A (new) overnight train service connecting the Netherlands and Belgium to the French Alps will begin operating this winter, offering skiers and snowboarders a sustainable alternative to traditional travel methods. The Travelski Night Express, a collaboration between Travelski, a subsidiary of Compagnie des Alpes, and Pegasus Trains, will provide weekly services from Amsterdam to Bourg-Saint-Maurice, with stops in Rotterdam, Antwerp, Brussels, Moutiers, and Aime-la-Plagne.
The initiative, announced on Thursday 16 April 2026, aims to reduce the carbon footprint of winter tourism while providing a comfortable and efficient travel option for those heading to popular ski resorts such as Les Arcs, Tignes, and Méribel.
The service will run from mid-December to the end of March, with fifteen round trips scheduled, departing on Friday evenings and returning on Saturday evenings. This timetable allows passengers to maximise their time on the slopes, arriving fresh and ready to ski on Saturday mornings.
In addition to the new Amsterdam route, the existing Paris to Bourg-Saint-Maurice service, which launched last year, will continue to operate. Both routes will utilise electric locomotives, further emphasising the commitment to environmentally friendly travel.
A shift towards sustainable ski travel
The introduction of the Travelski Night Express reflects a broader trend in European tourism, where overnight trains are increasingly seen as a viable alternative to flights and long car journeys.
Pegasus Trains, a specialist in custom overnight passenger services, provides the rolling stock for the route. Their trains are designed to offer a comfortable experience, featuring premium sleeping accommodations, onboard dining, and professional staff to assist passengers throughout the journey.
According to Pegasus Trains, the service is part of a turnkey solution tailored for tour operators, hotel groups, and cruise companies seeking to offer sustainable travel options.
The trains can be customised to match the branding and needs of their partners, with optional services such as bespoke catering and event hosting.
The overnight service not only reduces travel-related stress but also eliminates the need for early-morning departures, allowing passengers to arrive at their destination well-rested.
Stations such as Bourg-Saint-Maurice, Moutiers, and Aime-la-Plagne are strategically located just minutes away from major ski resorts, making the transition from train to slopes seamless.
Destinations and accessibility
The Travelski Night Express will serve some of the most renowned ski destinations in the French Alps. Bourg-Saint-Maurice, the final stop on the Amsterdam route, provides direct access to resorts like Les Arcs and La Plagne, while Moutiers and Aime-la-Plagne connect travellers to Courchevel, Méribel, and Val d’Isère.
These resorts are known for their extensive ski areas, catering to all levels of experience, from beginners to advanced skiers. The overnight train service is expected to appeal particularly to those looking to avoid the hassles of driving through mountainous terrain or dealing with airport transfers.
Tickets for the Travelski Night Express are available exclusively through the Travelski platform, with both return and one-way options offered. The service is anticipated to be in high demand, as it aligns with growing consumer interest in sustainable and convenient travel solutions.
A broader commitment to decarbonisation
The launch of the night train service is part of a wider effort by Compagnie des Alpes, which operates several ski resorts and amusement parks, to promote sustainable tourism. By offering an electric, overnight train option, the company aims to reduce the environmental impact of winter sports travel, which has traditionally relied heavily on cars and planes.
Pegasus Trains, for its part, positions itself as a pioneer in retro-innovation, blending the nostalgia of classic night trains with modern comforts and eco-friendly practices. The company’s mission is to make rail travel not just a means of transport, but an integral and memorable part of the holiday experience.
As the winter season approaches, the Travelski Night Express is poised to become a key player in the future of ski travel, combining practicality, comfort, and sustainability. For many, it may well redefine the way they reach the Alps.
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