How to take Amtrak to the Winter Park Resort

The Winter Park Resort in Colorado is one of the easiest ski resorts to reach by train. There’s a seasonal express train from Denver and year-round access via Amtrak’s California Zephyr route from as far away as Chicago and the San Francisco Bay Area. The trains offer a scenic route through the Rocky Mountains and a way to reach world-class slopes without driving.

Can you really take a train to Winter Park?

Yes. The Winter Park Express train that departs from Denver stops at the resort, which is ideal for skiers, snowboarders, or anyone wanting a mountain getaway. This route only operates in the winter, but you can also ride the California Zephyr to the Fraser-Winter Park stop. There’s a free shuttle to the Winter Park Resort at the station.

Amtrak Routes to Winter Park, CO

Winter Park Express (Seasonal)

Direct train from Denver Union Station
Operates winter weekends
Luggage space for ski gear
Walk to the slopes after getting off the train

California Zephyr (Year-Round)

Scenic long-distance route with multiple stops across the country
Stops daily in downtown Fraser, a 10-minute drive from the resort
Board the train in cities including Emeryville, Sacramento, Reno, Salt Lake City, Grand Junction, Denver, Omaha, and Chicago.

Where the train drops you off

Winter Park Resort (WPR)

Winter Park Ski Resort Amtrak Station map

The Winter Park Resort Amtrak station is in the base area of the resort. Across the street is a ski rental shop and the Moffat Market. Walk about five minutes to reach the Zephyr Mountain Lodge, Fraser Crossing Founders Pointe condos, and many vacation rentals. Or walk six minutes to reach the village, where you’ll find restaurants, shops, and an ice skating rink.

Fraser-Winter Park (WIP)

The Fraser-Winter Park Amtrak station is in downtown Fraser, about a 10-minute drive away from the Winter Park Resort. It’s in walking distance of restaurants, bars, shops, vacation rentals, and a Holiday Inn Express & Suites. A free shuttle to the Winter Park Resort stops at the train station (Lift black line).

If you’d rather not deal with the shuttle, you can travel to Denver on the California Zephyr and get on the Winter Park Express train on the following day (winter weekends only). There is a hotel in Denver Union Station, which makes the connection and sightseeing in Denver easy. There are also several hotels near the Amtrak station.

What to know about luggage & ski gear

You can bring skis, snowboards and gear with you on Amtrak trains. You just have to follow weight and size restrictions (learn more). The limit is two carry-on items, but you can also check bags at some stations. Note that the Winter Park Express train has a dedicated storage area for skis and other gear.

Is taking Amtrak to Winter Park worth it?

It’s worth it if you want to avoid mountain driving and enjoy the scenery. The train trip is also best if you’re flexible and not on a tight schedule (in case there are delays, which is more likely on the California Zephyr route).

Pros

No winter driving
Fares are inexpensive from Denver
Stress-free and scenic mountain travel
Easy arrival at base camp via the Winter Park Express train

Cons

Limited schedule, but day trips are doable
Train delays possible
Less flexible than driving
The train trip from Denver is 40 minutes longer than driving

Best time of year to take the train to the Winter Park Resort

The best time of year for skiing and easy access to the resort is December through March (the Winter Park Express train is usually operating at this time). Summer and fall are alternate times to visit via the California Zephyr for warm-weather activities, including riding the longest alpine slide in Colorado.

FAQ

Can you take Amtrak directly from Denver to Winter Park?

Yes, the Winter Park Express trains travel non-stop between Denver and the Winter Park Resort.

Does Amtrak allow skis?

Yes. On the Winter Park Express, you specifically get two carry-on items and a personal item. View baggage policies to learn more. Note that you’ll need to put your skis and poles in a protective cover.

How far is the train station from the slopes?

The Winter Park Resort Amtrak station is about a 5-minute walk from the ski lifts.

Does the train run every day?

The California Zephyr runs every day, while the Winter Park Express only has service on the weekends (sometimes on Thursdays). Learn more about the Winter Park Express schedule