Even before we engorge ourselves with a Thanksgiving feast and deal with the annual Black Friday frenzy, many travelers are already dreaming of sunny escapes.
Leaves are still falling and menus continue highlighting pumpkin spice concoctions, but winter adventures are right around the corner.
Some of us seek sun-kissed shores while others embrace the magic of winter by digging up snowboards and skis from storage ready to carve up the slopes.
If the latter is more your vibe, then you can’t miss Amtrak’s Winter Express train passing through the majestic Rockies, taking you to a top-rated ski resort as well as a Colorado hidden gem.
Better yet, fares are as low as $19 if you act fast. Plus, bringing your own skis and snowboard as a carry-on is absolutely free of charge!
Depart From Denver
Backdropped by the Rockies is Colorado’s largest city with riverside trails, vivid green parks, trendy restaurants, and a thriving craft beer scene, not just silver cans that light up blue.
Despite being a mountainous city dubbed ‘Mile High’, it’s actually quite pleasant in winter; not nearly as frigid as you might suspect.
As such, to take advantage of a quintessential ‘white Christmas’ and satisfy your winter wanderlust, you gotta go deep into the mountains.
And what better way than to only spend $19 for a domed-window seat to observe some of Colorado’s prettiest scenery as you glide through the snow-capped Rockies and blanketed valleys?
Whether passing through or a proud ‘Denverite’, hopping aboard the Winter Express is the best option for a ski trip to avoid the slick, winding mountain roads.
I mean, why deal with tire chains when you can let a conductor do all the work?
The train departs from Denver’s timeless Union Station. If you’ve never been, it’s worth visiting just to be in awe of this Beaux Arts masterpiece.
You can purchase tickets on Amtrak’s app or website, or in-person at the station.
Beginning December 20, 2024, the train departs Denver at 7am, arriving at skiing hotspot Winter Park Resort at 9:11am only on weekends.
Service will increase from January 9, 2025, through March 31, 2025 (excluding Tuesday and Wednesday).
Winter Park Resort: A Top-Rated Adventure
Winter Park Resort proudly boasts front and center they are the ‘Top Ski Resort in North America’.
This place is astounding and truly has it all. From lush forestry, gleaming snow-covered landscape, and never-ending things to do, such as Snowcat Tours and Glow Night Tubing, why would you go anywhere else?
The options are endless here, and it doesn’t matter your level of experience hitting the slopes. In fact, their experts will teach you on-site.
Stays range from cozy lodges to spacious townhomes, many of which are near the gondola for easy access to start your day off right with epic mountain views.
Visitors have their choice to purchase daily lift tickets or season passes, depending on how long you anticipate being here.
Try to book daily tickets at least 48 hours in advance to score big savings!
The train arrives from Denver at the WPR station, where you can choose to hop off for an unforgettable ski trip or continue onward to the route’s newest stop, Fraser.
Last Stop: Fraser, Colorado’s Authentic Mountain Town
Fraser is a lesser-known mountain town well under the radar for most travelers. Here, you can find a charming village not curated to tourists unlike the glitz, glamour, and chain-laden eyesores of Aspen, for example.
In Fraser, what you see is what you get, and you’ll like what you see. You can learn about the town’s history at the Cozens Ranch Museum and mingle with locals at their favorite hole-in-the-wall eateries like The Back Bowl, where brisket burritos are to die for.
Fraser is best served as a gateway for winter sports, however. Expect cheaper stays at mid-tier chains and even the MeadowRidge Resort – but just know the fun police run things around here, enforcing a strict ‘no alcohol’ policy.
Don’t fret though; you can enjoy some adult beverages on the train’s two-level Sightseer Lounge providing elevated views up top and snacks and drinks on the bottom.
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