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With global warming high on the news agenda, awareness of the impact of travel on the environment and the negative effects that air travel in particular can have on alpine regions and their snow levels, more and more skiers are looking for alternative modes of transport to get them to the Alps.
Travelling by plane to the Alps emits 180g of CO2 per km per person. In contrast, travelling by train to the Alps emits only 5.7g of CO2 per km per person offering a far more sustainable way to travel.
In a survey carried out by Rail Europe, 97% of the snow sports enthusiasts questioned said that they would consider taking the train to their skiing holiday if it would help to safeguard the future of ski resorts.
Go by rail
As well as offering a greener way to travel, the Snow Train has numerous other benefits. For the first time in 2008, passengers will travel from the new Eurostar terminals at St Pancras and Ebbsfleet, making the journey time to Paris 20 minutes faster.
Once in Paris, there is no need to change stations, just change platforms to board the overnight Snow Train. Accommodation is in flat bed couchettes, and for those who want to kick off their holiday with a party, there is the bar disco carriage for dancing throughout the night.
The Snow Train serves six stations in the French Alps, giving access to some 25 resorts, and with an early arrival on Saturday morning and departure late on the following Saturday afternoon, skiers travelling by Snow Train benefit from up to an additional two days on the slopes when most other holiday makers are making the long and arduous journeys from and back to the airport.
To book the Snow Train
For more information, or to book the Snow Train, call 0844 848 8885, visit www.raileurope.co.uk/snowtrains or call into the Rail Europe Travel Centre at 1 Regent Street, London SW1.
Every European winter sports destination is within easy reach when you take the Eurostar from London, Ebbsfleet or Ashford. A quick, convenient connection with a ski train to your chosen destination will deliver you safely and in comfort direct to your resort.
Connections to the French and Swiss Alps
From ultra chic resorts to the best powder in Europe to great value family skiing - the French and Swiss Alps have it all and are easily accessible by train. Eurostar connects with either high speed TGV or overnight trains in Paris or Lille. Prices start from £96 return per person. Journeys can take as little as 6 ½ hours (including ample time to change in Paris).
Connections to the Pyrenees
Less well-known than the Alps but with fabulous snow and outstanding après-ski. Take a Eurostar to Paris and connect with an overnight train to l’Hospitalet. Choose to travel in either a reclining seat or a 4 or 6 berth couchette. Prices start from £111 return per person.
Connections to Austria
Travel overnight to maximise your time on the slopes. Take a Eurostar to Paris, change on to a new high speed TGV Lyria train (as designed by Christian Lacroix) to either Basel, Bern, Zurich or Lausanne. Then connect with your onward train. Prices start from £163 return per person.
For more information, or to book call 0844 848 5 848, visit www.raileurope.co.uk/snowtrains or call into the Rail Europe Travel Centre at 1 Regent Street, London SW1.
