Winter Park Express Starts Season at $9 Adult Fare
The ski train from Denver to Winter Park Resort opens its 10th season with the same adult ticket price as last year.
Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Skiing
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The Winter Park Express, an Amtrak service connecting Denver to Winter Park Resort, begins its 10th season on December 10 with adult tickets starting at $9. The Colorado Department of Transportation sponsors the fare, which matches last season's price.
Why it matters
The low fare and carry-on policy for ski gear make the train an alternative to driving on I-70, which can see heavy winter traffic. Keeping the price unchanged gives riders predictable costs for the season.
The season runs from December 10 to April 4 with 68 round trips, operating four days per week. The fare is held at $9 for adults, though the source does not indicate whether sponsorship funding is guaranteed for future seasons.
The players
Amtrak
Amtrak is the national passenger rail corporation of the United States, which operates the Winter Park Express train line.
Colorado Department of Transportation
The Colorado Department of Transportation is the state agency responsible for the state's highway and transportation systems, and it sponsors the Winter Park Express fare.
The details
Riders board the Amtrak train in Denver and travel to Winter Park Resort without navigating mountain highway traffic. The train includes a bi-level Sightseer Lounge with panoramic Rocky Mountain views and café service selling snacks and drinks, and skiers may bring their gear as carry-on at no extra charge. The route was shut down in 2009, revived for a one-day service in 2015, and returned to regular service in 2017.
Timeline
2009: Winter Park Express route was shut down.
2015: Route was revived for one-day special service.
2017: Route officially returned to regular service.
December 10 to April 4: The current season operates with 68 round trips.
Season Trajectory
The Winter Park Express has operated as a seasonal service since its 2015 revival following the 2009 shutdown, and this 10th season continues that run. Its unchanged $9 fare and 68-trip schedule keep it positioned as a fixed option for Colorado skiers rather than an experimental route.
Skiers can book the $9 adult fare and bring gear as carry-on, avoiding the drive on I-70 to Winter Park Resort. The four-day weekly schedule means riders should check which days the train runs before planning a trip.
The takeaway
For Colorado skiers, the Winter Park Express offers a predictable, low-cost way to reach the slopes without fighting mountain traffic. Riders planning a trip should lock in dates early, since the season runs only four days per week.
What happens next
The Winter Park Express season begins December 10 and runs through April 4, with service operating four days per week.
Further reading
For more on ski travel options across the state, see Skiing coverage on Wisevoter.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Adventure Sports Network.
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