Go skiing by train or bus

Train or bus are excellent alternatives to the car to get to mountain vacation in a ski resort. Indeed, going skiing does not only mean choosing a place where the slopes and landscapes attract us. Although ski holidays are a nature escape, they also come with environmental challenges. Transport is one of the main contributors of CO₂ in the context of mountain stays

With the rise of environmental concerns, more and more of you are looking for eco-responsible alternatives for your travels, including during ski holidaysThe choice of transport has a direct impact on CO₂ emissions and on air quality in mountain regions, which are fragile in the face of climate change.

Opt for the train or the bus to reach the ski resorts not only allows you to considerably reduce your carbon footprint, but also to travel peacefully while admiring the Alpine landscapes without the constraints and dangers of winter driving.

Rail networks and bus services are now well developed and provide easy access to many resorts for your mountain holiday, although rarely to the foot of the slopes.

Choosing the train or bus to go skiing means adopting a more sustainable mode of travel that is in harmony with the environments that we wish to preserve.

The Train, a fast, comfortable and eco-responsible way to get to a ski resort.

There are several reasons to take the train as a means of transport to reach a ski station. Let's see which ones.

Comfort and serenity : by train you avoid the fatigue of driving and can enjoy the scenery without stress. You also forget the fatigue of long hours of driving. The ski holiday begins when you board the train.
Well-organized transfers : many train stations near the resorts offer shuttles that drop you off at your accommodation. For example, Les Arcs is accessible from Bourg-Saint-Maurice train station, connected by a fast funicular, while Chamonix is accessible via Saint-Gervais-les-Bains-Le Fayet train station, with shuttles or a direct change to a train.
Baggage optimization : Several companies offer the possibility of transporting skis and equipment for a small additional fee. Remember to book in advance during busy periods.

But, as we have understood, the stakes are also elsewhere. The train is becoming more and more popular, especially with those who want minimize their ecological impact. It is indeed one of the most ecological ways to get to the ski resort. In addition to being environmentally friendly, the train allows you to travel comfortably while admiring the landscape.

But why do we say that the train is a more eco-responsible approach than the car?

Reduced carbon footprint : the train emits 80 times less CO₂ per kilometer than the car. By choosing the train, you actively contribute to reducing emissions linked to mountain transport.
Electric shuttle transfers : some resorts offer electric shuttles from the arrival stations. In Les Arcs, for example, the Bourg-Saint-Maurice funicular is an ecological solution to reach the ski resort in a few minutes. Saint Gervais or Chamonix are other examples.
Partnerships with stations : more and more resorts are offering discounts on ski passes to travellers who have opted for the train. Initiatives such as that of the SNCF with Skirail allow you to benefit from advantageous rates by combining train tickets and ski passes.

Despite this, you should be aware that the big ecological advantage is mainly measured on the journey between your home and the train station at the foot of your ski resort. The last few kilometres are often done by bus and therefore remain carbon intensive.

AlpAddict by train in the Alps — Train seat with mountain view

What ski resorts choose if we arrive by train?

As a precaution, we must organize ourselves very early, because train seat reservations sell out very quickly. The last few kilometres are usually organised with local shuttles that wait for the trains to arrive. It is always best to check with the local tourist office.

On stations the most useful to go to a ski station in France are as follows:

Line of the Geneva : Evian, Thonon, Annemasse for the Chablais and Val d'Abondance resorts.
Line of the Arve valley : Geneva, Cluses, Sallanches, Le Fayet, for the Faucigny and Pays du Mont Blanc resorts.
Line of the alpine furrow : Annecy, Chambéry, Pontcharra, Grenoble, for the resorts of Bauges, Chartreuse, Vercors and the Belledonne massif.
Line of the Tarentaise : Albertville, Moutiers, Aime, Bourg Saint Maurice, for the large ski areas of the Three Valleys, La Plagne, Les Arcs, Tignes and Val d'Isère, Beaufortain, Les Saisies and Valmorel.
Line of the Mauritian : Saint Jean de Maurienne, Saint Michel de Maurienne (and when the Chambéry-Turin line can open after the 2023 landslide; there will also be Modane and Oulx): for the Sybelles, Val Cenis, Haute Maurienne and Montgenèvre areas (from Oulx).
Line of the Durance : Gap, Embrun, Mont Dauphin, Argentière la Bessée and Briançon, for Ubaye, Guillestrois, Queyras, Vallouise and the Hautes Vallées.
Nice, for the Alpes Maritimes resorts, Auron and Isola 2000.

There are a few stations directly accessible from train stations.

La Chamonix valley, with change at Fayet: Les Houches, Chamonix, Argentière, Vallorcine have a station.
Saint Gervais les Bains and Bettex, from Fayet station.
Les Arcs 1600 from Bourg Saint Maurice station.
And Briançon, whose station is located in the district close to ski lifts which take you to the ski area Serre Chevalier.

You can read a more complete article on the subject of going skiing by train in France, by clicking on the link.

The bus: an economical option for getting to a ski resort

Beyond the shuttles that leave from the stations closest to the ski resorts, there are also buses that can take you directly to your place of stay from more distant cities.

The bus is often an underestimated means of transport for getting to a ski resort, but it can prove to be economical, especially for young travelers or those who prefer to avoid high parking fees. Several companies offer direct routes from major cities such as Lyon, Grenoble, or Geneva to the main ski resorts.

The bus is an environmentally friendly and economical option for accessing ski resorts, especially from major cities. Bus networks connecting train stations and airports to mountain resorts help reduce the number of private vehicles on the roads and, consequently, CO₂ emissions.

Advantages and disadvantages of the bus

Benefits : reduced cost, without the hassle of parking. Ideal for well-served resorts such as La Clusaz, Le Grand-Bornand, Chamrousse, or Les Gets.
Drawbacks : Bus journeys can be longer due to frequent stops and breaks. Mountain roads can also cause discomfort if you are sensitive to curves.

The environmental benefits of buses

Reduction of emissions per passenger : Travelling by bus reduces emissions per person by grouping passengers in the same vehicle. Modern buses are often equipped with less polluting technologies and optimised for long-distance journeys.
Direct and convenient routes : companies like Altibus and Ouibus offer direct connections between major cities and ski resorts, avoiding detours. These journeys are often more comfortable and punctual.
Eco-responsible commitment : some bus companies are investing in low-emission vehicles, such as electric or hybrid buses, to limit the environmental impact of your ski holiday.

Which ski resorts are most easily accessible by bus?

Stations close to major urban centres are often well served by the bus network, such as:

Megève et Chamonix accessible by shuttle from Geneva and Annecy.
Les Alpes 2 et L'Alpe d'Huez from Grenoble.
Val d'Isere et Tignes accessible from Lyon and Chambéry.

In season, Each ski resort is connected to at least one major cityYou have to look in the “how to get here” sections of the ski resort websites to find out the routes.

Train under the snow — A train under snow showers

Our tips for a smooth journey to your ski holiday

To ensure a peaceful trip to your favorite ski resort, here are some recommendations:

Book your tickets and transfers in advance : During peak season, trains, buses and shuttles to ski resorts can fill up quickly. Don't wait until the last minute to book your ski holiday.
Optimize the transport of your equipment : if you are going by train or bus, find out about transport options for your skis or snowboard, which may require a fee.
Consider on-site equipment rental : this limits the transport of equipment and allows you to use recent equipment, often better maintained and more efficient.
Monitor weather conditions : In winter, snow can delay bus journeys. Be patient and plan to eat and cover yourself if the wait is long.
Anticipate snowfall : before choosing your resort, find out about the snow conditions to avoid making unnecessary trips if the resort does not have enough natural snow.

Choosing the resort for your ski holiday depends not only on the slopes or activities on offer, but also on how you want to travel. Whether you choose the comfort of the train or the economy of bus, there’s a resort that’s sure to fit your needs perfectly. Considering these logistics before booking will help you maximize your time on the slopes and reduce the stress of arrival.

In both cases, by choosing the most eco-friendly means of transport, such as the train, or public transport (or even carpooling) and carbon offsetting, you are actively participating in the preservation of the mountains. Every action counts to reduce our footprint and ensure that future generations can also enjoy these snowy landscapes.

To learn more about how to choose your ski resort based on your criteria, you can download this little complete guide !

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