All Aboard: The Winter Park Express Ski Train is Back December 19th
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Colorado’s most beloved form of mountain transportation is back. The Amtrak Winter Park Express, Denver’s "ski train," has officially announced its return for the 2025-26 winter season, building on the success of a record-breaking year.
Last season proved that Coloradans have a massive appetite for accessible mountain rail, with ridership surging by over 150%. Consequently, the service is not only returning but is being expanded to meet the demand. The train offers a stress-free and scenic alternative to the often-congested I-70 corridor and US Highway 40.
Expanded Schedule and Affordable Access
The 2025-26 Winter Park Express season will feature 57 total roundtrips. Holiday runs will kick things off on the last two weekends of the year: December 19–21 and December 26–28, 2025, plus an additional weekend from January 2–4, 2026.
The regular, expanded service begins on January 8 and runs Thursdays through Sundays until March 29, 2026. This four-day-a-week schedule provides an excellent option for the midweek powder day crew as well as weekend warriors.
Best of all, the cost remains accessible thanks to continued partnerships with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). One-way fares start at just $9 for adults and an incredibly low $4.50 for children. In fact, Colorado Governor Jared Polis noted that the success shows that "when we offer passenger rail, Coloradans ride".
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A Seamless Journey to the Slopes
The journey itself is part of the experience. The train departs Denver’s Union Station (DEN) at a crisp 7 a.m.. Passengers can relax in Coach class, which features wide, reclining seats and big picture windows, or head to the bi-level Sightseer Lounge for panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains and the Moffat Tunnel.
Furthermore, travelers can bring their skis and snowboards as a carry-on at no additional charge, a massive convenience for riders.
The two-hour ride drops you right at the base of Winter Park Resort (WPR) at 9:11 a.m., giving you maximum vertical. The train also includes a stop in the nearby town of Fraser (WIP) at 9:41 a.m.. The return trip allows for a full day on the hill, departing the resort at 4:35 p.m. and arriving back in Denver at 7:05 p.m..
Tickets are on sale now. For anyone looking to maximize their time on the hill and minimize their road rage, the Winter Park Express remains the ultimate way to access the Colorado mountains.
