From Facebook newsfeed. August 24, 2016 RELATED TOPICS: TOURIST RAILROADS | UNION PACIFIC | AMTRAK | WEST | COLORADO The Colorado Ski Train was a seasonal passenger service operated by the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad, and later Union Pacific for decades. The Colorado Ski Train is seen departing the station at Fraser, Colo., on the former Rio Grande Moffat main line in 2008. Colorado tourism officials are working to restore the train for long-term service by the end of 2016. Frank Keller CHICAGO — Amtrak confirms that it will participate in running a seasonal weekend Ski Train from Denver to Winter Park, Colo. Denver's KUSA Channel 9 broke this story less than an hour ago with information that the train will run again. An Amtrak representative forwarded a news release to Trains News Wire confirming that details will be announced in a news conference on Thursday. The Ski Train ran seasonally every year between 1940 and 2009 along the Denver & Rio Grande Western's Moffat Route. The train and ski resort at Winter Park received grants within the past year enabling the train to be compliant with the American with Disabilities Act. Watch Trains News Wire for further updates.
Keith, This comes as interesting news. Anschutz was the last one to operate the Ski Train over the former D&RGW. Trackage rights over the former D&RGW tracks, after the merger with the UP. It was the last vestage of the Rio Grande train equipment. It turned out to be UN-profitable and he sold off the consist of passenger cars and the former Amtrak diesels, painted in the Rio Grande livery. Now operating somewhere in Canada. It will be interesting to see what Amtrak does. Guessing it will look like any other Amtrak train. Sigh!
Yes, it'll be an all-Amtrak train, and you're right it's now on the Algoma Central Railway, repainted in that railroad's colors. Still better than no train.... John
Last timeI chased the Ski Train, one of the Amtrak units was out of service, so the Rio Grande heritage ACe took the lead. Rode the train twice as well. Was packed on both trips! Now, depending on tickets, there could be an interesting weekend trip possible! Take the train up to Winter Park on Saturday, and return Sunday afternoon. Don't ski, but can find other things to do. Like Colorado weather though, I'll believe it when I see it.
New season of the Ski Train begins on Jan 7. Will find out more pretty quick, I think! Friend Joy and I may be riding train on Jan 16. She's getting tickets, so will let me know what/when etc... Haven't ridden train in years! Will make for a nice break from all of the Dr/Hospital visits I gotta deal with of late! Foot/Finger trouble since Feb! Hope to have video and/or photos of trip!
Got confirmation from Joy. She was able to get 2 tickets for Jan 16. Got real lucky, as there were only 8 reservations remaining for the trip that day!
Have have copy the f my ticket in hand, and just took care of prepaid valet parking! Just gotta remember cameras that morning! Should be fun. Now, to figure out what kind of activities there are. Not that I can do much, due to health issues! May be slowed down, but have not been stopped!! Yet!!
