Car-free skiing: we tested the Travelski Night Express overnight
You dream of a stress‑free snowy holiday, without a car, and without spending long hours in traffic? Good news: we tested the Travelski Night Express, which brings back to life a forgotten but fiercely modern experience, that of the night train to the Alps. Concretely, you fall asleep in Paris, and wake up in the heart of the Alps, ready to lace up your skis. A turnkey holiday (night train + transfer + accommodation + ski pass + equipment) that offers you a solution bothpractical and low‑carbon, to enjoy the mountains differently! We'll explain everything.
Update 8/01/26 : Marc, our CPO, was on board the inaugural journey at the end of December. Tested and approved: we added his feedback.
Why go skiing by night train?
An experience in itself
It is often said that the journey is part of the trip. With the Travelski Night Express, it's even more true: you board in Paris at the end of the day, sleep in your compartment, and at dawn… you find yourself in the heart of the Alps facing snowy landscapes and ready to lace up your skis!
No more traffic jams, long drives, or the headache of organization. Travel time is no longer a constraint but a restful pause that already tastes like a holiday.
Marc's feedback: "Leaving on Friday late evening allows you to pack without rushing!"
Departure 22:52 from Gare de Lyon on Fridays
An extra day of skiing
Not only do you spare yourself the stress of the road and the fatigue of traffic jams, but the night journey is also an extra day of skiing at arrival and departure, without having to take an additional day off!
© Travelski
A low‑carbon mode of transport
Beyond the experience and serenity, the night train offers up to 90% fewer CO₂ emissions compared to a car. A choice that lets you make a concrete gesture for the planet, without giving up pleasure. In short, a clever and comfortable option that fits the desire for a slower, more responsible, more conscious tourism… and still fun.
A one‑stop offer to simplify your life
A turnkey ski holiday: night train + shuttle + pass + equipment + accommodation
Departure from Gare de Lyon aboard the TravelSki Night Express
Marc's feedback: The ideal: drop your bags and settle directly into the bar car to enjoy a warm atmosphere.
The Travelski Night Express is not just a train ticket: it's a turnkey ski holiday designed to simplify your life.
As you'll understand, the journey starts with the night train trip : departure exclusively on Friday evenings from Paris, and return on Sunday mornings (to maximize time on the mountain).
A regular shuttle then ensures the link between the station and your ski resort, for a smooth transfer upon arrival.
Upon arrival, everything is already organized: you can drop off your luggage easily and pick up your pass and equipment (either at the residence or at the resort). All you have to do is enjoy the mountain!
On Saturday, you can enjoy the slopes until the last minute: a transfer is scheduled in the late afternoon back to the Travelski Night Express (for a return to Paris on Sunday morning).
In practice, you can stay up to 8 days on site, depending on the chosen package.
Comfort aboard the night train
In a couchette cabin, you will enjoy all the necessary comfort for the night in a compartment (6 couchette berths per compartment): duvet and pillow provided, electrical outlet.
During the journey, you can also dine and have breakfast aboard the bar car (for an extra fee).
© Travelski Night Express
"I highly recommend the tartiflette to get a taste of the mountains right from the train! ⛰️" - Marc
The restaurant car of the night train
A solution suitable for everyone (families, women, solo…)
Good to know: it is also possible to choose 100% female compartments!
As for families, the trip is perfectly suitable, even with young children: the compartments can be privatized (6 couchette berths per compartment).
©Marc Sahuguet
The mountains accessible without a car, everywhere in France
12 stations accessible from December 2025
From the Tarentaise massif to the gates of the Maurienne, the Travelski Night Express serves more than 12 ski resorts from December 2025. Renowned destinations: Tignes, Les Arcs, La Plagne, Val d’Isère…
Breakfast in the morning before arriving at Bourg-Saint-Maurice
Enjoy breakfast as early as 6 am in the bar car overlooking snowy landscapes before disembarking at Aime la Plagne, Moutiers or Bourg-Saint-Maurice terminus of this train at 8:09. Just in time for the slopes to open at 9:00.
The 12 ski stations served by the night train
A privileged access to the Arcs station
Once at the Bourg-Saint-Maurice station, join the Arc 1600 in 7 minutes thanks to the funicular. The round‑trip is offered for all people presenting their train ticket or a ski pass.
The Arcs station
FromArc 1600 you can directly put on your skis or take free shuttles that easily take you to Arcs 1800 and Arcs 2000 and your accommodation.
Cable car from Bourg-Saint-Maurice to the Arcs
As for equipment, no need to go far: an Intersport store awaits us directly at the cable car arrival at Arcs 1600 to rent our gear. - Marc
How to book this night train?
One platform, one booking, one contact, and all with a personalized support at every step.
In just a few clicks on travelski.com, you book your transport, your accommodation, your pass, your ski equipment, and even the shuttle or funicular to your resort.
So, ready to choose the mountain without traffic jams or stress this winter?
This article was written in partnership with Travelski Night Express. To learn more or to book your turnkey ski holiday, click here !
Issue du monde de la communication et des médias, Sophie est Responsable éditoriale chez HOURRAIL ! depuis août 2024. Elle est notamment derrière le contenu éditorial du site ainsi que La Locomissive (de l'inspiration voyage bas carbone et des bons plans, un jeudi sur deux, gratuitement dans ta boîte mail !).
Convaincue que les changements d’habitude passent par la transformation de nos imaginaires, elle s’attache à montrer qu’il est possible de voyager autrement, de manière plus consciente, plus lente et plus joyeuse. Son objectif : rendre le slow travel accessible à toutes et tous, à travers des astuces, des décryptages et surtout, de nouveaux récits.
Related articles
Hautes-Alpes: a 2-day car-free ski touring micro-adventure from Paris
Skiing by train: 20 resorts accessible without a car this winter
Our last articles
Bordeaux-Lyon train: why is there no direct line?
Can we decarbonize aviation without slowing down traffic?
