The Winter Park Express, referred to by some locals as the “ski train,” has never been more accessible. This year, the train has increased its operations from three to five days per week, added two more train cars (more than 130 seats), and significantly lowered the cost of tickets. The train connects Denver’s Union Station to Winter Park Resort and will run from Thursday to Monday, until April 1.
The service expansion is a response to the high demand from skiers and snowboarders observed last season by the train’s operations team. Recent funding acquired as a result of Colorado Senate Bill 24-184 enabled the increase in capacity and lower fares. The bill created a “congestion impact fee” of up to $3 per day on short-term vehicle rentals. Those funds are then allocated to public transportation projects, including a larger rail project intended to revive an old passenger rail from Denver to Craig. The expansion of the Winter Park Express is one of the first phases of this project.
“Ticket sales [for the Winter Park Express] are up 29 percent from this same point last year,” said Tim Hoover, deputy director of communications at the Colorado Department of Transportation. “We're optimistic that even more passengers will take advantage of the expanded Winter Park Express service, especially since fares are now more than 40 percent cheaper.”
Even with the addition of more train cars, Hoover says that the weekend trains are booked at 90 percent capacity. Trains on the new Thursday and Monday service are being booked at between 40 percent and 60 percent capacity.
As a result of more frequent trains, the Winter Park Express has hired additional staff and invested in maintenance like snow removal and infrastructure repairs to ensure the trains run smoothly and consistently.
The Winter Park Express is a convenient option for those without vehicles or who prefer not to drive, but it also addresses some of the region's transportation challenges. By reducing the number of cars on Interstate 70, the train helps alleviate traffic congestion and lessen the environmental impact of mountain travel.
"The trains are warm and comfortable, and there is food and beverages sold on board,” Hoover said. “You can also just take a nap or read a book. What you don't have to do is drive."
The Winter Park Express costs $19 for adults and $9.50 for children, one way, and passengers can bring their skiing and snowboarding gear at no extra cost. The train leaves Union Station at 7:00 a.m. and arrives at Winter Park Resort around 9:11 a.m. The departing train leaves the resort at 4:35 p.m. and arrives in Denver by 7:05 p.m. Tickets can be purchased on Amtrak’s website or at Union Station.
