VIA's Snow Train Express to Jasper The best way to enjoy the magic of winter travel in Canada

EDMONTON, Nov. 15 VIA Rail Canada in partnership with Marmot Basin and Jasper, announced 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 leave the winter driving up to VIA and travel care-free from Jasper to Edmonton in comfort and safety. Winter travellers can make the best of both worlds combining a trip on VIA's Snow Train Express with the award-winning Snow Train,

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 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 Panoramadome 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 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 arefor 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 , 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.

VIA developed this new service in partnership with Marmot Basin and Jasper to help them build on important winter tourism products in key markets. Customers can visit VIA's secure Web site at viarail.ca 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 calling1-888-VIA-RAIL (1-888-842-7245) or through their travel agent.