Amtrack partnered with Winter Park to celebrate the latter’s 75th anniversary strengthening its legacy as the longest continually operated ski area. Amtrack agreed to operate one train that would run from Denver to Winter Park. It started at the Union Station on March 14th at 7am and just two short hours later arrived at the resort. After a day of skiing and fun, Amtrack returned the passengers back to the capital departing Winter Park at 4:15pm.

This train allowed passengers to sit back, relax, enjoy an adult beverage, some conversation and the beautiful scenery. This is all instead of worrying about the next traffic jam around the bend that is typical for I-70 and US-40 routes. The 65-mile tracks traverses 29 tunnels while climbing 4,000 feet through the beautiful features of the Rocky Mountains.

The Train Found its Tracks

This special promotional train ride was priced at $75 for the 75 anniversary at Winter Park with a $15 voucher to use at local restaurants and stores in Winter Park. While this price tag may seem a little steep for some, it wasn’t for others, as the train sold out in just under 10 hours! This demand was enough reason for both Amtrack and Winter Park to agree to host another trip the next day, March 15th, of which sold out in just four hours. 900 tickets in total were sold.

This explicit demand didn’t just answer whether they should do another day but sparked questions for the future. Should Amtrack be running this train every weekend during the winter?

Many local ski fanatics who were polled about the idea were very enthused, but its not just local’s who would benefit. The train’s continual operation would seek to promote the out of state ski travel as well. Allowing travelers to fly into Denver, stay downtown and easily take a trip up to the mountains for some of the nation’s best skiing all without having to rent car. But is this all just speculations and smoke, or is Amtrack and Winter Park just as excited about it as we are?

Will Winter Park’s Train Actually Happen?

Gary DeFrange, Winter Park Resort President and COO, hopes that the ski train will resume service and thinks that this may be a realistic possibility. He was quoted saying,

“Amtrak adding another train on Sunday is a clear response to the incredible enthusiasm people have for direct train service from Denver to Winter Park Resort,” …

…. “Most of all, it’s an exciting illustration of the momentum this excursion has generated in such a short period of time. We share the public’s passion for this train as well as its hope for regular rail service in the future”…

…”We’re going to be talking about next year and potentially regular service next year,”…

…”My opinion is there’s a very good chance we could get this going next winter,“

Train Transportation For The Future

Many are not only excited for the reopening of the train from Denver to Winter Park, but the possibility of train transportation in general revitalizing in Colorado. Leaving people asking the question if you can ride from Denver to Winter Park why not Fort Collins to Colorado Springs and so many other frequented routes. The excitement is sure there but will this topic stay hot through the summer? We can only hope! If you are for the support of the train from Denver to Winter Park in full operation please fill out the form below and we will send it on to Winter Park and Amtrack to help stoke fire on this railway.

Do You Support The Train From Denver to Winter Park?