Due to its popularity and the growing demand for train travel, the Amtrak Winter Park Express is starting its season early, with holiday runs starting in December. Due to the changes, the seasonal service is expanding by five days weekly after the New Year. Meanwhile, with 69 roundtrips this season, which is 29 more than the last, the Winter Park Express will better service both ski and non-ski passengers, heading out of Denver to the Fraser Valley.

Amtrak Winter Park Express starts its season early

The updated Winter Park Express season will now start on the last two weekends of 2024, December 20-22 and December 27-29, and also January 3-5. Meanwhile, the expanded service starts on January 9, running on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays through May 31.

Moreover, the trains will serve both the Winter Park Resort and neighboring Fraser. Even better, tickets are available now and start at $19 for adults and $9.50 for kids.

The Amtrak Winter Park Express reveals the public’s desire for more mass transit options through the mountains and beyond. The passenger rail runs along the Front Range and through the US Highway 40 Mountain Corridor.

Meanwhile, the route of the Winter Park Express is the first leg of a state-proposed Mountain Corridor passenger rail line that will eventually run from Denver to Craig.

Speaking of the additional days added to the popular service, Governor Jared Polis said:

The Winter Park Express is a great opportunity for Coloradans and visitors to explore our mountains without the hassle of driving or traffic. Now with expanded service and lower costs, Coloradans can save time and money on our way to enjoying our great outdoors. I look forward to taking the train into the mountains this season.

Meanwhile, the press release quotes Colorado Department of Transportation Executive Director Shoshana Lew as saying:

At CDOT, we know that big ski days often mean tough drives in the mountains, and the Winter Park Express offers a great option to take a relaxing, affordable trip. We are excited to join in this innovative partnership to expand service and lower costs for an iconic Colorado travel experience.

‘A beloved tradition for Colorado’

“The Winter Park Express ski train has long been a beloved tradition for Colorado and our guests from around the globe. 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 is more scenic, sustainable, and relaxing than getting in a car and driving,” Sky Foulkes, president of the Winter Park Resort said.

Moreover, Amtrak Executive Vice President Dennis Newman said that they look forward to a bigger season than ever, with more than twice as many trips and an additional destination, adding:

With the State of Colorado expanding its partnership with the resort and Amtrak, the future of passenger rail on this corridor is bright.

About the Amtrak Winter Park Express

Tickets from Denver Union Station to Winter Park Resort and Fraser can be booked at Amtrak.com/WinterParkExpress and on the Amtrak app.

The train departs at 7 am, arriving at the resort at 9:11 am, and in Fraser at 9:41 am. Meanwhile, the return trips leaves Fraser at 4:05 pm and Winter Park Resort at 4:35 pm, arriving in Denver at 7:05 pm.

Groups of up to eight passengers can buy Winter Park Express tickets at Amtrak.com/WinterParkExpress and the Amtrak app. Customers in groups of 9-14 can call 800-USA-RAIL to make a reservation.

Those passengers planning on skiing can bring their skis and snowboards as a carry-on at no additional charge. Once onboard, passengers can enjoy a trip in Coach Class with wide, reclining seats and a large picture window, plenty of legroom and no middle seat.

Moreover, the train has a Sightseer Lounge which acts as the social hub of the Winter Park Express. From here, passengers can enjoy panoramic views over the Rocky Mountains from upstairs, with a café service downstairs selling snacks and drinks.

Lift tickets can be purchased from the Winter Park Resort website.