There are so many Italians who do not give up White week, but the most passionate skiers take advantage of every opportunity to go to the mountains. Even a simple weekend turns into a nice trip out of town in the snow, but how to reach the ski area? Using the car is inconvenient, not very convenient and definitely not very eco-sustainable. This is how they are born snow trains, a reality that is increasingly consolidated throughout Italy: they are convoys that lead to the main ski resorts in the Alps and Apennines, to allow tourists to leave in complete comfort and also enjoy the journey. Let’s find out what the main ones are news for the 2023/2024 season.
Read also: Mexico- Long distances by road, rail and ferry map
Trenitalia’s proposals
If you have decided to travel by train to reach the main mountain tourist locations, then keep an eye out for the various ones Trenitalia’s proposals. The novelty of the year is undoubtedly the night itinerary that connects Rome Termini and Cortina d’Ampezzo, the “Queen of the Dolomites”: every weekend until February 25, 2024 (and with some additional departures during the Christmas period), you can board in the evening at the Roman station and reach Calalzo, in the province of Belluno, the following morning. A bus then allows you to arrive in Cortina d’Ampezzo in 50 minutesand from here you are on the most beautiful ski slopes in Italy in the blink of an eye.
The outward journey departs on Friday evening, while the return journey departs on Sunday evening. They are also expected intermediate stops in Orte, Orvieto, Treviso, Ponte nelle Alpi and Longarone-Zoldo, to expand the tourist offer. It is an all-round experience that begins as soon as you board the train. Upon reservation, it is possible to dine in the bar-restaurant carriage, while the bar service remains open all night. Furthermore, passengers can choose between single or double sleeping cabins (dinner and breakfast are included) and 4 or 6-seater berths. Luggage and ski equipment are placed in a special compartment manned by the on-board staff.
Trenitalia then presented its own Winter Experience 2023, a detailed program of connections that allow you to travel throughout Italy (and to many European locations) to encourage travelers to choose the train, a more economical and sustainable means of transport. The winter timetable, which started on 10 December, sees as many as 24 thousand daily national connections and another 13 thousand European ones. The crown jewel of the company is the Red Arrow, which is about to add 2 new departures between Milan and Rome (the journey takes just 2 hours and 50 minutes). The network also includes ArrowLinkwhich reaches beautiful art cities and mountain locations throughout Italy.
Another much appreciated innovation is the Intercity night train which connects Rome Termini to San Candido, to allow tourists to reach the main ski resorts of Alto Adige in complete comfort. The itinerary is available until March 30, 2024. It departs from Rome on Friday and Saturday evenings, arriving in San Candido the following morning. The return is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday evenings. Some are available intermediate stops in South Tyrol: these are the stations of Ora, Bolzano, Bressanone, Fortezza, Brunico and Dobbiaco – also excellent for those who want to go and visit the Christmas markets.
Trenord and Snowit
Also Trenorth in collaboration with Snowit, has a dense network of connections with the main ski resorts in Lombardy (with a Piedmontese novelty). The snow trains are available from December 7, 2023 to April 14, 2024, and tickets can only be purchased online or on the appropriate apps. How does the service work? It’s very simple: the ticket can be one day or for two days, and must be used on the chosen date on board one of the Trenord trains departing from any location in Lombardyto the train station closest to the area you want to reach.
The ticket includes not only the round trip (to be carried out on two consecutive days), but also the dedicated shuttle bus service to the ski resorts and the ski pass. Additional services are also available, such as snowshoe rental or cable car tickets. The ski areas connected by the Trenord snow trains are those of Aprica-Corteno e Valmalencoto which are added those of Madesimo (the service is already active), by Plans of Bobbio e di Domobianca in Piedmont (available soon).
Italo and Itabus
Do you want to ski? With Italo, the Alps are within reach of… train: this year the high-speed service allows you to connect the stations of Naples, Rome, Florence, Bologna, Rovigo and Padua with the Venezia Mestre station, from which you can then continue your journey aboard Itabus. The destinations that can be reached in this way are Longarone, Tai di Cadore, Borca di Cadore, San Vito di Cadore and Cortina d’Ampezzo. The Veneto it is therefore one step away from home, with its splendid mountain resorts and numerous ski slopes suitable for every tourist.
Furthermore, from 14 December 2023 the connection service with the Aosta Valley. We depart, always on board the high-speed trains, from the stations of Naples, Rome, Florence, Bologna, Reggio Emilia and Milan to arrive at the Turin Porta Susa station. From here, the Itabus connection allows you to reach the cities of Aosta and Courmayeurfor a truly dream holiday on the snow.
The historic train of the Ferrovia dei Parchi
Finally, if you want to live a fascinating experience aboard a historic train, don’t miss the proposal offered by the Ferrovia dei Parchi. We are in the heart of the Apennines, where magic is at home: from 13 January to 10 March 2024, treat yourself to a breathtaking adventure. The winter itinerary includes departure from Sulmona, with arrival of your choice at one of the three stops of the railway: Palena, Pescocostanzo and Roccaraso. It is an excellent opportunity not only to ski, but also to visit these splendid villages nestled in the mountains.
The trip employs the “Bombardone”, a vintage locomotive that hauls “Centoporte” cars dating back to the late 1920s – as well as a baggage wagon used for transporting suitcases and ski equipment. On board, the staff provides lots of anecdotes and curiosities about the route and the places crossed, and there will also bemusical entertainment. Departures are scheduled only on weekends, in the morning at 8.45am, with return at 5.30pm.
Read also:The Eternal City! Your travel guide to Rome
