Colorado: Expanded Schedule, Lower Fares Send Ski Train Ridership Sky High

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DENVER ~ Denver, CO - The Winter Park Express, also known as the "ski train," has had a successful first season of expanded service, according to recently released data. The train, operated through a partnership between Winter Park Resorts and Amtrak, runs from Denver to the Winter Park Resort and the Winter Park-Fraser station during the ski season.

The final numbers show a 153% increase in ridership compared to last winter, with a total of 43,919 riders. Trains were consistently at 89% capacity and on most weekends were running at 95% or more capacity.

Governor Jared Polis expressed his satisfaction with the historic increase in ridership, stating that when Coloradans have affordable and reliable transportation options to get to the mountains, they will take advantage of it. He also noted that expanding this service will continue to reduce traffic and pollution while saving people time and money.

The Winter Park Express expanded its service in January from three days a week to five days a week. Additionally, fares were reduced by over 40%, making it more accessible for passengers. Previously only operating on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, the ski train now runs on Thursdays and Mondays as well. The winter season for the ski train runs from mid-December through March.

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CDOT Acting Director Sally Chafee believes that this increase in ridership is helping to alleviate congestion on roadways and reduce emissions per passenger mile. She also praised the environmental benefits of taking cars off the road.

Amtrak officials were also pleased with the results of the first season's expanded service. Executive Vice President Jennifer Mitchell commended their team for rising to the challenge of unprecedented ridership and delivering safe and successful service. She also thanked Governor Polis and Colorado DOT for their support as well as their operating partners at Union Pacific, BNSF Railway, and Denver RTD.

The increased schedule and reduced fares were made possible by revenue from the state's new Congestion Impact Fee on rental cars, administered by the Colorado Transportation Investment Office (CTIO). In addition to overseeing the state's Express Lanes, CTIO is funding surface transportation projects, including rail.

CTIO Director Piper Darlington expressed her satisfaction with the results of the first season and believes that ridership will continue to grow as more people become aware of the additional days and lower fares. One-way tickets for the Winter Park Express start at $19 or $9.50 for children.

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Passengers on the Winter Park Express can enjoy food and beverages onboard as well as panoramic views of the Rockies from the Sightseer Lounge car. Winter Park Resort President Sky Foulkes expressed his gratitude to CDOT and Amtrak for their partnership in making the train more affordable and accessible for everyone. He also noted that with increasing pressure on local roads and highways, the train provides a great alternative for people to get to Winter Park.

The final ridership numbers come at a significant time as Colorado and Union Pacific Railroad have signed an agreement allowing UP to continue operations through the state-owned Moffat Tunnel while also permitting expanded passenger rail service on Union Pacific rails. CDOT is currently planning to re-establish passenger rail service from Denver to Craig, connecting communities in the Yampa Valley with Denver.

The service is expected to start in phases over several years, eventually serving Granby, Steamboat Springs, Hayden, Craig, and other communities. With such successful results from its first season of expanded service, it is clear that taking the train is a fun and popular way for skiers and snowboarders to easily access Winter Park while also reducing traffic congestion and emissions.

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