Eurostar, the high speed passenger service linking the UK and mainland Europe, has opened ticket sales for its direct ski services from St Pancras International and Ashford International to the heart of the French Alps.

The direct seasonal ski train to the Alps will run from Saturday 17 December (day services) and Friday 23 December (night services) until Saturday 14th April 2012.

Eurostar's day and night services, carry ski and snowboarding enthusiasts direct to the popular French ski towns of Moutiers, Aime-La-Plagne and Bourg St Maurice. Eurostar stations are located a short bus ride from the resorts avoiding lengthy transfers to and from the airport.

The stations offer easy access to a variety of top ski destinations in the French Alps, such as Courchevel, La Plagne, Tignes, Meribel, Les Arcs, allowing people to choose a resort that matches their needs. For added convenience, Eurostar allows ski passengers to carry on-board an extra item of luggage in addition to the normal luggage allowance - such as a pair of skis or a snowboard - at no extra cost.

Eurostar's overnight services arrive in the Alps early on a Saturday morning and depart late on a Saturday evening, making them perfect for winter sports enthusiasts looking for an extra couple of days on the slopes. On the Saturday day service, passengers can sit back and enjoy stunning views of the French countryside before they arrive rested and ready to go.

Mary Walsh, Eurostar's Director of Communications, commented: "French ski resorts are some of the most popular in Europe, and more and more travellers are seeing that high speed rail is the perfect way to reach them, with a minimum of stress and limited impact on the environment. On average, a Eurostar journey accounts for just one tenth of the carbon emissions of an equivalent flight and allows travellers to arrive close to their resort, relaxed, refreshed and ready to hit the slopes."

Travellers can indulge themselves on their way to and from the slopes by travelling Standard Premier, enjoying more spacious seating and meals and drinks served at their seat.