Skiing by Train in December

First off, Eurorail is not a train. I assume you mean traveling via a Eurorail pass. If you have not purchased the pass you do your homework to determine if the pass is a good deal or not. These days a pass is not always the best/cheapest way to go. What kind of a skier are you? Level ? Experience?

hi erin, not sure where ur traveling, but when i was in Munich during winter way back in 2002 I skiied at Garmisch Partinkirchen. Garmisch is an easy 1 1/2hr train ride from Munich. From the train station u can catch a bus that will take u right from the station to the ski area. Other than ski pants, i didn't pack anything in particular for skiing. I used my waterproof jacket and layered underneath, and my sunglasses to keep out the sun. I rented my skiis and stored my stuff in a locker. I had such a great day, long runs, not too crowded when i went. Have a beer at the chalet halfway up the mountain and enjoy the view! At the end of the day i walked from the ski area to the train station (1/2 hour) just to soak up the area. I was back in Munich by like 8pm. I highly recommend this if ur just looking for a day of skiing, while travelling throught the area.

Building on what Damien wrote, most of the major ski resort areas in Western Europe became "major" because they are relatively easy to reach via public transportation. Most of these are located in the Alps, in France, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Italy and Slovenia. The other major resort regions would be the Pyrenees in France and Spain, and the Carpathians in Poland and Slovakia. You shouldn't have trouble getting to any of the major resorts in these countries. There are also smaller resorts scattered throughout the various low mountain ranges, where snowfall and temperatures are less reliable... for example, there's a small piste about 10 minutes from where I live.

Hi! Yes I meant I will be traveling via Eurail. Figured out all routes Im taking and it looks to be the best deal. That said, I wont have access to a car, just public transportation and I'm dying to go skiing but if the mtns will take a day to get to, then i will probably skip. I'm intermediate level skier, love parks and just started jumping this year. i realize thats somewhat of a West Coast US thing, but thought I'd put it out there. Also, my timeframe will be mid Dec- how much snow will be on the ground on average? I can't find figures on the web. Ok, so suggestions? :) PS- I will be bringing my ski jacket/pants but would need to rent skis/poles/boots.

A good place to go skiing that's accessible by train is the town of Oberstdorf in Bavaria.

In mid-December, maximize your chances for good snow cover by going to the Alps. If you'll be near Munich, Garmish-Partenkirchen is only about 90 minute train ride away... although if the snow cover isn't that good on the lower slopes yet, you'll have to take the Zugspitzebahn or a cable car up to the glacier on the Zugspitze. If you visit Innsbruck, the slopes are accessible from city transportation.

Thanks Tom- appreciate the info.