This Scenic Train Ride Offers An Affordable Getaway With Winter Wonderland Views

All aboard one of the most scenic train rides in the U.S. From the moment you board the Winter Park Express, the city's skyline slips behind you, and you begin to feel a shift in energy. The air becomes crisper, the terrain steeper, and the anticipation of alpine landscapes builds. Departing from Denver Union Station at 7 a.m., this seasonal service takes about 2.5 hours to reach its destination — Winter Park Resort — with an additional stop at Fraser‑Winter Park. The visuals along the way are unforgettable as the train winds its way through the Front Range, rising nearly 4,000 feet in elevation by the time it reaches the iconic 6.2-mile-long Moffat Tunnel that cuts through the Continental Divide. The journey is part of the adventure. You're not simply arriving at a ski resort; you're journeying into the mountains in a manner that honors the landscape rather than fights it.

The Winter Park Express doesn't just take you to the mountain; it gives you time to breathe on the way, to watch Colorado unveil itself gradually and transition from urban energy into the hush and grandeur of the Rockies. Denver makes an excellent base for a multitude of Colorado adventures. Wide reclining seats, ample leg room, and large picture windows make the ride comfortable and scenic. The addition of the bi-level "Sightseer Lounge" car, which features floor-to-ceiling windows and café-style snack and drink service, elevates the experience into something special rather than just a transit ride. For those flying into Denver via Denver International Airport, the seamless rail connection via the A-Line into Union Station means you can step off your plane one day and, the next morning, board the train and arrive at the slopes before many have climbed into their rental car.

When you step off the Winter Park Express platform at the base of the resort, you're not greeted by a shuttle bus or a parking lot — you're stepping off inside the resort itself. Arriving around 9:30 a.m., you're perfectly timed for first lifts and a full day on the slopes. Return service departs the mountain at 4:35 p.m., allowing you to ski, unwind, and then glide back into Denver, a popular Western winter destination, just in time for evening plans.

Service is optimized for the ski traveler. Skis and snowboards are carried on as baggage at no extra charge and are loaded into a dedicated storage area, while the rider enjoys a comfortable coach seat. Equipped with scenic lounge cars, the ride is as much about contemplating the mountain as it is about reaching it. The absence of driving time through congested mountain highways means more of your day is spent on the snow rather than in transit.

Once you arrive at the resort, you'll encounter lifts, gondolas, and groomed runs. If there's one place to visit in wintertime Colorado, this is it. When it's time for dinner, you can choose between high-end mountain dining at the resort or relaxed après-ski right on the train. Service has expanded from three days per week to five (Thursday through Monday), and one-way fares now start at as little as $9 (tickets for children ages 2 to 12 start at $4.50), a significant reduction that makes the train far more accessible.

What makes the Winter Park Express more than just a train? At its heart, it's a statement about how we can access nature, how travel can be part of the experience, and how simpler logistics can make travel more accessible. The history of the service adds weight to its return: originally operated under the name "Ski Train" beginning in 1940 by the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad, the route became iconic in its own right. Its revival under Amtrak, in partnership with the resort and state agencies, reflects a broader push toward sustainable, enjoyable mountain travel. In fact, the 2025 service expansion is part of larger Colorado efforts to reduce car traffic, lower emissions on high-altitude roads, and enhance mountain-rail connectivity.

Culturally, riding a train to the slopes shifts your mindset: you arrive mindful, present, and grounded, free of the stress that traffic and finding parking can bring. From a practical traveler's viewpoint, it ticks all the boxes. It solves one of the biggest pain points in winter trips (driving mountain roads), it creates time (you arrive early, leave late), and it rewards you with views and comfort the entire way. As ski resorts grow busier, parking scarcer, and access more fraught, the Winter Park Express stands out as a thoughtful alternative.