The best way to enjoy the magic of winter

EDMONTON - VIA Rail Canada in partnership with Marmot Basin and Jasper, Alberta is proud to announce a new seasonal departure from Edmonton to Jasper featuring VIA's Panorama (fully-domed) observation cars. For 15 weeks, from January 12th, 2007 to April 22nd, 2007, skiers, snowboarders and outdoor enthusiasts can ignore the weatherman's stormy predictions; leave the winter driving up to VIA and travel care-free from Jasper to Edmonton in comfort and safety.

Travellers can make the best of both worlds combining a trip on VIA's Snow Train Express with the award-winning Snow Train, (The Canadian) National Champion 2000 Best Winter Product (Win with Winter in Canada) as voted by the Canadian Tourism Commission. The schedule is designed for a weekend getaway to unwind after the bustling tempo of the holiday season.

"VIA is pleased to partner with Marmot Basin and Jasper to bring our customers, skiers and snow lovers a travelling experience they'll never forget," said Joe Volk, VIA's Senior Director, International Sales. "This new service is the perfect travel companion for enjoying the best of winter without the stress or worry about driving conditions or fatigue following a full day of activities in the great outdoors. And travelling in VIA's Panorama dome cars on the Snow Train Express you're free to participate in après-ski socializing with family and friends, while enjoying a winter wonderland outside your window."

One-way, meal-inclusive fares for VIA's Snow Train Express ( http://www.viarail.ca/snowtrain/ ) is $123.00 (CDN) for adults, with discounts for seniors (60+), students (12-17 or 18+ with ISIC) and children (2-11), excluding taxes.

"Jasper has so much to offer as a winter destination and now with our partnership with VIA, it's easier than ever to get here. All indications are for an excellent ski season, and the staff at Marmot Basin is eager to share our mountain with its 84 runs and 3,000 vertical feet," said Dave Gibson, President Marmot Basin

Don't ski - no worry - the magical winter town of Jasper offers visitors a multitude of activities to choose from. Stroll down Jasper's quaint downtown area, sip hot chocolate as you sit nestled in the carriage of a horse-drawn sleigh, take a winter ice-walk in the Maligne Canyon, enjoy the view of Mount Edith Cavell as you skate on Lac Beauvert nestled in the heart of Jasper Park Lodge, or just enjoy the heart of Canada's Rockies in picturesque Jasper. VIA's Snow Train Express and Snow Train makes all this and more possible.

Trains from Edmonton to Jasper

No 7 : 16:00 - 22:00 (Friday)
No 1 : 08:55 - 11:48 (Thurs/Sat/Mon)

Trains from Jasper to Edmonton
No 8 : 17:30 - 23:30 (Sunday)
No 2 : 12:20 - 17:30 (Wed/Sat/Mon)

VIA developed this new service in partnership with Marmot Basin and Jasper to help them build on important winter tourism products in key markets.

Now there are two ways to get to snowy Jasper!

Customers can visit VIA's secure Web site at http://www.viarail.ca ( http://www.viarail.ca/en_index.html ) to book a trip anywhere in the VIA system. Train tickets are also available at VIA stations across Canada, including self-service ticketing kiosks located at major stations in central Canada. Passengers can also book their tickets by calling 1-888-VIA-RAIL (1-888-842-7245) or through their travel agent.

About VIA Rail Canada

As Canada's national passenger rail service, VIA Rail connects the entire world to the Wet'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 the prairies, to British Columbia's Pacific Rim, VIA serves more than 100 stations. 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.

Media Contacts:

Catherine Kaloutsky
VIA Rail Canada
416-956-7683

Brian Rode
Marmot Basin
780-852-3816