Want to arrive slopeside without driving? Here’s 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? Well, 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 allows travelers to swap traffic-clogged highways for sweeping alpine views, wide reclining seats, and a stress-free arrival just steps from the lifts. What’s 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.
Today, we’re bringing you a complete guide to the Winter Park Express, one of the easiest and most scenic ways to reach Winter Park from Denver.
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 U.S., the train delivers passengers directly to the resort base. Once you step off, the gondola is a short walk away.
There’s no parking lot, no shuttle transfer, and no mountain driving involved. You step off, look around, and realize you’re already where you meant to be.
Schedule and Key Details (2025–2026 Season)
Service Dates
- Friday, Saturday, Sunday: December 19, 2025 – January 4, 2026
- Thursday through Sunday: January 8 – March 29, 2026
Departure Times
- Departs Denver Union Station: 7:00 am
- Departs Winter Park Resort: 4:35 pm
Trip Time
- Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours each way
Fares
- One-way tickets start at $9
- Kids fares (ages 2–12) start at $4.50
Gear
- You can take your ski or snowboard gear on the Winter Park Express at no extra charge
- Equipment is stored in a dedicated baggage area
A quick heads-up: Schedules, fares, and service details are subject to change. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, we recommend checking the official Winter Park Express or Amtrak website before planning your trip.
Who Should Take the Winter Park Express
Thinking about skipping the drive? Smart move. Here’s why the Winter Park Express might be right for you.
You’re Flying Into Denver
Arriving by plane? 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’re Day-Tripping From Downtown Denver
Staying in the city? Even better. For skiers based near Union Station, the Winter Park Express makes day trips feel easy and unrushed. You board in the morning, ski all day, and return in the evening without thinking about traffic or parking.
You’re an Experience-First Traveler
This one’s for those who enjoy the journey as much as the destination. Panoramic windows, a lounge car, and a relaxed pace turn the ride into part of the day’s experience 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 road conditions for mountain views and a stress-free arrival just steps from the lifts.
You’re Traveling Solo or as a Couple
Logistics and pricing tend to work best when you’re traveling light. For solo skiers or couples, the Winter Park Express 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 Winter Park Express’s strongest advantages is how seamlessly it connects with air travel.
From Denver International Airport, travelers 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.
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
A 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: It's a good idea to sit on the right side of the train, which offers the best mountain views in both directions.
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 that cuts directly beneath the Continental Divide
The route passes through 30 tunnels in total, many carved by hand in remote terrain. One thing’s for sure: for first-time riders, the sense of scale and history is part of the appeal.
A Brief History of the Ski Train
Speaking of history, 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
- 1940–2009: 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 steadily grown. In the 2025 season alone, more than 41,000 passengers used the service, marking a record year.
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 the vibe of the train that 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 Wi-Fi and spotty cell service in the mountains
- Higher cost compared to driving with a group
Pro tip: Most of the drawbacks above 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.
If you look at it purely as transportation, delays can feel frustrating. If you see it as an experience, it often ends up exceeding expectations.
The burning question: 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
All in all, the train is not about replacing driving entirely. It is about offering a calmer, more memorable alternative.
Our Properties Near the Winter Park Express Arrival
Staying close to the train makes the whole experience even easier.
These properties are conveniently located near the Winter Park Express arrival point, so you can step off the train and settle in without missing a beat.
133 Eisenhower Cabin
A cozy 2-bed, 2-bath mountainside condo in Winter Park’s Base Village, just steps from the slopes, offering mountain views, hot tub access, and easy walkability to shops and dining. Perfect for a winter retreat with fantastic views.
Extending the Trip to Fraser
The train continues past the resort to Fraser–Winter Park, a quieter stop with its own appeal. Stay Winter Park also offers a great selection of cabins and lodging options in Fraser, perfect for travelers looking for a more laid-back base.
Wondering how to make the most of your stay in Winter Park?
Settle into one of our Stay Winter Park rentals and enjoy a home that feels warm, inviting, and designed with comfort in mind.
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’re here to make sure you find yours.
