Winter Park Express Ski Train

Pristine powder is not far away. Spend some time in Denver, then head out on the Amtrak Winter Park Express for a beautiful train ride to Winter Park Resort, one of the most exciting and family-friendly ski resorts in the state. The train runs Jan. 10–March 29, 2020.

THE RIDE

The Winter Park Express ski train ties together the area’s rich skiing and railroad history as it carries passengers through some of Colorado’s most beautiful landscapes. The ride begins at Denver Union Station, a renovated 1914 Beaux-Arts train station in the heart of the city. The station is the city’s transportation hub with direct rail access to Denver International Airport, making it possible to touch down from anywhere in the world and ride the rails all the way to the pristine slopes at Winter Park Resort.

The double-decker Amtrak Superliner train leaves Union Station and heads north and west as it climbs toward the Rocky Mountains, offering views of the famous Flatirons above Boulder and the surrounding plains. It snakes its way up gentle grades through the remains of the area’s pioneering past. One of the more striking aspects of the journey is the number of tunnels, many of which were built by hand in remote areas. Of the 31 tunnels, the Moffat Tunnel is the longest at 6.2 miles, cutting through the Continental Divide some 50 miles from Denver. From there, it’s a short ride to Winter Park.

But with the addition of a new lounge car in 2019, you won't want the trip to end too soon. The two-level Amtrak “Superliner Sightseer” has windows that start at the floor and wrap up to the ceiling and offers snacks and soft drinks as well as beer and wine.

After the two-hour trip, passengers depart the train on a heated platform and walk 100 feet to the nearest ski lift.

Skier on a slope at Winter Park Resort in Colorado.

SCHEDULE

For the 2020 season, the Denver to Winter Park ski train will run Jan. 10–March 29, 2020, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only.

Departs Union Station: 7 a.m.
Arrives at Winter Park: 9 a.m.
Departs Winter Park: 4:30 p.m.
Arrives at Union Station: 6:40 p.m.

Interested in visiting Winter Park Resort during the week? Take the Amtrak California Zephyr to Fraser. Thanks to increased free Lift Transit service, getting to and from the Town of Winter Park is easy, with shuttles running every 30 minutes during the winter. Bring your luggage and skis too!

TICKET PRICES

Ticket prices range from $29 to $59 one way (children 2-12 ride for half price with a ticketed adult), enabling passengers to spend a day, weekend or longer at the resort. Purchase tickets directly from Amtrak.

SKI TRAIN HISTORY

The original Ski Train ran continuously from 1940-2009 and was brought back temporarily for a weekend in 2015 to celebrate Winter Park's 75th anniversary. Tickets sold out quickly, which renewed interest in resurrecting the concept under a new partnership arrangement through Amtrak, Union Pacific and the resort.