Want to arrive slopeside without driving? Here is a guide to the Winter Park Express ski train, including schedules, scenic highlights, real rider reviews, and what to expect from a slopeside arrival.
Skip Mountain Traffic and Ride the Winter Park Express
Have you heard that sometimes the journey is the destination? That is exactly what the Winter Park Express is.
Linking downtown Denver directly to the base of Winter Park Resort, this seasonal ski train offers not just an alternative to mountain driving, but an experience that feels both nostalgic and surprisingly modern.
Running only during winter, the train lets you swap traffic-clogged highways for sweeping alpine views, wide reclining seats, and a stress-free arrival just steps from the lifts. What is not to like?
At Stay Winter Park, we specialize in locally rooted, boutique-style vacation rental management, offering guests a curated collection of well-maintained homes across the Winter Park area. With over 70 years of combined hospitality experience, our team knows the mountains like locals, because we are locals.
Planning your first trip? Traveling with family? Looking for restaurant tips or hidden-gem activities? Check out our blog for plenty of helpful insider insight.
2026/2027 Dates: What We Know So Far
Amtrak has not yet announced the 2026/2027 schedule or fares. They have made the announcement in early November for each of the last two seasons, so expect news around then. Watch Amtrak's Winter Park Express page, or check back here.
For reference, the 2025/2026 season ran:
- 57 round trips across the season
- Friday, Saturday and Sunday service from mid-December through the first weekend of January
- Thursday through Sunday service from early January into late March
- Service to both Winter Park Resort and Fraser
- One-way fares from $9, with kids ages 2 to 12 from $4.50
Ridership has grown steadily since the service returned, and recent seasons have set records, so expect something comparable or expanded.
What Is the Winter Park Express?
The Winter Park Express is a seasonal passenger train operated by Amtrak, created in partnership with Winter Park Resort and Union Pacific Railroad.
It runs between Denver Union Station (DEN) and Winter Park Resort (WPR), with an additional stop at Fraser-Winter Park (WIP).
Unlike most ski access options in the country, the train delivers passengers directly to the resort base. Step off and the gondola is a short walk away. No parking lot, no shuttle transfer, no mountain driving. You step off, look around, and realize you are already where you meant to be.
The Schedule
Times have held steady across recent seasons. Confirm against Amtrak once the 2026/2027 schedule is published.
| Station | Outbound | Return |
|---|---|---|
| Denver Union Station (DEN) | Departs 7:00 am | Arrives 7:05 pm |
| Winter Park Resort (WPR) | Arrives 9:11 am | Departs 4:35 pm |
| Fraser-Winter Park (WIP) | Arrives 9:41 am | Departs 4:05 pm |
Trip time: roughly two to two and a half hours each way, depending on your stop and on freight traffic.
Gear: skis and snowboards travel at no extra charge, stored in a dedicated baggage area. That is a real saving compared to airline ski bag fees.
Discounts: reduced fares are typically available for seniors, students, military personnel and travelers with disabilities. Ask when booking.
A quick heads-up: schedules, fares and service details change every season. Check the official Winter Park Express page before planning your trip.
Who Should Take the Winter Park Express
Thinking about skipping the drive? Smart move. Here is why the train might be right for you.
You Are Flying Into Denver
The Winter Park Express is especially well suited to travelers flying into Denver who want to skip rental cars and mountain shuttles. With a direct train from the airport to Union Station, you can connect seamlessly to the ski train and arrive slopeside with minimal logistics.
You Are Day-Tripping From Downtown Denver
For skiers based near Union Station, the train makes day trips feel easy and unrushed. Board in the morning, ski all day, and return in the evening without thinking about traffic or parking.
You Are an Experience-First Traveler
Panoramic windows, a lounge car and a relaxed pace turn the ride into part of the day rather than just a transfer to the slopes.
You Want to Avoid I-70 Traffic
If winter driving or weekend congestion is not your idea of fun, the train offers a calm alternative. You trade brake lights and traction laws for mountain views and a stress-free arrival.
You Are Traveling Solo or as a Couple
Logistics and pricing tend to work best when you are traveling light. For solo skiers or couples, the train often feels simpler and more enjoyable than coordinating a car, parking and end-of-day fatigue.
Plane to Train: How It Works Without a Car
One of the train's strongest advantages is how seamlessly it connects with air travel.
From Denver International Airport, take the A-Line commuter train directly to Denver Union Station. Many visitors stay overnight nearby, then walk straight to the platform the following morning. For out-of-state and international visitors, it is one of the simplest ski arrivals in Colorado.
Plan for the other end too. There are no car rental agencies in Winter Park, and Uber and Lyft are unreliable in the valley. The free town bus, The Lift, connects Winter Park, the resort base and Fraser, and there is a stop steps from the Fraser platform. For anything else, book Home James or a local driver in advance.
The Ride: What to Expect Onboard
The Winter Park Express uses double-decker Amtrak Superliner trains, designed for long-distance comfort rather than short commuter hops.
Seating and Comfort
- Wide, reclining seats
- Ample legroom
- No middle seats
- Space to change into ski gear onboard
Sightseer Lounge
The highlight of the journey is the bi-level Sightseer Lounge, added in 2019 after rider demand.
- Floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows upstairs
- Café service downstairs with snacks, coffee, beer and wine
- A popular social hub with a relaxed, communal atmosphere
Pro tip: sit on the right side of the train, which offers the best mountain views in both directions. And if you stay in your assigned seat the whole way, you have missed the best part of the ride.
A Scenic Route Through Colorado's Rail History
The Winter Park Express follows the same legendary route as Amtrak's California Zephyr, climbing nearly 4,000 feet into the Rockies. Highlights along the way include:
- Views of the Flatirons near Boulder
- Forested canyons and alpine valleys
- The famed Moffat Tunnel, a 6.2-mile engineering feat cutting directly beneath the Continental Divide
The route passes through 30 tunnels in total, many carved by hand in remote terrain. For first-time riders, the sense of scale and history is part of the appeal.
A Brief History of the Ski Train
The Winter Park Express is the modern revival of a much older idea.
- 1940: the original Ski Train launched alongside the opening of Winter Park Resort
- 1940 to 2009: operated continuously under various owners, becoming a Colorado winter institution
- 2009: service ended due to rising costs and operational challenges
- 2015: a one-weekend revival sold out in hours, proving demand was still strong
- 2017: Amtrak officially reintroduced the route as the Winter Park Express
Since its return, ridership has grown every year, with recent seasons carrying more than 41,000 passengers and setting records.
Honest Reviews: What Riders Actually Say
Across hundreds of firsthand accounts, several consistent themes emerge.
What People Love
- Skipping I-70 traffic entirely
- Comfortable seating and the ability to relax or nap
- Scenic views and social atmosphere
- Stepping off the train essentially slopeside
- Leaving gear on the train during the ski day
Above all, riders love that the train becomes part of the adventure, especially on busy weekends or snowy days.
Common Drawbacks
- Occasional delays due to freight train priority
- Dining car lines during peak times
- Limited wifi and spotty cell service in the mountains
- Higher cost compared to driving with a group
- A fixed return time, which shortens your last ski day
Pro tip: most of these come with train travel in general. The best way to enjoy the Winter Park Express is to treat the ride as part of the day, not just a means of getting there. Viewed purely as transportation, delays feel frustrating. Viewed as an experience, it usually exceeds expectations.
Is the Winter Park Express Worth It?
The answer depends on how you travel.
It makes the most sense if you:
- Are flying into Denver
- Want to avoid renting a car
- Are doing a day trip or short ski stay
- Value comfort and scenery over speed
Driving may be better if you:
- Are traveling with a larger group
- Need schedule flexibility
- Live outside downtown Denver
- Want to explore beyond the resort and town
The train is not about replacing driving entirely. It is about offering a calmer, more memorable alternative.
Two Things Worth Planning Around
Weekends now start at 8:00am. New for 2026/2027, Winter Park lifts open an hour earlier on Saturdays and Sundays from December 5, 2026 through April 4, 2027. The train does not arrive until 9:11am, so if that bonus hour of fresh corduroy appeals, come up the day before rather than day-tripping.
The return departs the resort at 4:35pm, which means your last ski day ends earlier than usual. Either accept a shorter final day or build in an extra night.
Traveling Outside Ski Season?
The Winter Park Express is seasonal, but the California Zephyr runs year-round and stops daily at Fraser-Winter Park (WIP). It is Amtrak's Chicago to Bay Area service, so schedules and fares work differently, but it means rail access to the valley in every season.
Our Properties Near the Winter Park Express Arrival
Staying close to the train makes the whole experience easier. These are conveniently located near the arrival points, so you can step off and settle in without missing a beat.
133 Eisenhower Cabin
A beautifully renovated 5-bedroom Fraser cabin with space for up to 10 guests, walking distance to local restaurants, breweries, shops and the free town shuttle. Spacious common areas and a private hot tub make it ideal for family getaways, and the Fraser platform is close by.
Fraser Crossing
Cozy mountainside condos in Winter Park's Base Village, just steps from the slopes, offering mountain views, hot tub access and easy walkability to shops and dining. About as close to the Winter Park Resort platform as you can get.
Winter Park Place #1
A bright, open-concept rental with hardwood floors and large windows, a fully equipped kitchen and a comfortable living space with a fireplace. Ideally located near the slopes, attractions and, you guessed it, the Winter Park Express.
Extending the Trip to Fraser
The train continues past the resort to Fraser-Winter Park, a quieter stop with its own appeal: three independent breweries, a distillery, the rec center and a genuinely relaxed feel. We offer a great selection of cabins and lodging in Fraser, perfect for travelers looking for a more laid-back base. The free town bus connects you back to the mountain.
Wondering How to Make the Most of Your Stay?
Settle into one of our Stay Winter Park rentals and enjoy a home that feels warm, inviting and designed with comfort in mind.
Arriving without a car? Look at ski-in ski-out and Base Village rentals if you are riding to the resort, or Downtown Winter Park and Fraser if you want to walk to dinner. Every property has a full kitchen, which matters more when you cannot drive to a restaurant on a whim.
In a world full of standard stays, we create homes that feel personal: places with character, thoughtful touches, and the ease that lets you truly relax. Unforgettable mountain memories start with the right home, and we are here to make sure you find yours.
Check current specials, browse all properties, or call us at 800-215-6535. Tell us you are coming by train and we will point you somewhere you can walk to.
Schedules, fares and station stops are set by Amtrak and change each season. Times shown reflect recent seasons and are subject to change. Confirm all details directly with Amtrak before booking.
