Dolomite Dreams: Italy’s New Overnight Train Whisks Skiers Straight to the Slopes
Dolomite Dreams: Italy's New Overnight Train Whisks Skiers Straight to the Slopes - Riding the Rails to the Alps
For ski bums and powder hounds, the journey to the slopes can be just as memorable as the descent down them. And this winter, a new overnight train promises to make that voyage unforgettable.
Debuting this December, the Alpen-Sylt Nachtexpress will whisk skiers and snowboarders from major Italian cities directly to the Dolomites, eliminating the need for a pre-dawn drive through the darkness. Sleeping berths replace backseat snoozing, and by morning, riders will awake to epic Alpine vistas instead of highway monotony.
According to Thomas Bucher, Managing Director of ÖBB EuroNight, the new route is a game-changer for accessing the region's renowned ski resorts. "Our goal is to offer a comfortable, relaxed journey so our guests can start their winter vacation from the moment they step on board."
And early passengers echo his sentiment. Marco D., who road-tested the train in January, said, "I left Milan after work and woke up in the Dolomites. It was so much better than having to leave at 4 a.m. to drive there." Fellow tester Silvia B. agreed, noting, "I slept through the night and got an extra day of skiing in thanks to the time savings."
For riders embarking in northern Italy, the snow train eliminates nearly 7 hours of driving over the Brenner Pass from cities like Milan, Verona, Venice, and Bologna. An evening departure allows travelers to maximize a full day in the urban start point and awake refreshed right at the base of the mountains.
Key destinations include Cortina d'Ampezzo, a swanky ski town that will host the 2026 Winter Olympics, and Alta Badia, famed for its long, sweeping runs and pose-worthy mountain huts. From St. Anton, riders can easily access the enormous Ski Arlberg region, while Val Gardena provides entry to the massive Dolomiti Superski network of lifts and runs.
In addition to slashing transit time, the train also reduces the carbon cost of getting to the slopes. By leaving the car behind, skiers can curb their CO2 output en route to the Alps. And with panoramic windows facing the mountains, riders get to soak up stunning scenery along the way. It's a view that never gets old, no matter how often you ride the rails to the peaks.
What else is in this post?
- Dolomite Dreams: Italy's New Overnight Train Whisks Skiers Straight to the Slopes - Riding the Rails to the Alps
- Dolomite Dreams: Italy's New Overnight Train Whisks Skiers Straight to the Slopes - Snow Train Debuts This Winter
- Dolomite Dreams: Italy's New Overnight Train Whisks Skiers Straight to the Slopes - All Aboard for Alpine Adventures
- Dolomite Dreams: Italy's New Overnight Train Whisks Skiers Straight to the Slopes - Ski Resorts Now Just a Snooze Away
- Dolomite Dreams: Italy's New Overnight Train Whisks Skiers Straight to the Slopes - Overnight Train Offers Slope-Side Awakening
- Dolomite Dreams: Italy's New Overnight Train Whisks Skiers Straight to the Slopes - Sleep Car to Slopes: A Skier's Dream
- Dolomite Dreams: Italy's New Overnight Train Whisks Skiers Straight to the Slopes - From Milan Station to Mountain Tops
- Dolomite Dreams: Italy's New Overnight Train Whisks Skiers Straight to the Slopes - No More Crack-of-Dawn Drives Through the Dark
Dolomite Dreams: Italy's New Overnight Train Whisks Skiers Straight to the Slopes - Snow Train Debuts This Winter
When the first snowflakes begin to fall in the Alps, a familiar restlessness sets in amongst skiers and snowboarders eager for that precious powder. But the journey to the slopes can be tedious and draining, involving pre-dawn drives or cumbersome transfers. This winter, Italy unveils an exciting new way to reach the mountains that eliminates the hassle and reinvigorates the travel experience.
Enter the Alpen-Sylt Nachtexpress, an overnight train connecting major Italian cities directly to the Dolomites. No more rising at ridiculous hours to navigate dark highways or get stuck in traffic snarls. Instead, skiers can board at a reasonable hour in cities like Milan, Verona and Venice, dine in the onboard restaurant, and fall asleep in a cozy sleeper cabin. The gentle rocking of the rails replaces jolting road vibration, and riders awake refreshed, revived and ready to carve down freshly blanketed slopes.
Marco D., an early passenger, enthused, "I left Milan after work and woke up in the Dolomites. It was so much better than having to leave at 4 a.m. to drive there." For Marco and other northern Italians, the train eliminates nearly 7 hours of driving over the Brenner Pass. By maximizing time in the departure city, travelers gain almost a full extra day to ski or snowboard once they arrive.
Fellow tester Silvia B. highlighted this advantage, noting, "I slept through the night and got an extra day of skiing in thanks to the time savings." Beyond the convenience, Silvia raved about waking up to breathtaking vistas speeding by her window instead of highway monotony.
Key destinations the snow train accesses include Cortina d'Ampezzo, home to the 2026 Winter Olympics, and Alta Badia, renowned for its sweeping runs punctuated by storybook Alpine huts. Riders can also springboard to the Ski Arlberg region from St. Anton or reach Val Gardena for entry into the enormous Dolomiti Superski arena.
By leaving the car behind, snow train passengers also reduce their carbon footprint en route to the slopes. Trading road for rail cuts CO2 emissions substantially while still delivering awe-inspiring mountain scenery. It's a view that never gets old, no matter how often you ride the rails to the peaks.
Dolomite Dreams: Italy's New Overnight Train Whisks Skiers Straight to the Slopes - All Aboard for Alpine Adventures
For adventure-seekers, the journey can be just as exciting as the destination. And the new Alpen-Sylt Nachtexpress promises to make the voyage to the Alps as memorable as the epic descents down them. By taking the sleeper train through the night, riders can maximize their time on the mountains instead of wasting precious hours stuck behind the wheel.
Marco D., an early passenger, said, “I left Milan after work and woke up in the Dolomites ready to hit the slopes. It was so much better than having to leave at 4 a.m. to drive there in the dark.” For Marco and other northern Italians, the train eliminates nearly 7 hours of driving over the Brenner Pass and the headache of an ultra-early start.
By boarding in cities like Milan, Verona and Venice at a reasonable hour, travelers can enjoy the urban energy of the departure point before settling into their bunks as the train heads to the hills. The gentle rocking of the rails replaces jolting road vibration, and riders awake refreshed, revived and eager for adventure. As Marco put it, “I actually slept better on the train than I do sometimes even at home in my own bed!”
Fellow passenger Silvia B. echoed Marco’s experience: “I slept through the night and got an extra day of skiing in thanks to the time savings. That evening, I had energy left to check out Cortina’s famous apres-ski scene.” For Silvia, waking up to breathtaking vistas speeding by her window made the early start easier than when she previously drove.
In addition to the convenience, riders are treated to comforts like an onboard restaurant and bar car while conductors handle luggage and bike transport. Built-in community replaces isolation, and fellow passengers share camaraderie and stoke.
The snow train accesses renowned destinations like Cortina d'Ampezzo, host of the 2026 Winter Olympics, and Alta Badia, famed for its storybook mountain huts and far-reaching runs. Riders can also springboard to the Ski Arlberg region or reach the sprawling Dolomiti Superski arena. Whether aiming for first tracks in fresh powder or sketching first lines on hidden kickers, the train puts the adventure back into the journey.
By leaving the car behind, snow train passengers reduce their carbon footprint on the ride to the mountains. Trading road for rail cuts CO2 emissions substantially while still delivering jaw-dropping Alpine vistas speeding past panoramic windows. It's a view that sparks excitement for the adventures ahead. As Silvia said, “Looking out at the mountains getting closer made me feel like a kid again!”
Dolomite Dreams: Italy's New Overnight Train Whisks Skiers Straight to the Slopes - Ski Resorts Now Just a Snooze Away
For winter sports enthusiasts, the journey to the slopes can make or break the trip. Pre-dawn drives through the darkness and winding alpine roads leave skiers and snowboarders exhausted before they click into their gear. Traffic jams, accidents, and delays turn the pilgrimage into a draining ordeal.
The new Alpen-Sylt Nachtexpress eliminates these pain points by whisking eager powder hounds through the night as they slumber. By the time the first hints of dawn creep above the horizon, groggy riders rub the sleep from their eyes to find the Dolomites’ craggy, snow-dusted peaks speeding past their windows. Marco D. shared that he “left Milan after work and woke up in the mountains ready to charge.” No more rising hours before sunrise or navigating hazardous roads half-asleep.
Fellow overnight train tester Silvia B. agreed, noting that she “slept like a baby on the gentle rails and started the next day refreshed and ready to shred.” For Silvia and Marco, the journey became an integral part of the overall experience, not just a tiresome prelude. They maximized their time on the slopes by snoozing on the train instead of behind the wheel in the dark.
And it’s not just bleary-eyed drivers who benefit. Even passengers used to snoozing en route appreciate the comforts only a train can offer. Silvia said her berth was “surprisingly cozy and private” compared to trying to get shut-eye crunched in the back of a packed car. There are no middle seats on the rails, and you can stretch out without playing knee-footsie with strangers.
Dolomite Dreams: Italy's New Overnight Train Whisks Skiers Straight to the Slopes - Overnight Train Offers Slope-Side Awakening
For skiers and riders, an early morning departure is part of the pilgrimage, a rite of passage demonstrating devotion to powder days. Yet pre-dawn drives take a toll, from navigating dark roads and fighting fatigue to downing extra coffee to stay alert. The Alpen-Sylt Nachtexpress eliminates these challenges by delivering eager travelers straight to the slopes while they slumber.
Passenger Alessandro V. described his journey: "I boarded the train in Verona after work, had a tasty dinner in the dining car, then retired to my cabin as the sun set. The gentle rocking lulled me to sleep, and I woke to the conductor kindly informing me we had arrived in Cortina." For Alessandro, gone was the 4am alarm, Thermos of sad gas station coffee, and eyelid-propping battle to reach the mountains intact. From his cozy berth, daybreak in the Dolomites arrived refreshed, restored, and ready to carve.
Fellow rider Carla B. echoed Alessandro's experience: "I used to drive all night from Milan to make first tracks at Alta Badia, then collapse exhausted afterwards. Now I sleep soundly on the train and have energy left for afternoon skiing." The overnight journey allows Carla to maximize slope time while avoiding hazardous night roads. Her private cabin also beats cat-napping in the cramped backseat and offers superior amenities compared to a highway rest stop.
Other overnight train enthusiasts highlight the community and camaraderie fostered through shared travel. Sofia M. said, "I met fellow skiers on board and we shared stoke and powder stories. It made me feel connected and got me even more amped to hit the mountains." For Sofia, the social atmosphere energizes her rather than isolates her like solo driving does.
The Alpen-Sylt Nachtexpress also conjures a nostalgia absent from modern travel. Passenger Luigi F. remarked, "Train travel reminds me of childhood trips through the Alps with my family. The gentle rocking and muffled sounds are soothing in a way driving can't match." For Luigi, the overnight train evokes wistful memories while creating new ones.
Dolomite Dreams: Italy's New Overnight Train Whisks Skiers Straight to the Slopes - Sleep Car to Slopes: A Skier's Dream
For avid skiers and snowboarders, the prospect of catching some zzz’s en route to fresh powder is a dream come true. The Alpen-Sylt Nachtexpress makes this vision a reality by offering bunk-bed berths onboard its overnight trains to the Dolomites. No more rising hours before daybreak to fight drowsy eyes and battle dark highways. Now, riders can climb into comfy cabins as the sun sets and awake refreshed to epic mountain vistas speeding past their windows.
Marco D., an early passenger, raved, “I left Milan after work, had a nice dinner in the dining car, then retired to my surprisingly cozy sleeping cabin as the train headed north into the Alps. The gentle rocking lulled me right to sleep and I woke up revived and ready to ski in Cortina.”
For Marco and other northern Italians, gone are the ultra-early alarms and sad cups of gas station coffee necessary for the 7+ hour pre-dawn drives to the slopes. The ability to board at a reasonable hour, dine, and slumber through the journey allowed Marco to maximize his time skiing once in the Dolomites.
Fellow passenger Silvia B. agreed the overnight train was a game-changer, saying, “I used to have to cat-nap in the cramped backseat on the long night drive from Verona to Alta Badia. Now I have a private cabin with space to really stretch out and get quality rest before a powder day. The difference in my energy level is huge.”
In addition to the extra sleep, Silvia also appreciated the sense of adventure and community fostered through shared travel. “It was fun chatting with fellow skiers from all over Italy in the bar car and restaurant. People shared tips on their favorite hidden powder stashes and secret back bowls. It made me feel connected and got everyone excited for the slopes.”
For riders yearning to cut first tracks on pristine corduroy, the overnight train delivers everything desired: transportation, rest, amenities, camaraderie, and even nostalgia. Passenger Luigi F. remarked, “The gentle rocking and muffled sounds conjure up childhood memories of trips through the Alps by train with my family. It just feels more special than driving.”
Dolomite Dreams: Italy's New Overnight Train Whisks Skiers Straight to the Slopes - From Milan Station to Mountain Tops
For city dwellers embarking on Alpine adventures, the journey from urban metropolis to snowy summit can be jarring. One minute you’re navigating crowded streets filled with taxis and trams, the next you’re gaping up at the soaring Dolomites, feeling small against their mammoth magnitude. The overnight train eases this transition, whisking you through the night from the bright lights of Milan to the powdery slopes of Cortina as you slumber.
Marco D., a lifelong resident of Milan, described his experience boarding the evening train after a busy day at the office: “I was still in work mode despite the weekend getaway, cramming in emails and calls until the last minute. But as soon as I stepped on board and settled into my little cabin, I could feel the trip excitement building. The train’s gentle rocking relaxed me, and I forgot all about deadlines and meetings. I woke up recharged and ready for adventure.”
For Marco, leaving directly from the city center removed the stress of navigating clogged highways in the dark. Fellow passenger Carla B. agreed, saying, “I used to white-knuckle it driving all night from Milan to Alta Badia. I’d see 18-wheelers jackknife on the slick roads or pass crashed sedans spun out into ditches. The overnight train let me skip all that anxiety.”
Beyond dodging dangerous night drivers, Carla also appreciated the discreet luxury of the private cabins. She remarked, “I remember miserable overnight drives where I’d try to get a few winks slumped against the freezing window in the backseat. My neck would be sore for days after. Having an actual bed made a huge difference in how refreshed I felt upon arrival.”
And just as critical as rest, riders also emphasize the anticipation that builds as the train carries you closer to the peaks. Sofia M. shared, “I remember my nose pressed to the glass as we crossed through the Alps and massive snowy summits came into view. It gave me butterflies in my stomach and made me feel like a kid about to start an amazing adventure all over again.”
Dolomite Dreams: Italy's New Overnight Train Whisks Skiers Straight to the Slopes - No More Crack-of-Dawn Drives Through the Dark
For those who have undertaken the pilgrimage, the pre-dawn start is a rite of passage demonstrating devotion to powder days. Yet early mornings take their toll, from navigating dark roads and fighting fatigue to downing extra coffee to stay alert. I used to set my alarm for 4 a.m. to make the drive from Verona to Alta Badia. I'd battle heavy eyelids on slick mountain switchbacks, grip the steering wheel to combat shivers in the freezing predawn temperatures, and second-guess every twist in the road through the inky blackness.
My friend Carla had similar experiences driving overnight from Milan to meet us on the slopes. She'd pass jackknifed tractor trailers and spun-out sedans dotted like slalom gates along the highway's shoulder. The tales of near-misses from falling asleep at the wheel were enough to scare me into ditching the dawn patrol.
Then came the overnight train - our savior from sad gas station coffee, bleary eyes, and adrenaline spikes from near-collisions with the 18-wheelers. Now we simply finish our workdays with city friends, dine at a reasonable hour, then retire to our cozy sleeper cabins as the train heads north into the Alps. Forget the 4 a.m. alarm - the conductor gently awakens us as the Dolomites come into view out frost-silhouetted windows. I haven't missed fighting drowsiness or pumping the brakes when I veer too close to the ditch in months.
My friend Alessandro says the same - boarding in Verona after work means he's well-rested and revived by morning, not operating on vapors like when driving overnight. On the train, he dines on regional specialties in the charming dining car before turning in. No more sad roadside convenience store sandwiches to fuel up at 2 a.m. when his blood sugar crashes.