Amtrak's Winter Park Express: Your Train to the Slopes

The 2024-2025 Amtrak Winter Park Express offers exciting new options for your winter getaway! With unique service during the December holidays, the train will run five days a week starting in January, totaling 69 round trips. The route includes Denver and Winter Park Resort and this season’s new Fraser/Winter Park Stop, providing greater flexibility and convenience.

2024 -2025 Ticket prices start at $19, with children’s tickets available for $9.50. These tickets include free transport for ski and snowboard equipment. The train offers spacious reclining seats and stunning views from the bi-level Sightseer Lounge.

Running from December 2024 through March 2025, along with some additional weekday trips, the Amtrak Winter Park Express—also known as the Amtrak Ski Train—travels between Denver, CO, Winter Park, CO, and Fraser-Winter Park via the scenic California Zephyr route. This journey through the Rockies offers breathtaking views you can only appreciate by train!

Forget the I-70 traffic and the hassle of fitting your skis into a rental car. Instead, relax with a hot cocoa or an adult beverage while enjoying a comfortable ride. This post includes the schedule and more details.

Amtrak Winter Park Express History

The original Ski Train operated continuously from 1940 to 2009, becoming a cherished tradition for skiers traveling to Winter Park. In 2015, Amtrak and others temporarily revived it for a weekend celebration of Winter Park Resort’s 75th anniversary, and tickets sold out almost immediately.

This high-demand train generated renewed interest, leading to a partnership between Amtrak, Union Pacific, and Winter Park Resort to reintroduce the Ski Train as a seasonal service.

When does the Winter Park Express operate?

The Amtrak Winter Express train takes skiers and others through one of the most scenic parts of the California Zephyr route in the Rockies, offering views only seen by train!

The days the train operates.

The train operates from Thursday to Monday, transporting skiers and their gear from December 20, 2024, to March 2025.

Winter Park Express 2024-2025 Schedule

Amtrak Winter Park Express Coach Class seating

The Amtrak Winter Park Express provides comfortable coach-class accommodations. The seats recline further than those on most economy airlines, and they feature leg and footrests, allowing passengers to stretch out comfortably. A significant advantage is that there are no middle seats!

For your convenience, each seat includes a seatback pocket and overhead luggage storage for your belongings during the journey. Each seat has a tray table that you can unfold when needed and stowed away when not in use.

Seating is primarily located on the upper level of the train, while accessible seating is available on the lower level. Restrooms are on the lower level of each car.

Example of an Amtrak Superliner coach car

Electronics on the Winter Park Express

The train offers charging options for your devices while you travel. Each seat has a set of grounded three-prong outlets located on the wall. If you sit in an aisle seat, using an extension cord or a longer charging cable could make access easier. Additionally, there are outlets available in the observation car.

Please note that this train does not provide Wi-Fi, and due to the mountainous terrain, cell service may be unreliable along the route.

Going from Denver International Airport to the Amtrak Winter Park Express

Denver travelers can take a train from the airport to the Winter Park Express without renting a car or using rideshare services.

From Denver International Airport, take the A-Line to Union Station. Downtown Denver has several places to explore, from 16th Street Mall to Larimer Square. You can even stay in Union Station or other downtown accommodations.

Walking around the Amtrak Winter Express

Unlike planes, trains allow you to walk around at any time.

Stroll to the Sightseer Lounge or Café car for a snack or drink.

To move between train cars, you must be on the upper level. However, you must go to the lower level to exit the train or use the bathroom.

Remember that trains can sway while you walk, so keeping at least one hand free is essential to help you balance. If you’re tall, you can hold onto the seat backs or the luggage racks for support.

Use the striped handles for stability when moving between cars, and remember to wear shoes while walking around the train.

What views can you expect from the Amtrak Winter Park Express?

After departing from Denver Union Station, the Winter Park Express travels northwest, ascending into the Rocky Mountains alongside the Colorado River. Along the way, it offers stunning views of the famous Flatirons above Boulder and the surrounding plains.

During this journey, the train passes through 31 tunnels, including several hand-built, remote passages. These tunnels vary in length, from short ones you could easily miss to the iconic 6.2-mile Moffat Tunnel, which cuts through the Continental Divide.

After exiting the Moffat Tunnel, you’ll glimpse Donner Pass before arriving at Winter Park. Once you arrive, you’ll step onto a heated platform 100 feet from the nearest ski lift or gondola.

As you travel, enjoy the breathtaking sights, such as the Rocky Mountains, the Moffat Tunnel, and picturesque landscapes accessible only by train.

Baggage & Skis on the Winter Park Express

Winter Park Express customers can bring one carry-on item and two personal items. Their skis are stored free in a dedicated baggage storage area during boarding.

Amtrak checked bag service is unavailable on this train. Here is more info on Amtrak’s carry-on policy.

Winter Park Express: Food & Drink

The train features a café on the Sightseer Lounge’s lower level, where passengers can purchase food and drinks. The food options are grab-and-go, and Amtrak can heat any items you buy.

The café is in the middle of the train, and stairs lead to it in the center of the Sightseer Lounge. While you can bring your food and drink on board, Amtrak cannot store or heat them.

Due to FDA regulations, outside food cannot be consumed in the café, and any alcohol brought aboard must remain unopened and not consumed while on the train.

Winter Park Resort & Ski Lift Tickets

The Winter Park Resort offers the Wild Spur Express, a new six-person high-speed lift on Vasquez Ridge, and four new pop-up dining outposts to make it easier for skiers and riders to grab a quick bite and return to enjoying Winter Park.

A new taproom in the Village, Sundog Taproom, gives guests a casual, centralized gathering spot after a fun day on the slopes.

Lift tickets and other passes can be purchased directly from the Winter Park Resort website.

Booking the Amtrak Winter Park Express

You can book this train online, through the Amtrak App, at the Denver Union Station, or by phone (1-800-USA-Rail). Use the DEN and WPS or WPI station codes to book this train.

The Winter Park Express offers many everyday discounts when booking, starting with kids (aged 2-12) riding for 50% off. Plus, discounted fares are available for seniors, students, military members, and customers with disabilities.

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California Zephyr: a Winter Park Express alternative

If you need train service during the week or at a different time, the California Zephyr is a daily long-distance train to Winter Park.

Once you get there, The Lift can help get you where you need to go for free!

The shuttle runs from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. in and around Winter Park and Fraser, including Winter Park Resort. It is available for non-skiers, or those with lodging and adventures booked downtown. Visit theliftwp.com for more information and updates.

The California Zephyr is also a great option if you come from California, Illinois, or one of the train’s intermediate stops. You can stay on the train and not have to transfer to the ski train.

When booking, still use WPS and DEN for station codes; this way, you will secure the shuttle, but you will get off at the Fraiser -Winter Park, CO (WPI) stop, which is different from where you get off for the ski train.

Be aware that you cannot check your skis at all stations along the Zephery route, and because this train is not THE ski train, you may have to pay for skis.

A few Amtrak Winter Park Express tidbits

Tidbits are always great, and here are a few you might use.

Booking Groups

Passengers in small groups of up to eight can purchase Winter Park Express tickets on the Amtrak Website or the Amtrak app.

Passengers in groups of 9 – 14 can call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245) to make a reservation.

Groups of 15 or more, including requests for exclusive car occupancy, should submit a group travel request, and an Amtrak representative will contact you. For more information about group travel, please call 1-800-USA-1GRP (1-800-872-1477) Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. MT.

Travelers With Disabilities

Each departure offers dedicated accessible seating, and Denver (DEN) and Winter Park (WPR) are fully accessible stations. Passengers who need it can also book a seat on the lower level of the car, eliminating the need for stairs.

Safe Travels!

Kev