“We got back last night from our ski holiday by train to Seefeld. The journey there involved four changes: Brussels, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Innsbruck then Seefeld; 9.01 first train, arriving 22.44.  The return, three changes: Munich, Stuttgart, Paris, leaving 9.15, arriving 21.30. We live in London so it makes getting to and from St Pancras easy.

"The booking of the train was a doddle on the Rail Europe site, though I did have to look at two single trips because we were travelling different ways out and back. At worst we had 21 mins to change trains but the fact that you are given your platform numbers in advance is a real bonus.

"There were two tricky moments on the way out: I stupidly forgot we were no longer in the EU so didn't have a Passenger Locator Form in Brussels (No other country required it). We nearly missed our connection until we showed the official that we weren't staying in Belgium.

"The second situation was at Munich - a delayed train meant we nearly missed our connection at Innsbruck (though in fact there was a later train).

"On the way home the train from Seefeld to Munich was a delight as it wended its way through the mountains.

"We loved our accommodation: I didn't want a faceless apartment or hotel but a 'real home' feel. Haus Alpengruss is perfectly situated very near the station and town and is family run. You get an apartment with balcony, ensuite with kitchenette and you have the option of breakfast in their cosy dining room. We opted for breakfast with them for all four mornings, total cost for four nights including taxes was €532. Our host Hanna was lovely and full of useful tips. We had three days of langlauf and forest walking - perfect.

"If you love the train travel (as I do), Seefeld is a great destination. We didn't do any downhill skiing and the number of runs may be limited but with langlauf and walks, it's great for a combination holiday and the Austrians are so friendly."