The Snow Train to the Alps has been cancelled for the winter of 2009 - 2010. Below is the statement by Rail Europe. However, there are many other trains to ski resorts. Check out all the options here.
Rail Europe statement, July 2009
It is with regret that Rail Europe announces that it will not be operating the Snow Train in the 2009-2010 season. This decision has not been taken lightly and was only reached once it became apparent that the service would not be economically viable for the coming season. Contributing factors have included an escalation of operating costs, the current economic climate and the weakening of the pound against the euro.
Q&As
Q1. Why is the Snow Train not operating in 2010?
A. The current economic climate, coupled with unfavourable exchange rates and increases in operating costs has meant that the service cannot be operated on a financially viable basis without greatly increasing the cost to the customer. The level of price increase would make the service prohibitively expensive for our customers and as a result booking levels would suffer, leaving the service to operate at a loss.Q2. Will passengers already booked on the Snow Train receive a full refund?
A. The 2010 season had not been put on sale so no passengers were booked and no deposits or payment had been made against travel on the service for the coming season.Q3. Will you have to make any redundancies as the service is not operating?
A. All train operating staff are employed by SNCF from whom the rolling stock is chartered, they are not directly employed by Rail Europe. On board reps are employed by Rail Europe, but as they are seasonal staff they have not yet been recruited for the coming season. Within the call centre, agents who would normally deal with Snow Train bookings will be redeployed to another area of the Call Centre.Q4. Does this mean that Rail Europe is in financial trouble?
A. Absolutely not. The Snow Train is one of two products that Rail Europe operates itself. Rolling stock is chartered from SNCF and Rail Europe markets and sells the product. The other charter product – French Motorail – is operating over the summer and is currently enjoying good levels of sales.
All other products sold by Rail Europe are sold on a commission-earning basis with the core product being operated by the individual rail operating companies, for example SNCF in France or Deutsche Bahn in Germany.
The decision to pull the Snow Train service was made to ensure that the company did not find itself in a negative financial situation.Q5. How are you informing customers?
A. Customers are being contacted by mail to explain the situation. There is also information on our website, giving travellers the alternative travel options.Q6. How will regular Snow Train passengers get to the Alps if the Snow Train does not operate?
A. There are a number of different ways that passengers can still travel to the Alps by rail – on the Eurostar Direct Ski service, either during the day or overnight, or by Eurostar to Paris, then a scheduled high speed train (TGV) or an overnight service to the Alps. All of these options can be booked through Rail Europe, either online or through the call centre on 0844 848 4070.Q7. Will the Snow Train run again in the future?
A. No decision has been made on the long-term future of the service. The situation will be reviewed and decisions made at a later date.
Find out about other trains to the Alps in 2009 and 2010.