It’s #ThrowbackThursday! Today, in honor of Colorado’s recent winter weather and the start of ski season, we’re taking a look back at the Ski Train, a beloved part of Colorado’s rail history that has transported passengers from Denver to Winter Park for nearly 70 years.
The Ski Train first began seasonal runs to Winter Park in 1940, the same year the resort opened. These trains offered a direct route from Denver Union Station to Winter Park, quickly becoming a popular winter travel option. Passengers enjoyed a warm and comfortable ride, taking in breathtaking views of the Continental Divide as they traveled to and from one of Colorado’s top ski resorts. The Ski Train was more than just a way to reach the mountains; it became part of the experience itself, providing passengers with a comfortable and memorable journey through the mountains. Over time, it became a cherished symbol of Colorado’s ski culture and winter tourism.
One of the famed locomotives that helped power the Ski Train through the Rockies (for its 1984 season), Denver & Rio Grande Western No. 5771, is proudly on display at the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden. This streamlined F9A diesel-electric unit stands as a tribute to the important role railroads played in shaping the region’s ski industry and seasonal tourism. Recently, the Museum completed a new paint job on the locomotive, restoring it to its original single-stripe livery, the same scheme it wore for much of its service life while pulling the Rio Grande Zephyr and later, the Ski Train. Re-lettering and installation of side grilles will be completed in the coming months.
Though the original Ski Train service ended in 2009, its legacy continues today as Amtrak’s Winter Park Express. This seasonal service, which begins winter 2025-2026 operations next Friday, December 19, carries forward the Ski Train tradition. Passengers will enjoy a convenient and stress-free ride from Denver to Winter Park Resort while dodging I-70’s notorious ski traffic. Due to rising demand, this year’s Winter Park Express will expand its service in early January, running Thursdays through Sundays to provide even more skiers and snowboarders with the chance to enjoy this scenic and historic route.
