“Railway to Heaven”

VIA Rail Canada’s Snow Train to Jasper Returns, Bringing Travelers to a Winter Paradise

EDMONTON – Celebrating its third season, VIA Rail Canada’s popular Snow Train to Jasper service is set to resume service this February. The Snow Train, which provides outdoor enthusiasts two additional services between Edmonton and Jasper, an idyllic winter wonderland in the Canadian Rockies, will operate from February 6th, 2009 to April 12th, 2009, complimenting the Canadian’s thrice-weekly schedule.

Featuring VIA’s renowned domed Panorama viewing cars, the Snow Train is an ideal blend of comfort and convenience. On-board attendants from VIA and Marmot Basin provide passengers with information on what to see and do once upon arrival in Jasper, and can arrange advanced purchase of lift tickets, lessons and rental equipment.

The following is the schedule for this year’s Snow Train to Jasper service:

“As you’re traveling to one of the most pristine ski destinations in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, VIA’s Snow Train to Jasper lets you relax and forget about the every day stresses.” said Steve Del Bosco, VIA’s chief customer officer. “The Snow Train service is designed for our passenger’s convenience and total travel experience, from the available amenities to the magnificent views from our Panorama Cars.”

Once in Jasper, there is no shortage of things to do. Events like the elegant Centennial Snow Ball and family-oriented Winter Carnival, held in February, are some of the highlights in addition to skiing at Marmot Basin.  Located in magnificent Jasper National Park, Marmot Basin, which is enjoying its earliest season opening ever, offers 1,675 acres and 84 trails for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.

The one-way fare for VIA’s Snow Train to Jasper is CAD $109.00 (USD $88*) for adults, with discounts for seniors (60+), students (12-17 or 18+ with student ID), youth (18-25 with photo ID) and children (2-11), excluding taxes. Hot and cold beverages, light meals and snacks are available for sale on board. Snow Train to Jasper passengers also enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi service in Edmonton and Jasper stations, as well as, free shuttle bus service from the Jasper train station to their hotel.

Vacation packages that include VIA’s Snow Train to Jasper can be found at viarail.ca/snowtrain by selecting “All-inclusive packages.” Passengers also can book their tickets for the Snow Train or a trip anywhere in the VIA system by calling 888 VIA-RAIL (888 842-7245) or through their travel agent.

*Conversion rate as of December 15, 2008

About VIA Rail Canada
As Canada’s national passenger rail service, VIA Rail connects the entire world to the West’s vibrant tourism industry. With more than 700 employees in Western Canada, VIA is dedicated to improving the quality of passenger service. From Northern Manitoba, across Saskatchewan and Alberta, to British Columbia’s Pacific Rim, VIA serves more than 100 communities. VIA continues to develop, market and deliver services to meet the needs of Western Canadians, in partnership with the people, communities and businesses served by passenger rail.