How long is the Winter Park Express?

Winter Park Resort lists the ride from Denver Union Station at approximately two and a half hours each way.

Does the Winter Park Express run midweek?

No. In 2025–26 it ran Fridays to Sundays from December 19 to January 4, then Thursdays to Sundays from January 8 to March 29.

Where does the Winter Park Express stop?

It runs from Denver Union Station to Winter Park Resort, arriving at the resort's doorstep. It also stops at Fraser-Winter Park station.

Can you get to the Winter Park Express from Denver airport?

Yes. The A-Line commuter train runs from Denver International Airport to Denver Union Station, where the Winter Park Express departs.

Taking the Winter Park Express from Denver

The Winter Park Express is an Amtrak ski train from Denver Union Station to the base of Winter Park Resort. In 2025–26 it ran Fridays to Sundays from December 19, then Thursdays to Sundays from January 8 to March 29, leaving Denver at 7am and Winter Park at 4:35pm, with a ride of about two and a half hours. Tickets are sold through Amtrak. The 2026–27 schedule hadn't been published as of September 2026.

Published September 14, 2026

A day at Winter Park without driving Berthoud Pass, without a parking lot, and with a nap on the way home: that's the case for the ski train. Here's how it works.

The schedule below is the 2025–26 season, from Winter Park Resort and Amtrak. As of September 2026 the 2026–27 dates weren't published. We'll update this guide when they are.

Schedule and season

Early season (2025–26): Fri–Sun, Dec 19 – Jan 4
Main season (2025–26): Thu–Sun, Jan 8 – Mar 29
Leaves Denver Union Station: 7:00am
Leaves Winter Park Resort: 4:35pm
Ride time: About 2.5 hours

That schedule gives you most of a ski day: on the snow by mid-morning, and a last run with time to get back to the platform.

Tickets

Tickets are sold through Amtrak. Fares vary by date. Weekend and holiday trains are the most popular, so book early for those, and have a backup plan if your date is full.

Gear on the train

Check Amtrak's baggage rules for skis and snowboards when you book. They set how much you can bring and how it's stored. Pack light: boots on or in a boot bag, one bag, skis in a bag.

Getting to Union Station

From Denver: light rail, bus, rideshare, or park downtown.
From the airport: the A-Line train runs from Denver International Airport to Union Station.
Staying over: a hotel near Union Station the night before removes the 6am scramble.

Arriving at Winter Park

The train arrives at the resort's doorstep, near the base area, and also stops at Fraser-Winter Park station. From the platform it's a short walk to rentals, lift tickets and The Gondola.

Buy lift tickets at least 48 hours ahead; the resort advertises savings of up to 40% for advance purchase. What else the day costs is in what a day skiing Winter Park actually costs.

Making it a weekend

Take the Friday or Saturday train up and the Sunday train back, and the weekend has no driving at all. For somewhere to stay, see where to stay at Winter Park for skiing. Once you're at the resort, The Lift, the free local bus, connects the base with downtown Winter Park and Fraser.

A base at the bottom of the mountain

The awkward part of a train day is the gap between the last run and the 4:35 train: wet gear, nowhere to sit, and a crowded base lodge. A U9200 Alpine Club membership or day pass gives you a clubhouse on the Corridor trail between the Winter Park and Mary Jane bases, with showers, a hot tub and somewhere warm to wait.

Day PassFull single-day access: $299 / car
Two-Day PassFull access for two consecutive days: $499 / car
Week PassFull access for seven consecutive days: $999 / car

If you drive up some weekends and take the train on others, parking at Winter Park covers the other half.

Common questions

How long is the Winter Park Express?: Winter Park Resort lists the ride from Denver Union Station at approximately two and a half hours each way.
Does the Winter Park Express run midweek?: No. In 2025–26 it ran Fridays to Sundays from December 19 to January 4, then Thursdays to Sundays from January 8 to March 29.
Where does the Winter Park Express stop?: It runs from Denver Union Station to Winter Park Resort, arriving at the resort's doorstep. It also stops at Fraser-Winter Park station.
Can you get to the Winter Park Express from Denver airport?: Yes. The A-Line commuter train runs from Denver International Airport to Denver Union Station, where the Winter Park Express departs.

Somewhere to land when the train pulls in

About the club