Amtrak’s Winter Park Express Train Returns to Rocky Mountains for 2025–26 Season

Amtrak has announced the return of the Winter Park Express train for the 2025–26 ski season, with rail services beginning on 19 December 2025.

Following a strong performance last winter, the seasonal train will again connect Denver with Winter Park Resort and the nearby town of Fraser, offering a practical and low-cost alternative to mountain highway travel.

The train will operate special holiday runs on 19–21 and 26–28 December, as well as 2–4 January, before resuming its regular Thursday-to-Sunday schedule from 8 January through 29 March 2026. This season’s timetable includes 57 roundtrips in total.

Tickets are now on sale from 9 USD each way for adults and 4.50 USD for children. Ski and snowboard equipment can be carried on board at no additional charge.

Expanding Rail Access to the Mountains

The Winter Park Express follows the route of a proposed Colorado Mountain Corridor passenger rail line that could one day link Denver and Craig. The train’s continued popularity underscores growing public interest in rail-based travel through the state’s mountain regions.

In 2024–25, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) partnered with Amtrak and Winter Park Resort to lower fares and expand capacity. That collaboration led to a more than 150% increase in ridership, highlighting passenger appetite for alternatives to congested mountain highways. CDOT will continue this partnership for the 2025–26 season.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis said:

In Colorado we are focused on providing convenient, safe, and affordable transportation that saves people money, gets us where we need to go, reduces traffic, and protects our clean air. The Winter Park Express shows that when we offer passenger rail, Coloradans ride. With cheaper fares, expanded service, and unparalleled mountain views ridership has spiked. I look forward to riding the train this year and encourage all Coloradans to skip the bumper to bumper traffic and ride the Winter Park Express this season.

Passengers travelling from Denver Union Station (DEN) to Winter Park Resort (WPR) or Fraser (WIP) will enjoy two hours of scenic travel through the Rocky Mountains.

Departures from Denver are scheduled for 7 am, arriving at Winter Park at 9.11 am and Fraser at 9.41 am. The return journey leaves Fraser at 4.05 pm and Winter Park at 4.35 pm, arriving back in Denver at 7.05 pm.

CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew said:

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 again join in this innovative partnership to expand service and lower costs for an iconic Colorado travel experience.

The train features wide, reclining seats with large picture windows, generous legroom and no middle seats. A bi-level Sightseer Lounge offers panoramic views from its upper deck and café service with snacks and drinks on the lower level.

Tickets for groups of up to eight can be booked through Amtrak.com/WinterParkExpress or the Amtrak app. Larger groups should contact Amtrak’s Group Sales team for reservations and exclusive railcar options.

Amtrak Executive Vice President Jennifer Mitchell said:

The popularity of our Winter Park Express service has shown the best way to and from the Fraser Valley is by rail. The future of passenger rail in Colorado is bright, and we look forward to another great season working with the Winter Park Resort and the State of Colorado.

Winter Park Resort, located less than 70 miles from Denver, remains one of Colorado’s leading all-season destinations. This season also coincides with the 50th anniversary of Mary Jane Mountain, one of Winter Park Resort’s most challenging ski areas.

Sky Foulkes, President of Winter Park Resort said:

The Winter Park Express ski train has long been a beloved tradition for Colorado and our guests from around the globe. Guests love the convenience and the affordability made possible through our partnership with the state of Colorado.

The 2025-26 season marks the 50th birthday of Mary Jane, our more challenging, uninhibited second mountain. Mary Jane like the Winter Park Express is a ski country tradition and we’re looking forward to celebrating both.