Winter Park Express: Denver-Winter Park Ski Train

Arborwayfan wrote: ↑Thu Nov 14, 2024 4:45 pm Is there anywhere along the Ski Train route through the western neighborhoods and suburbs of Denver where someone someday might be able to add a platform and suburban stop for the Ski Train? It seems like that would be an easier way to make the train more convenient for more people than any attempt to ease connections from the airport (because of the timing and because there are a lot of people in greater Denver so might as well cater to such of them as maybe wouldn't have to park downtown.)

Ask the Union Pacific. It’s their right of way.

Isn't Winter Park (CO) kind of "everyman's slope" - especially when compared with the likes of Vail, and Aspen?

Arborwayfan wrote: ↑Thu Nov 14, 2024 4:45 pm Is there anywhere along the Ski Train route through the western neighborhoods and suburbs of Denver where someone someday might be able to add a platform and suburban stop for the Ski Train? It seems like that would be an easier way to make the train more convenient for more people than any attempt to ease connections from the airport (because of the timing and because there are a lot of people in greater Denver so might as well cater to such of them as maybe wouldn't have to park downtown.)

If everyone was not carrying their own skis getting on at the suburban station, taking two to three times longer getting aboard, and then later getting off and collecting their skis, it might be a grand idea. But they are, that's why it is called the Ski Train unofficially. And the time delays at the intermediate stop would just delay coming and going much too much. The delays means getting to the slopes later, and leaving the slopes sooner, reducing the time everyone is actually skiing.

There was a time when Winter Park was “everyman’s slopes”. Now it’s just another rich man’s playground and the proles are relegated to central Michigan or the bluffs of the Mississippi. That may be only slightly less true for a Ski Train daytripper. A lift ticket for a Tuesday in Jan/Feb will set you back a minimum of $200. That’s if you act now. Renting skis too? Want to eat on the slopes? This isn’t your father’s Winter Park.

I used to ski out west a fair amount but man has it gotten expensive. Few years back I was in Innsbruck and rented all my gear plus lift ticket, $70 total for the day. I was talking to an American family that flys over every year because according to their math, you can fly over and ski cheaper when doing more than 5-7 days.

Also Innsbruck station is a great place to hang out and watch trains go by.

https://www.rmpbs.org/blogs/housing-tra ... son-amtrak

With an eye on expanded mountain rail, the Winter Park Express kicks off its 2025 season
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The same cannot be said for Track 5, just behind Union Station. Passengers in fuzzy beanies and neon parkas merrily hoisted their ski and snowboarding gear onto the Winter Park Express as the Amtrak crew prepared for departure.

Volunteers and train staff stowed skis, snowboards and other luggage in the lower cars, their demeanors a mix of summer camp counselors and history museum docents.

“Things are great,” said Christopher Nelson, the conductor of the Winter Park Express. “We have more cars — six cars and a cafe — and [passengers] should just look forward to increased service. We’re hearing, in the future, we’re going to three [trips] a day, so that will be great.”

January 9 marked the beginning of the Winter Park Express’ expanded service. The train, which travels from Union Station to the base of Winter Park Resort, will operate five days a week, Thursday through Monday. The route was previously only available Friday through Sunday.

This year, the train will also take passengers to Fraser, Colorado.
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Review: https://www.aol.com/rode-amtraks-legend ... 20750.html

I rode Amtrak's legendary Winter Park Express train to a ski resort. It's a wonderful value.
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Affectionately nicknamed the "Ski Train," it is a fantastic option for going from Denver to Winter Park ski resort for a day in the snow. Its service typically begins in late December and runs through the end of March.

Fares for the two-hour ride start at $19, depending on the date you book tickets. My round-trip ticket from Friday, December 20, to Saturday, December 21, cost $58.
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My train was scheduled to leave Denver Union Station around 7 a.m. to arrive in Winter Park around 9 a.m. — right as its ski lifts open for the day.

I live just outside downtown Denver, so I woke up at 6 a.m. to drive to the parking garage adjacent to Union Station, where I'd booked an overnight parking spot. I arrived at the tracks around 6:20 for my 6:30 boarding time.

My return trip would depart Winter Park at 4:35 p.m. (right after the ski lifts close) and arrive in Denver around 7 p.m.

Boarding was pretty easy.
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