The 2024-25 season was a record-breaker for the Winter Park Express ski train, with more Coloradans and visitors than ever before choosing the train over navigating I-70 traffic.
In 2025, ridership increased by a staggering 153%, with 43,919 passengers riding the Amtrak-operated train between Denver Union Station and Winter Park Resort over the same period last winter. That’s morethan double last year’s total of 17,574 passengers.
The big jump in ridership is largely thanks to two key changes:
- More Service Days: The ski train expanded from running 3 days a week to 5 days a week (Thursday through Monday), giving travelers more flexibility.
- Lower Fares: Ticket prices were reduced by more than 40%. One-way adult fares started at just $19 (or $9.50 for children), making the train a budget-friendly alternative to driving.
The train ran at an average of 89% capacity, with weekend trains often exceeding 95% capacity.
The fare reductions and expanded service were funded by Colorado’s new Congestion Impact Fee on rental cars, administered by the Colorado Transportation Investment Office. The ski train’s success is also due to strong coordination between Amtrak, CDOT, Union Pacific Railroad, RTD, BNSF Railway, and Winter Park Resort.
Looking ahead, CDOT is exploring options to expand passenger rail access beyond Winter Park. A new agreement between CDOT and Union Pacific Railroad opens the door for the possibility of expanded service through the Moffat Tunnel, reaching communities like Fraser, Granby, Steamboat Springs, Hayden, Craig and others.
The surge in ski train ridership shows a growing appetite for alternatives to driving the I-70 Mountain Corridor—especially during high-traffic weekends and peak travel periods. As Colorado continues to invest in mountain rail, travelers can look forward to more choices, less congestion, and a better experience for everyone on the road and the rails.
Want to skip the I-70 stress next winter? The Winter Park Express will return next season—plan ahead and grab a seat before they sell out! For more travel tips and mountain corridor updates, keep checking GoI70.com.