The test events will be key preparatory competitions – running in March next year – ahead of the 2014 Winter Paralympics in the Russian city.

DB Schenker, a leading freight train operator in Europe, is set to provide charter flights to Sochi that will depart from Zurich, Switzerland or Milan, Italy, costing about €1,400 (£1,100/$1,800) per passenger, including 100 kilograms of luggage and hand baggage.

The three test events that will have charter flight services include snowboarding on March 4-6, alpine skiing on March 6-12 and nordic skiing on March 13-22.

National Paralympic Committees have until October 5 to express an interest in travelling on the flights.

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