For planners looking for a scenic way to transport attendees from the city to the slopes, The Winter Park Express, operated by Amtrak, in cooperation with the state of Colorado and the Colorado Department of Transportation, will kick off the 2025 season with expanded service from Denver International Airport and Denver Union Station starting Jan. 9, 2025. The Winter Park Express will operate five days a week—Thursday through Monday—through March 31. The expanded service also includes special holiday dates Dec. 20-22 and Dec. 27-29, 2024. The train will also stop in Fraser, five minutes west of Winter Park. Tickets for this year’s Winter Park Express range from $19 to $39, and children 2-12 are eligible for 50% off base fares.
With no need for a car, passengers can now travel directly from Denver International Airport or downtown Denver to the mountains and back, allowing more time for relaxation and adventure. In a prepared statement, Richard Scharf, president and CEO of Visit Denver, notes, “The Winter Park Express strengthens Denver’s position as a hub for adventure in Colorado. With the convenience of direct train service from Denver International Airport and Denver Union Station, visitors can enjoy a world-class ski resort and mountain town while still taking advantage of Denver’s vibrant culture and amenities.”
Winter Park Resort is two hours from Denver by train, making it a great option for day trips. With the expanded service of the Winter Park Express, attendees can leave Denver early in the morning, spend the day on the slopes, and be back in the city by early evening, just in time for dinner at one of Denver’s Michelin-starred or James Beard award-winning restaurants.
“The Winter Park Express ski train has long been a beloved tradition for Colorado and guests from around the globe,” says Sky Foulkes, president of Winter Park Resort. “It has demonstrated the desire from both residents and visitors for transportation options other than passenger vehicles. The Winter Park Express gives people another way to get to the slopes that’s more scenic, sustainable, and relaxing than getting in a car and driving.”
Winter Park is not just for skiing. Groups of non-skiers can enjoy the charm of the mountain town, snow tubing, winter trails, and the stunning scenery of the Fraser Valley. The expanded service now includes a stop at Fraser, offering convenient access to the quaint town and its surrounding attractions.
The Winter Park Express features wide, reclining seats; large picture windows; and a bilevel Sightseer Lounge for panoramic views of the Rockies. Snacks and beverages are available for purchase onboard, and skis, snowboards, and other winter gear are transported at no extra charge.
The train accommodates 402 passengers per trip, ensuring more people can take advantage of this unique and relaxing way to reach the mountains. Whether planning a full weekend getaway or a day on the slopes, the Winter Park Express access from Denver makes it easy to experience all that Colorado has to offer.
