Overnight out vs overnight back

There are two very different kinds of sleeper train journey, even though you are on the same train. 

There's the outbound journey; and there's the return journey. 

They are different and they offer different things. I feel like I've come to this realisation only recently, and this is the first time I've written about it. Here are the some of the aspects.

Outbound overnight 

If you are on a sleeper train that has been created especially for skiers, like the Travelski Night Express, you are going to find that on the outbound there's a real atmosphere of excitement.  It feels like an adventure, it is an adventure and the buzz along the corridors and in the cafe-bar is very alive. You might end up staying up later than you planned because of booze / banter and general excitement. 

Photo: Daniel Elkan

Arrival day

In theory, travelling overnight gives you an extra dayou''s skiing on arrival. And it can do. But remember that these three factors may work against you:

a) after your transfer from station to your ski resort, you'll drop your bags at your accommodation and get changed. You might need to hire ski or snowboard equipment, pick up or purchase a lift pass. All this can take more time than expected. 

b) complete beginner skiers may at this stage not really know what they are doing yet and might not be 'slope ready' without lessons.

c) if you've stayed up late on the sleeper train, then you may be sleep deprived and there might even be too much alcohol coursing through your body. In this case you shouldn't be on the slopes (safety of yourself and others). 

Of course, all these factors may not apply and you might be ready to hit the slopes and get that magical first extra day's skiing. 

Photo: Daniel Elkan

Departure day

You've had a week's skiing. All the people who are flying or taking daytime trains are departing. But not you. That's because tonight you are taking the sleeper train back. That means you have the entire day to ski. And this is the best extra day's skiing because: 

d) you have your equipment already, ski pass already, know the slopes, know where you want to go. 

e) any beginners in your group have had a whole week of improvement so they can take advantage too.

f) you probably haven't been up late the night before but have had a good night's sleep in anticipation of this most special of days, where the slopes are blissfully quiet.

Photo: Daniel Elkan

Returning overnight 

After your extra day on the slopes, and before your overnight train, you'll have time for a dinner. Either in the resort, or at the train station. 

So, you've skied all day, had a big meal, and board the sleeper train back. 

You'll find that on the way back the atmosphere is much more chilled than on the way out. There's not the excitement, just a quiet satisfaction that this has been a great way to travel and get extra time on the slopes. 

That's been my experience in general, hope it's useful. Always interested to hear what you think