Experience a ride on Amtrak’s Winter Park Express this December during its exceptional holiday service. Starting in January, the train will operate four days a week, offering 69 round-trip journeys. The route connects Denver to Winter Park Resort, and this season introduces a new stop at Fraser/Winter Park, providing greater flexibility and convenience for travelers.
During the 2025- 2026 season, ticket prices started at $9, with children’s tickets available for $4.50. These tickets include free transport for skis and snowboards. The train offers spacious reclining seats and stunning views from the bi-level Sightseer Lounge.
Typically, the train runs from December through March. 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 that can only be appreciated 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.
Update for the 2026–2027 season: Amtrak has not yet released the schedule, fares, or operating dates for the Winter Park Express. The information provided below pertains to the 2025–2026 season and is intended for reference. I will update this guide as soon as Amtrak announces the new 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.
What’s New for the 2025-2026 Season
The Winter Park Express is gaining popularity, and this season features enhancements that make the train more accessible and affordable for travelers.
Lower Fares Thanks to State Partnership
For the second consecutive year, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is partnering with Amtrak and Winter Park Resort to subsidize ticket prices. This collaboration had a substantial impact last season by reducing fares and increasing service availability. As a result, ridership surged by more than 150 percent compared to the previous winter.
This year’s ticket prices are even better than last season’s. Adult tickets now start at just $9, and children’s tickets are only $4.50—less than half of last year’s starting price. It’s challenging to find a better deal for a scenic two-hour ride through the Rockies that also includes complimentary ski and snowboard transportation.
Building Colorado’s Mountain Rail Future
The Winter Park Express is more than just a seasonal ski train—it’s demonstrating that Coloradans want passenger rail service through the mountains. The route taken by the Winter Park Express is actually the first segment of a proposed Mountain Corridor passenger rail line that could eventually connect Denver to Craig.
State officials are closely monitoring the Winter Park Express as they plan for expanded rail service throughout Colorado. The success of this train demonstrates real demand for alternatives to driving on I-70, especially during busy ski weekends.
When did the Winter Park Express operate in 2026?
The Amtrak Winter Express train takes skiers and others through one of the most scenic sections of the California Zephyr route in the Rockies, offering views available only by train.
The days the train operates.
The Winter Park Express season will kick off on the last two weekends of this year.
- Holiday Dates:
- December 19-21, 2025
- December 26-28, 2025
- January 2-4, 2026
- Regular service will commence on January 8 and continue through March 29.
- Operates on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
The trains will serve both Winter Park Resort and the neighboring town of Fraser.
Winter Park Express 2025-2026 Schedule
| 1106 Westbound Thurs – Sun Read Down | Winter Park Express Stations | 1105 Eastbound Thurs – Sun Read Up |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00a | Denver, CO Union Station(DEN) | 7:05 p |
| 9:11a | 9:26a | Winter Park Resort, CO (WPR) | 4:20p | 4:35p |
| 9:41 a | Fraser-Winter Park, CO (WIP) | 4:05 p |
| Last Stop | Stations | Read Up |
Amtrak Winter Park Express Coach Class Seating
The Amtrak Winter Park Express provides comfortable coach-class accommodations. The seats recline farther than those on most economy-class seats and include leg and footrests, allowing passengers to stretch out comfortably. A significant advantage is that there are no middle seats!
For your convenience, every seat features a seatback pocket and overhead luggage storage. Each seat also features a tray table that can be unfolded when needed and stowed away when not in use.
Seating is primarily on the upper level, with accessible seating 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 during your journey. Each seat has a set of grounded three-pronged wall outlets. If you sit in an aisle seat, using an extension cord or a longer charging cable could make it easier to access. Additionally, there are outlets available in the observation car.
Please note that this train does not offer Wi-Fi, and cell service may be unreliable along the route due to the mountainous terrain.
Going from Denver International Airport to the Amtrak Winter Park Express
Denver travelers can take the Winter Park Express train from the airport without renting a car or using rideshare services.
From Denver International Airport, take the A-Line to Union Station. Downtown Denver offers several places to explore, including the 16th Street Mall and 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 for 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.
The Views 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.
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 passengers may bring one carry-on item and two personal items. Their skis are stored free of charge in a dedicated baggage storage area during boarding.
Amtrak’s 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 lower level of the Sightseer Lounge, 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 may bring your own food and beverages on board, Amtrak cannot store, cool, 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 be consumed during the train ride.
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 WIP station codes to book this train.
The Winter Park Express offers many everyday discounts when booking, including 50% off for kids (ages 2-12). Additionally, discounted fares are available for seniors, students, military personnel, and individuals with disabilities.
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California Zephyr: A Winter Park Express alternative
If you need a train service during the week or at a different time, the California Zephyr is a daily long-distance train to Winter Park.
Once you arrive, The Lift can help you get 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 The Lift 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 avoid transferring 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 Fraser-Winter Park, CO (WIP) stop, which is different from the stop you use for the ski train.
Please note that you cannot check your skis at any stations along the Zephyr route. Since this train is not the official ski train, you may need to pay for ski storage.
| 5 Westbound Daily Read Down | Stations | 6 Eastbound Daily Last Stop |
|---|---|---|
| 8:05a | Denver, CO Union Station(DEN) | 6:38p |
| 10:02a | Winter Park Resort, CO (WIR) | 3:00p |
| The shuttle will transport you to and from this stop. | ||
| Last Stop | Stations | Read Up |
A few Amtrak Winter Park Express tidbits
Tidbits are always great —here are a few you may find helpful.
Booking Groups
Passengers can purchase Winter Park Express tickets for groups of up to eight on the Amtrak Website or 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 car’s lower level, eliminating the need for stairs.
Safe Travels!
Kev
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