Eurostar Launches New Weekly Ski Service to the Swiss Alps

LONDON, October 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

This winter, Eurostar is forging an exciting partnership with the international high-speed train service, "TGV Lyria" to launch a new weekly service between London and some of Switzerland's most popular ski resorts.

On sale from Thursday 11 October, the new 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. Resorts including; Verbier, Zermatt, Saas Fee and Gstaad will be served on the new route from Saturday 22 December until Saturday 13 April 2013.

With an easy connection in Lille Europe on to a high-speed "TGV Lyria" service, passengers who travel to the Alps will arrive into Aigle, Martigny, Visp and Brig stations 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.

Nick Mercer, Commercial Director for Eurostar said: "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.

"With the highest runs in Europe, spectacular scenery and reliable snow, Swiss skiing offers something for everyone. With the resorts located just a short distance from the train stations, passengers have a much more seamless journey than travelling by air."

Travellers can indulge themselves on their way to and from the slopes by travelling Standard Premier, where they will enjoy more spacious seating as well as light meals and drinks served at their seat.

Tickets are on sale from Thursday 11 October and passengers are advised to book early to avoid disappointment.

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. The 2012/2013 seasonal ski services will run from 22 December (day services) and 21 December (night services) until 13 April 2013.

Tickets for Eurostar's new Swiss Alps ski service and the direct ski services to the French Alps will be available from http://www.eurostar.com or by calling 08432 186 186.

Notes to Editors:

On the return leg of the journey, passport and security checks will be carried out at Lille Europe station during the transfer between TGV Lyria and Eurostar.

About Eurostar

Eurostar is the high-speed train service linking St Pancras International, Ebbsfleet International, Ashford International, Paris, Brussels, Lille, Calais, Disneyland Paris holidays, Avignon and the French Alps, ideal for travellers looking to enjoy Paris city breaks and Amsterdam city breaks.

Eurostar was established in 1994 as a partnership between three railway companies: SNCF, SNCB and LCR (London and Continental Railways). On 1 September 2010, Eurostar became a single, unified corporate entity owned by three shareholders: SNCF, SNCB and LCR.

The current Eurostar train was first introduced into service in 1994 carrying 750 passengers and operating at speeds of up to 300kph.  Since then, the fleet of 28 trains has carried more than 115 million passengers between London and the Continent.  Following their refurbishment these trains will continue to form a core part of the Eurostar fleet.

Eurostar and Eurotunnel are entirely separate companies. Eurostar operates high-speed passenger trains, while Eurotunnel operates vehicle shuttle services and the Channel Tunnel itself. Eurostar is Eurotunnel's biggest customer.

PR Contact:
Catherine Bayles
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http://www.eurostar.com