• First direct service launches on 19 December 2010
• Fares start from just $A175 one way
• Seats selling fast

Eurostar, the high speed passenger train linking the UK with the Continent, has opened ticket sales for its popular direct ski services from St Pancras International and Ashford International to the French Alps. One Way fares start from $A175 in Standard Class and $A286 in Standard Premier. Bookings and enquiries can be made through Rail Plus, Infinity Rail, Rail Tickets and CIT.

Eurostar provides twice weekly direct services calling at Moûtiers, Aime-La-Plagne and Bourg St Maurice.

Eurostar’s direct ski services offer easy access to a variety of top ski destinations in the French Alps such as Courchevel, La Plagne, Tignes, Meribel, Les Arcs.  This allows skiers to choose a resort which exactly matches their needs. Eurostar stations are located a short bus ride from the resorts avoiding lengthy transfers to and from the airport. For added convenience, an extra item of luggage on top of the normal luggage allowance - such as a pair of skis or a snowboard - can be taken onboard at no extra cost and without the need to wait at airport baggage reclaim.

Travelling by Eurostar from London to the French Alps is the obvious choice for skiers who are looking to minimise their carbon footprint. Research commissioned by Eurostar has shown that a Eurostar journey to Bourg St Maurice generates 14kg of CO2 per passenger. By comparison, a typical return flight from London to Geneva[1] emits 147.8kg of CO2 per passenger.

Mary Walsh, Eurostar’s Director of Communications, commented: “Eurostar offers the perfect solution for winter sports enthusiasts looking to avoid the stress of travelling by air whilst minimising their environmental impact.  On average, a Eurostar journey accounts for just one tenth of the carbon emissions of an equivalent flight and allows travellers to arrive relaxed, refreshed and ready to hit the slopes."

[1] From London Stansted to Geneva.

Outbound night train services run from 7 January 2011 to 1 April 2011.
Outbound day train services run from 19 December 2010 to 9 April 2011.

Please note: that this year, the first two day outbound services will travel on Sunday 19 December 2010 and Sunday 26 December 2010


Train times: St Pancras International, London to French Alps