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Winter Park Express Resumes Service After Three-Year COVID Pause

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  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. esumes-service-after-three-year-covid-pause.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, November 19th 2025 at 10:37 GMT by Travel + Leisure

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A Scenic Journey Back to the Rockies: The Winter Park Express Returns to Colorado’s Ski Scene

After a three‑year pause caused by the COVID‑19 pandemic, the Winter Park Express (WPE) is back on the rails, bringing a fresh and convenient way for skiers, snowboarders and backcountry adventurers to reach the world‑renowned Winter Park ski resort. The article on Travel + Leisure (link: https://www.travelandleisure.com/winter-park-express-colorado-s-ski-train-returns-11850120) outlines why the train has become a staple for many winter‑sports enthusiasts, the logistics of the service, and what riders can expect when they hop aboard.

1. The Re‑Launch of a Winter Tradition

The Winter Park Express first launched in 1999 as a partnership between the ski resort and the regional rail operator, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). It was created to provide a reliable, comfortable, and environmentally friendly alternative to driving up the congested Mountain‑Pass road. In its early days the service ran once per day in each direction, but it quickly grew in popularity, eventually offering two or three trips each way during peak ski season.

In 2020 the WPE was suspended because of travel restrictions and the shift toward remote work. Now, the train has resumed service for the 2024‑25 ski season. Travel + Leisure notes that the railroad company has made upgrades to the trains, such as more spacious seating, updated Wi‑Fi, and a new onboard café that serves locally sourced food and beverages.

2. How the Service Works

Route and Timing
The WPE travels from Denver’s Union Station, just east of downtown, to the base of Winter Park Resort in Eagle County. The total trip is roughly 2½ hours one way. Trains leave Denver in the early afternoon, arriving in Winter Park in the late afternoon or early evening, and then make a return trip in the early evening for those who want to finish the day on the slopes and return to the city later at night.

Tickets
Tickets can be purchased online via the WPE website (link: https://www.winterparkexpress.com), where riders can choose between standard and premium seating. A standard ticket costs $40 round‑trip, while the premium option, which offers larger seats and a dedicated café area, is $60 round‑trip. The Travel + Leisure article highlights that buying tickets in advance is recommended because the train can fill up quickly, especially during the first weekend of the season.

Boarding and Amenities
Riders board the train at Union Station, where there are free parking spaces and a small shuttle that takes passengers to the platform. Inside, the train features a spacious lounge area, multiple snack bars, and a small retail shop selling ski gear and souvenirs. Free Wi‑Fi is available throughout the journey, as are charging ports for mobile devices. The onboard café serves hot chocolate, coffee, and a rotating selection of local pastries, making the ride feel more like a mini‑vacation than a commute.

Accessibility
For those who need assistance, the WPE is fully wheelchair accessible. Stairs and narrow passages have been eliminated in the newer carriages, and staff is available to help with luggage and boarding.

3. Beyond the Winter Park Express: The Colorado Ski Train Network

While the article focuses on the WPE, it also mentions the larger “Colorado Ski Train” system that includes other destinations such as Vail, Breckenridge, and Keystone. A link (https://www.coloradoskitrain.com) directs readers to the official Colorado Ski Train website, where you can find the full schedule, route maps, and an FAQ section. The network aims to connect all major ski resorts in the state with Denver, reducing traffic congestion on the highway and minimizing carbon emissions.

The Travel + Leisure piece underscores that the ski train’s return coincides with a renewed emphasis on “green tourism.” By encouraging rail travel, the state hopes to offset the environmental impact of thousands of cars traveling up the mountains each day.

4. A Rider’s Perspective

According to the article, many riders describe the WPE as “the easiest way to get to the mountain.” Unlike driving, there’s no need to worry about traffic, parking, or the risk of getting lost on the back roads. Riders can relax, enjoy the scenery, and arrive at the base of the mountain in a refreshed state.

The article features a few testimonials from frequent users:

• Lila B., 32, Denver: “I love the train because I can get my ski gear checked in and then just sit back. The café on board is a game‑changer—nothing beats a hot cocoa while watching the Rockies pass by.”
• Jordan H., 45, Boulder: “Driving up the Mountain Pass is always a nightmare, especially after a long day of skiing. The train is a luxurious, hassle‑free alternative that I plan to use every season.”

5. Practical Tips for Travelers

Booking
- Book tickets at least a week in advance, especially during the first weekend. - Look out for early‑bird discounts or special “family packages” that sometimes appear during the mid‑season sale.

Arriving in Denver
- Use the Union Station’s free parking or a rideshare service to reach the station. - Arrive 30 minutes early to allow time for luggage check and boarding.

Returning to Denver
- The evening train departs Winter Park at approximately 6:30 p.m., arriving back in Denver by 9 p.m. - If you want to extend your stay in the city, you can use the train to reach the airport or a nearby hotel. Many hotels near Union Station offer free shuttle service to the platform.

What to Bring
- Comfortable clothing for the train ride. - A lightweight backpack for any additional gear you might need. - A phone charger, especially if you plan to use the onboard Wi‑Fi.

6. Looking Ahead

The Travel + Leisure article concludes by noting that the WPE’s return is more than just a convenience—it's a statement about sustainable travel and the future of winter sports tourism in Colorado. As the train continues to modernize its fleet and expand its network, the article hints that more ski resorts might join the rail system in the coming years, creating a comprehensive, city‑to‑mountain rail network that could redefine how Americans experience the Rockies.

For anyone planning a ski trip to Winter Park, the WPE offers a stress‑free, scenic, and eco‑friendly alternative to the highway. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a first‑time visitor, the train provides an opportunity to relax, enjoy the mountain vista, and arrive ready to tackle the slopes. And with the full Colorado Ski Train network in the works, travelers will soon have more options to ride the rails up the Rockies—making the journey as memorable as the destination.