Winter sport in Europe

Europe has heaps of winter sport slopes to fit every budget. If you're taking a European rail trip this winter, spend a few days skiing or snowboarding to add an extra rush of adrenaline to your holiday. Find out about some of Europe's top winter sport destinations...
 

Winterberg, Germany

  • Season: mid-December-end-March
  • Highest summit: Kahler Asten, 842m
  • Difficulty: beginner-intermediate
  • Lift pass: 1 day: €26 / 2 days: €45 / 3 days €60
  • Train pass: InterRail Germany Pass or InterRail Global Pass

Located in Sauerland, this is a great place to visit if you just want to fit in a day or two of snow action. These slopes are especially good for beginners and intermediates. The 21 ski lifts operated by Skiliftkarussell provide access to the 15km of runs. There are plenty of budget hotels and hostels in Winterberg.

Skiliftkarussell is just a 20-minute walk from Winterberg's main train station.

BanksoBansko, Bulgaria

  • Season: mid-December-mid-May
  • Highest summit: Vihren, 2914m
  • Difficulty: intermediate-advanced
  • Lift pass: 1 day: €45 / 2 days: €87 / 3 days €130 (2011 prices)
  • Train pass: InterRail Bulgaria Pass or InterRail Global Pass
     

Get excellent value when you choose Bansko for your winter sport destination. Although Bansko cannot be compared to the Alps, in terms of scenery and quantity and quality of runs, it is however an affordable alternative and is growing in popularity. The Bansko lift pass gives you access to 75km of slopes, mainly red and blue with a few black runs. You can hire all your equipment there so no need to bring it with you. The charming town of Bansko has a range of accommodation options and plenty of restaurants offering traditional Bulgarian cuisine.

The train brings you into the centre of the town of Bankso and from there you can access the gondolas.

Tryvann Winter Park, Oslo, Norway

Just 20 minutes from Oslo, this park is ideal if you want to fit in a spot of skiing or snowboarding into a tight travel schedule. Tryvann Winter Park has 18 slopes and 11 lifts, plus there is a snowboard park with rails, jumps and a halfpipe for the more adventurous boarders. The slopes are floodlit so you can stay out until 10 p.m. and fit in a full day on the slopes. It's possible to rent all equipment and clothing.

To reach Tryvann Winter Park take subway no. 1 towards Frognerseteren and get off at Voksenkollen station and from there pick up a shuttlebus to the park.

Sierra Nevada, Granada, Spain

Sierra Nevada is Europe’s most southerly ski resort, nestled within the Spanish provinces of Granada and Almería. Andalusia boasts many sunny days during winter so you’ll usually be lucky enough to ski under clear blue skies! The lift pass gives you access to 20 lifts and 100km of pistes to enjoy. The enchanting city of Granada is just 70km away and is the best place to find budget accommodation. You can hire all equipment from the resort at the upper station of Borreguiles.

The nearest train station to the Sierra Nevada is Granada. There is a regular bus service running from Granada's main bus station to the resort.

Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Austria

Visit one of Austria's top resorts within the Saalbach Valley in the Piznau region. The lift pass allows access to the three pistes in the area: Saalbach, Hinterglemm and Leogang. For adrenaline-junkies there are two snowparks (in Hinterglemm and Leogang) with a selection of rails, kickers and jibs. And the lively aprés-ski will keep you entertained once the sun goes down!

To reach Hinterglemm it is necessary to take the train to Salzburg or Munich (Germany) and from there it is possible to arrange a transfer.

Alps in Chamonix, FranceChamonix-Mont-Blanc, France

  • Season: December-April
  • Highest summit: Aiguille du Midi, 3842m
  • Difficulty: intermediate-advanced
  • Lift pass: 1 day: €42 / 2 days: €79 / 3 days: €116 (Chamonix-Pass)
  • Train pass: InterRail France Pass or InterRail Global Pass


Chamonix, located at the foot of Mont Blanc is Europe's mountain-mecca with some of the most challenging runs among the most breathtaking of mountain scenery. There are two ski passes available depending on how much access you want to the 108km of pistes. The town itself has everything you need from equipment rental and ski shops to an excellent choice of bars and restaurants. There is a wide selection of accommodation including an HI youth hostel in Les Pélerins (a short bus ride from Chamonix).

Take the TER from Lyon and get off at Chamonix-Mont-Blanc train station which brings you right into the town of Chamonix.

 

InterRailNet.Com cannot guarantee the accuracy of the prices shown as prices may change. Please contact lift operators for up-to-date prices.

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