Exciting changes are coming to the Alps for the 2025/26 ski season, from new overnight train connections and direct flight routes to upgraded lifts and expanded multi-resort lift passes.
Whether you’re a seasoned skier or planning your first trip, these updates could shape your next alpine adventure. Read on to find out what’s new and where it’s happening this winter in the Alps.
Ski Lift Improvements Across the Alps for 25/26
Several ski resorts in the Alps are upgrading their existing lift infrastructure with faster, more modern, sustainable and convenient lifts for the 25/26 ski season:
Méribel-Mottaret – Côte Brune Gondola
The Côte Brune chairlift, connecting Meribel, Val Thorens and Les Ménuires, will be replaced by a brand new 50-cabin gondola. It will transport up to 2,600 people per hour, up from 2,200, which means less queueing as well as a warmer, quicker and more comfortable ride. The new lift system is also more environmentally sensitive, cutting the number of pylons from 25 to 14. It is expected to open in December 2025.
Courchevel 1850 – Chenus Gondola
A new 54-cabin gondola will replace the existing Chenus lift connecting Courchevel 1850 to the summit of Loze. With the capability of transporting 2,400 people per hour and a new base station conveniently located in front of the ‘La Croisette’ building in Courchevel 1850, this upgrade improves both access and efficiency. The project also incorporates sustainable measures, such as the installation of solar panels and the recovery of rainwater, helping to reduce its environmental impact. The new lift is expected to open in December 2025.
Sölden – Einzeiger & Silberbrünnl Chairlifts
Two new high-speed detachable chairlifts are coming to Sölden:
- Einzeiger: The existing Einzeiger chairlift will be replaced by a modern 8-seater version for the 2025/26 winter season. The new lift will span 1,121 metres and increase capacity to 4,000 people per hour, improving comfort and reducing wait times.
- Silberbrünnl: The current 4-seater chairlift will be replaced by a modern 8-seater version for the 2025/26 winter season. The new lift will cover 1,731 metres and accommodate up to 3,800 people per hour.
Both lifts are expected to open in November 2025, just in time for early-season skiing.
La Plagne – Roche de Mio Gondola
A brand-new gondola will connect Plagne Bellecôte to Roche de Mio via the Col de Forcle. It will carry up to 3,140 people per hour and significantly enhance traffic flow across the ski area. Opening planned for December 2025.
Les Arcs – Plan des Violettes Gondola
A 40-cabin high-speed gondola will replace the Replat and Plan des Violettes chairlifts. The new lift will cut ascent time by nearly 10 minutes, linking Replat (1,200 m) to the summit of Plan des Violettes (2,119m) in just 6 minutes 45 seconds. Scheduled to open in December 2025.
Combloux – Beauregard Gondola
The Beauregard quad chairlift will be replaced by a 10-person gondola, connecting Combloux village to the Portes du Mont-Blanc ski area. The new lift will provide a smoother, faster and more reliable ride for the 2025/26 winter season.
Epic & Ikon Pass: Access to More European Resorts for 25/26
Both the Epic Pass and Ikon Pass have expanded their European ski resort access for the 2025/26 season, making it easier than ever to ski multiple destinations in the Alps under a single pass.
Epic Pass – New Austrian Additions
Six Austrian resorts have been added for 25/26:
These join existing Epic partner resorts across France, Switzerland and Italy.
Ikon Pass – Now Includes Ischgl
The Ikon Pass now includes Ischgl, one of Austria’s largest and most snow-sure ski areas.
Compare all inclusions and costs in our Guide to Multi-Resort Ski Passes in Europe.
General ski resort lift prices will be updated in our Guide to Ski Pass Prices in Europe, once released for the 25/26 season.
Train Travel Updates for 25/26
Skiing by train in Europe is becoming more convenient, sustainable and accessible than ever.
Eurostar Snow Train Returns with Expanded Service
The popular Eurostar Snow Train is back for winter 2025/26 with an expanded service. Running every Saturday, the Snow Train connects London St Pancras to six Alpine stations, including Moûtiers, Aime-la-Plagne and Bourg-Saint-Maurice via a simple change in Lille, France. The journey takes around eight hours outbound.
Return trips operate on Sundays, making it an ideal travel option for one-week ski holidays. From the stations, resorts including Les Arcs, La Plagne, Tignes and Val d’Isère are just a short transfer away. Book your trip on the Eurostar website.
New Travelski Night Express
Running from 19 December 2025 to 20 March 2026, the new Travelski Night Express will operate 14 round-trip trains between Paris and Bourg-Saint-Maurice, with stops at Moûtiers and Aime, departing on Fridays and returning on Sundays. The overnight journey allows you to get a good night’s sleep on route and wake up in the heart of the Alps. Packages include travel, accommodation, ski pass and ski hire. Book your trip on the Travelski website.
New Flight Routes to the Alps for 25/26
Airlines have added new routes from the UK to improve weekend access to major ski regions.
- Jet2 will operate a new Saturday flight from Newcastle International Airport to Chambéry from 20 December 2025 to 28 February 2026.
- easyJet is launching a new route from Manchester to Verona, a gateway to Italy’s Dolomiti Superski region.
New Travel Requirements: EU Entry-Exit System (EES)
From October 2025, the EU will begin phasing in its Entry-Exit System (EES). All non-EU travellers, including UK passport holders, will need to register fingerprints and facial biometrics when travelling to a country in the Schengen area. This change will affect all UK skiers heading to the mountains in mainland Europe next season.
The full digital border system will be in place by April 10, 2026, replacing manual passport stamping. While the goal is to speed up border crossings, UK travellers should plan for possible delays during the initial rollout.
Plan Your 2025/26 Ski Trip with Confidence
From cutting-edge lift upgrades to smoother travel connections, a number of exciting changes this winter could make your next ski trip more accessible, efficient and enjoyable. Whether you’re chasing powder in Austria or scenic blues in the French Alps, we hope that this article, detailing the latest updates for the 25/26 ski season, can help you to plan your next ski trip with confidence.
When planning your ski trip, don’t forget to book ski lessons early, especially during peak weeks. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to fine-tune your technique, securing your lessons in advance gives you the best chance of finding your perfect instructor and avoiding last-minute disappointment.
