The Colorado Ski Train: Ride the Rails to the Slopes

Since 1940 the Ski Train has been leaving Denver for the high country and back again. Originally made popular with the local Denver "Eskimo Youth Ski Club" in the 1950's, the Winter Park Ski Train is a long-time favorite of locals and tourists alike. New management and a face lift with new cars in the 1980's has more than tripled ridership. So much so, in fact, that the Ski Train now operates a regular schedule of Saturday service in the summer as well.

Fourteen cars with a capacity of 750 riders gives the Ski Train the highest capacity of any regularly scheduled passenger train in the United States. The passenger cars, service cars, and engines stretch a quarter of a mile in total length. The 56 mile route takes approximately 2 hours to reach Winter Park Ski Resort from Denver (about the same as it would take to drive a car the 67 mile street and highway route with very light traffic).

The Ski Train is the fun, easy, and scenic way to travel to Winter Park Ski Resort from Denver. Eliminate the hassles of traffic along I-70 as you relax in a comfortable coach or club car with views of the breathtaking front range and rocky mountains. Take advantage of one of 2 catered café/lounge cars or assorted snack bars on board. Beer and wine are available during the return trip.

The Ski Train will begin its 69^th season of service on December 27, 2008. Day trips are available Saturdays and Sundays from December 27, 2008 to March 29, 2009; Fridays beginning on February 6, 2009; and Thursdays beginning on February 19, 2009. Boarding begins at 6:30 AM for a 7:15 departure from historic Union Station in Downtown Denver. The train arrives in Winter Park at 9:30 AM. After a brisk day of skiing, boarding, or sightseeing, the train then departs the resort at 4:15 PM for a 6:30 PM arrival back in the Mile High City.

The train delivers eager travelers right to the base of the mountain (closer than you could even park the car if you drove). Winter Park has something to offer everyone - from beginning skiers to advanced ski and snow boarders. A new high speed quad lift called The Eskimo Express is now in service. Snowmobile rentals and Snow Cat tours of the mountain are popular options, as are dog-sled tours, shuttles in to the shopping village, snowshoeing, and cross-country ski trail tours at Devil's Thumb Ranch - http://www.devilsthumbranch.com/.

With unparalleled views of the Rocky Mountain Front Range and South Boulder Canyon, you will then enjoy scenery of Colorado's high country only visible from the train. You'll travel through the historic Moffat Tunnel, directly beneath the Continental Divide. On your way back to Denver in the evening you won't want to miss the unbelievable views of the Denver Skyline as the train passes Plainview - the darkness of the wilderness gives way as the twinkling lights of the city appear around the bend in a show that will take your breath away.

Round-Trip Ticket Prices for The 2008-2009 season are as follows:

The Ski Train Coach service features all reserved seating in comfortable reclining seats, 2 seats on each side of a center aisle, with close proximity to all on-board amenities. Tickets are $59.00 per person, $49.00 per person for groups of 12 or more. $49.00 for seniors (over 62) and children from 3-12 traveling with an adult.

The Ski Train Club service features reserved seating in larger reclining seats, 1 seat on the left side of the aisle and 2 seats on the right, with a service counter in the center of the car staffed by Catering by Design. Club ticket prices include a continental breakfast buffet in the morning and apres-ski snacks and beverages on the trip home with a cash bar available for beer and wine. Club seating is limited and sells out quickly, so make your reservations well in advance. Round trip Club seats are $85.00 per person.

Business and Charter Services are also available.

You can order Ski Train tickets online through the official site http://www.skitrain.com or by phone at (303) 296-4754 and using your credit card. Payment is due at the time of your reservation, unless booking a group of 12 or more. Subject to availability, you may buy tickets the day of the trip at Union Station.

Winter Park Resort offers discount lift tickets for Ski Train riders. Check for details at http://www.skiwinterpark.com/tickets/lifttickets/index.htm

Upon your return to Denver:

Downtown Denver offers a wide selection of transportation, hotels, and fine dining. Morton's of Chicago is a can't-miss steakhouse located directly across the street from Union Station at 1710 Wyncoop Street. Union Station is within walking distance of The Denver Performing Arts Complex, Larimer Square shopping district, the Colorado Convention Center, the Westin Tabor, Sheraton Hotel, Brown Palace Hotel, Oxford Hotel, Magnolia Hotel and the Denver Marriott.