Grand County Life

Amtrak Winter Park Express: Expanded Routes, More Frequent Trips, and New Destinations This Season

An Extended Service with New Destinations and More Frequency WINTER PARK, Colo. — The Amtrak Winter Park Express is back with an expanded schedule to meet the increasing demand for train travel to Colorado’s mountains. Starting this December, the Express will offer special holiday runs, then ramp up to five-day-a-week service in January, providing 69 round trips this season—29 more than last year. The Winter Park Express connects Denver and the Fraser Valley, conveniently serving both skiers and non-skiers seeking a scenic and stress-free alternative to mountain driving.

Seasonal Schedule and Destinations

The Winter Park Express kicks off with holiday trips on Dec. 20-22, Dec. 27-29, and Jan. 3-5. Regular service, running Thursdays through Mondays, will begin on Jan. 9 and continue through March 31. This season, the train will sark Resort and extend service to Fraser, adding greater accessibility to the Fraser Valley. 

Tickets start at $19 ($9.50 for children), and they are available now. You can book tickets directly at Amtrak.com/WinterParkExpress or through the Amtrak app.

Supporting Colorado’s Transportation Priorities

This rail line supports Colorado’s initiative for expanded Front Range and Highway 40 Mountain Corridor passenger transportation. The route taken by the Winter Park Express serves as a crucial first step toward the state-proposed Mountain Corridor passenger line that could one day extend from Denver to Craig.

“The Winter Park Express is a fantastic option for Coloradans and visitors to experience our mountains without the stress of driving. Expanded service and lower costs allow more people to explore the great outdoors conveniently,” said Governor Jared Polis.

Colorado Department of Transportation’s Executive Director Shoshana Lew added, “On big ski days, the drive into the mountains can be challenging. The Winter Park Express offers a relaxing, affordable, and innovative solution to get to the slopes without the hassle.”

Sky Foulkes, President of Winter Park Resort, echoed this, saying, “The Winter Park Express has long been a beloved tradition for both locals and international visitors. It provides a scenic, sustainable alternative to driving and demonstrates the demand for more transportation options.”

Dennis Newman, Executive Vice President at Amtrak, noted the significance of this expanded season: “With more than twice as many trips and a new destination, the partnership with Winter Park Resort and the State of Colorado is creating a bright future for passenger rail in the region.” 

Onboard Experience & Convenient Connections and Flexible Group Options

Passengers can bring their skis and snowboards at no extra charge and enjoy a comfortable ride in Coach class, with wide reclining seats, ample legroom, and panoramic views. The bi-level Sightseer Lounge offers stunning mountain vistas from the upper level and café service with snacks and drinks on the lower level.

The train departs Denver Union Station at 7 a.m., arriving at Winter Park Resort by 9:11 a.m. and Fraser by 9:41 a.m. The return journey leaves Fraser at 4:05 p.m. and Winter Park Resort at 4:35 p.m., reaching Denver by 7:05 p.m. Denver Union Station offers connections via RTD’s commuter trains from Denver International Airport, light rail, buses, and ride-sharing options. Groups of up to eight can reserve tickets at Amtrak.com/WinterParkExpress or on the Amtrak app, while larger groups (9-14 people) can book by calling 800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245). For groups of 15 or more, including exclusive railcar options, contact GroupSales@Amtrak.com or call 800-USA-1GRP (1-800-872-1477).

For more infomation, visit the Winter Park Resort website for details on lift tickets and passes. Winter Park Resort, an Alterra Mountain Company property, is part of the Ikon Pass, connecting skiers and riders to mountain destinations across the globe. About Winter Park Resort Located less than 70 miles from Denver, Winter Park Resort spans over 3,000 acres of top-tier terrain and has earned USA Today’s #1 Ski Resort in North America title multiple times. In summer, the resort transforms into a haven for adventure sports, featuring the award-winning Trestle Bike Park. For more on the resort’s activities, visit winterparkresort.com.

Riding the Amtrak Winter Park Express isn’t just a scenic way to hit the slopes; it’s also a great chance to explore real estate options in Grand County  Contact us to learn more about real estate opportunities in these beautiful communities and make the most of your mountain getaway!