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Imagine this: you’re gliding through the Rocky Mountains on a comfortable train, sipping hot cocoa, while the snow-covered peaks grow larger outside your window. No traffic, no icy roads, no stress—just pure anticipation for the slopes. That’s the future Colorado is working toward with its expanded rail service to the mountains, and it’s closer than you might think.
The vision of expanding train service to Colorado’s renowned ski resorts isn’t just a pipe dream anymore. It’s already happening, and it’s about to get bigger.
The Current Situation: How We’re Getting to the Mountains (and Why It Needs to Change)
Today, many skiers drive up Interstate 70, turning what should be a quick trip into a grueling crawl through traffic jams, snowstorms, and road closures. It’s a mess, especially during peak ski season. While Denver International Airport is the main hub for travelers, even those who fly in are forced to rent cars and brave the same crowded roads. Enter the Winter Park Express, a seasonal train service launched by Amtrak in 2017. It’s been a game-changer for those heading to Winter Park, offering a relaxing, car-free way to hit the slopes on weekends. But what if this convenience could be scaled across more resorts and extended throughout the week?
That’s where things get exciting.
The Next Steps: More Trains, More Routes, More Days
Plans are in place to expand the existing Winter Park Express service, with discussions between Colorado’s Department of Transportation (CDOT), Amtrak, and Winter Park Resort gaining momentum. Officials are considering increasing the frequency of the train, potentially running it on more days each week and even starting the service earlier in the season. Imagine hopping on a train in Denver as early as December, instead of waiting until mid-January.
But it doesn’t stop there. There’s also a proposal to extend train service further into Colorado’s northwest region. This would involve reestablishing a 191-mile rail line that connects Denver to Steamboat Springs, Hayden, and Craig—a route that hasn’t seen passenger trains since 1968. It’s part of a larger initiative to boost transit options across the state while reducing car traffic and carbon emissions.
Why This Matters: Environmental and Economic Perks
Expanded train service isn’t just about convenience; it’s about solving some big problems. For one, it takes cars off the road, significantly reducing traffic congestion on I-70. That’s a win for both skiers and local residents. And from an environmental perspective, fewer cars mean fewer emissions, helping to improve air quality in mountain towns.
Economically, this expansion could be a massive boost. Ski towns like Steamboat and Winter Park rely heavily on tourism. More accessible train routes mean more visitors, which translates to increased spending at resorts, restaurants, and local businesses. Plus, the construction and operation of these rail lines would create jobs in the region.
The Challenges: Why It’s Not as Easy as Laying Tracks
Of course, there are challenges. Expanding the rail network through the Rockies isn’t cheap, and securing funding for such a large-scale project requires both state and federal support. There are also technical hurdles—building and maintaining tracks in a mountainous region with extreme winter weather isn’t exactly a walk in the park.
Moreover, current rail lines are shared with freight carriers, and negotiations with companies like Union Pacific, which own these tracks, need to be ironed out.
But with CDOT already investing $5 million to study the feasibility of the Denver-to-Steamboat route, the wheels are in motion.
FAQ
Q: When could we see expanded train services?
A: If all goes well with funding and planning, expanded services could begin as early as December 2024 for Winter Park, and additional routes like the one to Steamboat Springs may follow in the coming years.
Q: Which resorts will be connected by the new train services?
A: The primary focus is on Winter Park, but plans are underway to extend service to Steamboat Springs, Hayden, and possibly even Craig.
Q: How will this impact I-70 traffic?
A: By offering a convenient, eco-friendly alternative to driving, the expanded train service could significantly reduce the number of vehicles on I-70, especially during peak ski season.
Q: How much will it cost to ride?
A: The Winter Park Express currently charges between $29 and $59 each way. While pricing for new routes hasn’t been finalized, similar costs could apply.
Conclusion: Riding the Rails to a Better Future
Colorado’s expanded train service to its ski resorts is shaping up to be a game-changer. Not only does it offer a greener, more stress-free way to travel, but it also promises economic growth for local communities. While challenges remain, the vision is clear—and it’s one that could transform how we experience the Rockies for decades to come.
So next time you’re sitting in traffic on I-70, just remember: the future of Colorado mountain travel is on the rails, and it’s coming soon.
