Wilder Kaiser mountains and the Kitzbüheler Alps, the pretty resort offers great value for money, is a popular choice for Brits, with a lively après-ski scene and has top winter wonderland activities for all to enjoy.

How much?
A "White Weeks" package at the 3* Hotel Tulpe in January* starts from €570 per person for 7 nights on half board, including a 6 day skipass Wilder Kaiser - Brixental. (* 8 - 21 Jan 2011). More packages and offers are available at: wilderkaiser.info

Hopfgarten-Kelchsau-Itter
Situated at the foot of the Hohe Salve, the resort of Hopfgarten is located in the heart of the Ski Welt, which has recently been awarded the top resort award by the Skiresort Service International. Hopfgarten is Söll's quieter neighbour, boasting a a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and traditional Tirolean charm.

How much?
7 nights in 3* accommodation starts from € 544,50 per person on half board, including a 6 day ski pass. To book, email: hopfgarten@hohe-salve.com

Alpbach
Highly regarded as one of Austria's most picturesque villages, the charming village of Alpbach is a true winter wonderland and a top choice for families, beginners and intermediates. A wide range of non-ski activities are on offer too, from snowshoeing to sleigh rides and tobogganing.

How much?
7 nights at the 4* Hotel Böglerhof in Alpbach starts from €790 per person on half board, including a 6 day Alpbachtal ski pass and weekly activity programme. For more information visit: boeglerhof.at

St Anton
Extensive and varied slopes, breathtaking scenery, reliable snow, a bustling village atmosphere and some of the best après-ski in the Alps - what more do you want from a resort that has it all! Located in the western part of the Tirol region, St Anton is regarded as one of the top European resorts and it just keeps getting better.

The full daytime journey details to St Anton are as follows:

Outbound
Depart London St. Pancras 06.22 Eurostar
Arrive Paris-Nord 09.47 (change stations)
Depart Paris-Est 10.24 TGV
Arrive Zurich 15.00
Have a meal at Zurich station
Depart Zurich 16.40 Railjet
Arrive St Anton am Arlberg 18.57

Inbound
Depart St Anton am Arlberg 09.01 EuroCity
Arrive Zurich 11.20
Depart Zurich 13.02 TGV
Arrive Paris-Est 17.34
Depart Paris-Nord 19.13 Eurostar
Arrive London St. Pancras* 20.34

How much?
Adult returns start from £195, child returns start from £153. Stay at the centrally located 3* Hotel Ehrenreich in St Anton for 7 nights on half board, with prices starting from €665 per person.

For more information about train travel to the Alps visit: snowcarbon.co.uk

For more information on the Tirol region: visittirol.co.uk