Travel News: SkiBusUK Extends Winter Service

SkiBusUK has announced it is extending its service to April 23 due to healthy early bookings and the late Easter in 2011.

The recent rise in air passenger duty and environmental concerns may have contributed to the coach company's early bookings.

Taking a coach instead of a plane, not only eliminates extra fees, but also means no baggage weight restrictions and no chance of lost luggage. What's more, SkiBusUK also claims that a coach produces six times less carbon emissions than a plane.

Joel Boorman, founder of SkiBusUK, told OnTheSnow.co.uk, "People are now much more aware of the environmental impact of flying to ski destinations. Our vehicles have Euro 5 engines that comply with the European emission standards guidelines."

SkiBusUK drops skiers off at three destinations in the French Alps: Moutiers, the gateway to the 3 Vallees ski area (Meribel, Courchevel, La Tania, and Val Thorens); Bourg Saint Maurice (close to Les Arcs and La Plagne), and at Tignes ski resort. Prices start from £100 return and services begin 3 p.m. every Friday throughout the season (from Dec. 11) and passengers return the following Saturday evening for eight days' skiing.

SkiBusUK departs from four pick-up points in the UK (Blunham, Baldock, South Mimms, London Victoria, and M20 service station). On the outbound journey, the coach boards the Eurostar at Folkestone and travels on through the night for an early arrival at the ski resorts. The return trip takes the P&O ferry from Calais to Dover.

All SkiBusUK coaches are equipped with reclining seats, toilet with washroom facilities, DVD player, and climate control. Passengers can purchase snacks and beverages on board.

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