Five Alpine destinations you can reach on new train routes this winter

The Alps offer plenty of reasons to visit in winter, even if you have no intention of putting on a pair of skis. Think pretty mountain villages, cosy restaurants, snowy walking trails and spectacular views.Getting there is also becoming easier by train. For the 2026-2027 season, new direct rail links to Austria, upgraded sleeper services to Switzerland and the return of Eurostar Snow to the French Alps are opening up more ways to reach the mountains without flying.For anyone keen to cut the carbon footprint of their winter escape, going by train is also a solid choice, as rail travel is far better for the environment than flying. The experts at Rail Europe have picked out five Alpine destinations worth considering this winter, from resorts made for serious skiers to mountain retreats with plenty to offer those who prefer to keep their feet firmly on the ground.The French AlpsThe French Alps are a winter classic, whether you’re heading there to ski or simply fancy a few days in the mountains. Getting there is easier this season, too, with the return of Eurostar Snow and additional TGV services.From 19 December, Eurostar Snow will connect Amsterdam, Schiphol Airport, Rotterdam, Antwerp and Brussels with six stations in the French Alps, including Moûtiers, Aime-la-Plagne and Bourg-Saint-Maurice.