Colorado: Winter Park Express Continues Its Success for Winter 2025-26; Kicks Off on December 19

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WINTER PARK, Colo., Nov. 5, 2025 — To meet growing demand for train travel through the mountain corridor and build off of a successful season last winter, the Amtrak Winter Park Express will kick off its season with holiday runs starting December 19, 2025. This seasonal service will run four days weekly after the New Year. With 57 roundtrips this season the Winter Park Express will continue to affordably and conveniently serve ski and non-ski passengers traveling between Denver and the Fraser Valley.

The Winter Park Express season will start on the last two weekends of this year, Dec. 19-21 and Dec. 26-28, 2025, plus Jan. 2-4, 2026. Regular service begins on Jan. 8 and runs Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through March 29. The trains will serve both Winter Park Resort and neighboring Fraser. Tickets start at $9 ($4.50 for kids) and are available now.

Passenger rail along the Front Range and through the U.S. Highway 40 Mountain Corridor is a state priority, and the Winter Park Express shows public desire for more mass transit options through the mountains and beyond. The rail route taken by the Winter Park Express is the first leg of a state-proposed Mountain Corridor passenger rail line that would eventually run from Denver to Craig.

The 2024-25 winter season was the first year the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) partnered with the Winter Park Express to help lower ticket prices and expand service. Through that partnership, the Winter Park Express saw ridership increase by more than 150 percent, a testament to the demand for travel options other than passenger vehicles. CDOT is again partnering with Winter Park to build on that success and make mountain train travel more convenient and accessible.

Customers can bring their skis and snowboards as a carry-on for no additional charge. While onboard, they'll enjoy a trip in Coach class featuring wide, reclining seats with a big picture window, ample legroom and no middle seat. The train also features a bi-level Sightseer Lounge – the social hub of the train – offering panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains from upstairs and café service downstairs with snacks and drinks for purchase.

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Tickets between Denver Union Station (station code: DEN) to Winter Park Resort (station code: WPR) and Fraser (station code: WIP) can be booked at Amtrak.com/WinterParkExpress and the Amtrak app. The train departs Denver at 7 a.m. and arrives at the resort at 9:11 a.m. and in Fraser at 9:41 a.m. The return trip departs Fraser at 4:05 p.m. and Winter Park Resort at 4:35 p.m. and arrives in Denver at 7:05 p.m. Denver Union Station is served by the Regional Transportation District's commuter trains from Denver International Airport as well as light rail, local or intercity buses, ride-sharing services, and taxis. Customers in groups of up to eight can purchase Winter Park Express tickets at Amtrak.com/WinterParkExpress and the Amtrak app. Customers in groups of 9-14 can call 800USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245) to make a reservation. Groups of 15 or more—including requests for exclusive railcar occupancy—should fill out this form. For more information about group travel, call 800-USA-1GRP (1-800-872-1477) weekdays, 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. MT, or email GroupSales@Amtrak.com.

Lift tickets and other passes can be purchased directly from the Winter Park Resort website.

Comments from Colorado, Winter Park Resort and Amtrak officials
  • "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," said Governor Jared Polis.
  • "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," said Colorado Department of Transportation Executive Director Shoshana Lew.
  • "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," said Sky Foulkes, president of the Winter Park Resort.
  • "The popularity of our Winter Park Express service has shown the best way to and from the Fraser Valley is by rail," said Amtrak Executive Vice President Jennifer Mitchell. "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."

About Winter Park Resort Winter Park Resort, Colorado's quintessential mountain and ski resort, is located less than 70 miles from the city of Denver. Flanked by the dramatic Continental Divide and Rocky Mountains, the resort is defined by its pure natural environment, and its unique Colorado adventure culture. During the winter, Winter Park receives some of the state's most consistent snowfall across its 3000+ acres of world-class terrain and has been voted USA Today's #1 Ski Resort in North America multiple times. During summer, the resort is home to renowned Trestle bike park and has been named as Colorado's Top Adventure Town. For more information, visit www.winterparkresort.com.

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