Winter Park Ski Train: Expanded Service Makes Colorado’s Slopes More Accessible Than Ever
Colorado's iconic ski train offers expanded service and lower fares, revolutionizing mountain access for winter adventurers.
Winter Park Express: Colorado’s Classic Ski Train Returns with Major Upgrades for 2025
The Winter Park Express, affectionately known as Colorado’s “ski train,” has long been an iconic link between downtown Denver and the powdery slopes of Winter Park Resort. In recent years, it has undergone a dramatic transformation, emerging as a climate-friendly, affordable, and hassle-free gateway to the Rockies. With expanded service days, lower ticket prices, and an ambitious vision for the future, the 2025 winter season is set to be a record-breaker.
A Legacy Reimagined: From Historic Rails to Modern Marvel
The tradition of the ski train traces its roots to the 1940s, when trains first began shuttling skiers from Denver over the Continental Divide. Today’s Winter Park Express – operated by Amtrak in partnership with the State of Colorado and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) – honors that past while embracing a future built on accessibility, sustainability, and convenience.
Major Upgrade: Expanded Service Means More Days on the Slopes
In response to skyrocketing demand, the 2025 season introduces a major expansion. Instead of the familiar Friday-to-Sunday schedule, trains will now run five days a week. Here’s what you need to know:
- Regular service: Thursday through Monday, beginning January 9, 2025, and operating through March 31.
- Special Holiday Service: Added round trips during key December holiday weekends (December 20-22 and 27-29, 2024).
- Ticket release: Fares go on sale as early as November 4, giving eager riders ample time to plan their powder days.
This shift is designed to give Coloradans and visitors, alike, more flexibility – whether it’s a long-weekend getaway, a full week of skiing, or seizing a spontaneous bluebird day on the slopes.
Lower Fares, Bigger Savings: Breaking Down the New Pricing Model
The Winter Park Express isn’t just more frequent – it’s now significantly more affordable. Thanks to state-backed investment and revenue from Colorado’s new Congestion Impact Fee on rental cars, ticket prices have dropped by an average of 43% compared to previous years . Here’s how the new fares look:
- Prices start at $19 for adults one way, compared to previous fares typically around $34 and up.
- Children (ages 2–12) receive a 50% discount off the base adult fare, making the train an even better deal for families.
This unprecedented reduction is aimed at making mountain access available to a wide cross-section of Colorado’s residents and visitors, whether you’re planning a once-in-a-season adventure or a regular commute to the slopes.
Historic Ridership: Coloradoans Flock to the Ski Train
The expanded schedule and accessible fares have yielded extraordinary results. The latest statistics show:
- Ridership soared 153% year-over-year, totaling 43,919 riders in 2025.
- Trains were an average of 89% full, with weekends frequently being 95% or more at capacity .
Governor Jared Polis hailed the program’s success, declaring the train “a great opportunity for Coloradans and visitors to explore our mountains without the hassle of driving or traffic. Now with expanded service and lower costs, Coloradans can save time and money on our way to enjoying our great outdoors.”
Why Is Ridership Exploding?
- Convenience: Avoid vexing I-70 traffic jams and icy driving conditions.
- Affordability: Low fares make it a value choice – especially for families and groups.
- Experience: Journey through stunning mountain scenery, relaxing in comfortable, spacious train cars instead of behind the wheel.
- Reliability: Trains run in nearly all conditions, immune to common highway closures and weather-related delays.
The Onboard Experience: What to Expect When You Board
Travelers on the Winter Park Express enjoy a seamless and comfortable journey. Here’s what makes the ride stand out:
- Departure: Trains depart from Denver’s revitalized Union Station, a centerpiece of downtown with plenty of amenities for pre-travel comfort.
- Trip length: The journey covers roughly 67 miles in just over two hours – including the remarkable passage through the 6.2-mile-long Moffat Tunnel.
- Views: Panoramic Rocky Mountain scenery, including twisting canyons, forested hillsides, and sweeping Alpine vistas.
- Comfort: Spacious seating, wide aisles, restrooms, and areas for groups or families.
- Amenities: Onboard café car for hot drinks, snacks, and lunches.
- Gear: Dedicated luggage storage and ski/snowboard racks mean you can check your equipment before boarding and fetch it at the base area on arrival.
Accessibility Features
- ADA-accessible boarding and seating
- Staff assistance for those with limited mobility
Environmental Impact: Cutting Traffic and Emissions
The rebirth of the ski train has broad implications for Colorado’s environmental footprint.
- Reduced Traffic: Each full train removes hundreds of cars from I-70 and US-40, two famously congested mountain routes.
- Lower Emissions: Train travel generates significantly fewer greenhouse gases per passenger-mile than individual car trips .
- Safety: Reducing the number of winter drivers on tricky mountain roads helps prevent accidents and keeps highways safer.
Sally Chafee, Acting Director at CDOT, summed up the environmental win: “It also means much lower emissions per passenger mile, so there’s a huge environmental benefit here.”
Plan Your Adventure: How to Ride the Winter Park Express
Are you ready to try the Winter Park Express? Here’s what you need to know about making the most of your trip:
- Where to board: Denver Union Station (1701 Wynkoop St., Denver, CO 80202). Centrally located and served by many local transit lines.
- Arrival: Directly at the base of Winter Park Resort, just steps from the lifts and Village amenities.
- Ticketing: Fares can be booked on Amtrak’s website or at station kiosks, with options for round-trip or one-way journeys.
- Timing: Trains typically depart Denver around 7:00 a.m. and return from Winter Park after the ski day, maximizing your slope time.
- Gear policies: Each ticket comes with a checked baggage allowance for ski and snowboard equipment, in addition to carry-on items.
Pro tip: Trains, especially during weekends and holidays, often sell out weeks in advance. Early booking is strongly recommended.
Who Is the Train For?
- Skiers and snowboarders seeking a day trip or multi-day adventure
- Families and groups who want to travel together
- Non-skiers aiming to enjoy alpine vistas, mountain dining, and shopping at the Winter Park Village
- Visitors to Colorado looking for an iconic, scenic experience
Community and Partnership: How Colorado is Making Rail Work
The expansion of the Winter Park Express is the result of unique public-private collaboration:
- Amtrak: Operations and staffing
- Winter Park Resort: Mountain logistics and guest services
- CDOT: Funding and infrastructure support, enabled by proceeds from the state’s rental car congestion fee
- Union Pacific & BNSF : Track access and operational support
This multi-agency partnership is being cited as a case study in how states can use rail to address environmental, economic, and mobility challenges while delivering a memorable travel experience.
Looking Forward: The Vision for Mountain Rail in Colorado
The 2025 expansion is only the beginning. Colorado’s planners envision a future where the Winter Park service is just one element of a far broader Mountain Rail system, potentially stretching:
- West from Denver to Steamboat Springs, Glenwood Springs, and even Grand Junction
- Northwest to Granby, Kremmling, and ultimately Craig
- More frequent service to other major resorts as demand and infrastructure allow
Such expansion could further reduce traffic on critical corridors, open tourism opportunities to new regions, and cement rail as a pillar in Colorado’s transportation future .
Winter Park Resort: Upgrades Beyond the Train
The arrival of the Winter Park Express is complemented by several new amenities and improvements at Winter Park Resort for the 2025–2026 season:
- Upgraded snowmaking: A $37 million investment for faster, more consistent terrain openings and energy efficiency.
- Enhanced dining: New menus, more choices, and the Ptarmigan Kitchen + Bar at the base area.
- Family-friendly incentives: Discounted or free kids tickets with lessons and affordable tips from ski pros for advanced guests.
These upgrades ensure that every guest, train traveler or not, will enjoy a world-class experience on and off the slopes .
Winter Park Express at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Season | Mid-December through March 31, 2025 |
| Service Days | Thursday–Monday + select holiday periods |
| Fares (One-way) | Adults: $19–$39; Children: 50% off base fare |
| Boarding Location | Denver Union Station |
| Destination | Winter Park Resort (steps from the ski lifts) |
| Average Train Capacity | 89% full (often 95%+ on weekends) |
| Onboard Amenities | Café car, restrooms, ski/snowboard racks, ADA access |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How do I buy tickets for the Winter Park Express?
A: Tickets are available for purchase through Amtrak’s website or at Denver Union Station. Early booking is highly recommended due to strong demand.
Q: Is there a luggage limit for skis or snowboards?
A: Each rider may check one pair of skis or one snowboard, plus a boot bag, with additional carry-on allowance for personal items. Equipment storage is secure and hassle-free at both ends of the trip.
Q: Does the train run every day during the season?
A: For 2025, the train operates five days per week (Thursday through Monday) from Jan. 9 through March 31, with expanded holiday service in late December.
Q: How long is the train ride?
A: The journey takes a little over two hours each way, with incredible mountain views throughout.
Q: Can non-skiers take the train?
A: Absolutely. Winter Park Resort offers many activities for non-skiers, including mountain dining, village shopping, tubing hills, and scenic mountain walks.
Q: How are sustainability and emissions handled?
A: The train helps cut down on vehicle emissions by reducing traffic between Denver and Winter Park, supporting Colorado’s commitment to sustainable tourism and cleaner air.
Plan Your Ski Train Adventure
- Mark your calendar for ticket releases and book early, especially for weekends and holidays.
- Pack smart – bring layers, sun protection, and all necessary ski or snowboard gear.
- Arrive at Union Station early to enjoy its cafes, seating areas, and easy baggage drop-off.
- Check updates from Amtrak and Winter Park Resort for weather advisories and special events during your travel dates.
The Future of Mountain Rail in Colorado
The runaway success of Winter Park Express is fueling momentum for ongoing rail innovation. As more Coloradans and visitors discover the benefits of train travel to the mountains, expect:
- Further expansions of service coverage and frequency
- Integration with other destinations and resort communities
- Greater investments in ticketing technology, comfort, and efficiency
- A lasting legacy in Colorado’s pursuit of safe, sustainable, and inclusive outdoor recreation for all
Whether you’re a seasoned skier, a parent planning the family’s first mountain adventure, or a traveler chasing the next great Colorado experience, the expanded Winter Park Express makes the high country closer and more welcoming than ever before. All aboard for a new era of mountain adventure – by rail.
