Tickets go on sale this Thursday 11 October for a new Eurostar (www.eurostar.com) weekly ski service to the Swiss Alps this winter.
The new rail service , created through a partnership with the international high-speed train service, "TGV Lyria, is a flashback to the days before air travel became feasible for the masses 40 years ago, but will be a lot faster than the original ski trains 50 – 80 years ago.
The new weekly ski service will carry ski and snowboarding enthusiasts from St Pancras International and Ashford International to the heart of the Swiss Alps and the Valais region with an easy connection at Lille Europe in France.
Resorts including; Verbier, Zermatt, Saas Fee and Gstaad will be served on the new route from Saturday 22 December until Saturday 13 April 2013.
From Lille the "TGV Lyria" service will take passengers to the Swiss stations of Aigle, Martigny, Visp and Brig for quick onward transfers to their ski resorts. For added convenience, Eurostar and TGV Lyria will allow ski passengers to carry on-board an extra item of luggage in addition to the normal luggage allowance - such as a pair of skis or a snowboard - at no extra cost.
"Our research shows ski customers are seeking a more civilised way to reach their resorts by travelling by high-speed rail from London to the heart of the Swiss Alps. Our direct ski services to the French Alps have grown in popularity year on year and we expect this new service to the Swiss Alps to have similar appeal," said Nick Mercer, Commercial Director for Eurostar.
Return fares start from £189. Travellers can indulge themselves on their way to and from the slopes by travelling Standard Premier with fares from just £299 return, where they will enjoy more spacious seating as well as light meals and drinks served at their seat.
Eurostar's direct ski services to the heart of the French Alps are also open for sale. The direct day and night services carry ski and snowboarding enthusiasts direct to the popular French ski towns of Moûtiers, Aime-La-Plagne* and Bourg St Maurice, with return fares starting from £149. The 2012/2013 seasonal ski services will run from 22 December (day services) and 21 December (night services) until 13 April 2013.