There’s something magical about watching snow-covered landscapes glide past your train window while you’re warm inside with a cup of hot coffee. Winter train travel on Amtrak transforms ordinary routes into breathtaking journeys through America’s most stunning snowy terrain.
Whether you’re headed to world-class ski resorts or simply want to experience winter’s beauty from the comfort of a passenger train, Amtrak offers some of the most scenic cold-weather routes in North America.
Why Take a Train to Ski Destinations This Winter?
Skip the stress of winter driving. No icy roads, no white-knuckle moments on mountain passes, and no fighting for parking at crowded ski lodges. Amtrak trains deliver you directly to popular ski towns while you relax, enjoy the scenery, and arrive ready to hit the slopes—not exhausted from hours behind the wheel.
Plus, train travel during winter months means you can actually enjoy the journey. The views through panoramic windows beat staring at a snowy highway any day.
Best Amtrak Routes for Winter Scenery
California Zephyr: Chicago to San Francisco
Why it’s spectacular in winter: The California Zephyr crosses the Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada, offering passengers front-row seats to some of America’s most dramatic winter landscapes.
What you’ll see:
- Snow-capped peaks of the Colorado Rockies
- Frozen rivers winding through mountain valleys
- The stunning Donner Pass in the Sierra Nevada
- Ruby Canyon’s red rock walls dusted with snow
Travel time: Approximately 51 hours Best viewing: Observation car between Denver and Salt Lake City
The route passes through Winter Park, Colorado, making it perfect for ski resort access. Many travelers consider this the most beautiful train route in America, and winter only amplifies its appeal.
Empire Builder: Chicago to Seattle/Portland
Why it’s spectacular in winter: This northern route travels along the snow-covered plains of Montana and through Glacier National Park territory.
What you’ll see:
- Vast snowy prairies stretching to the horizon
- The frozen Mississippi River
- Snow-blanketed forests of the Pacific Northwest
- Mountain passes with dramatic winter vistas
Travel time: About 46 hours Best viewing: Montana’s Hi-Line region and Cascade Mountains
Winter transforms Glacier National Park into a white wilderness. Even though the park itself has limited winter access, the train views are phenomenal.
Coast Starlight: Seattle to Los Angeles
Why it’s spectacular in winter: While not as snow-heavy as mountain routes, the Coast Starlight offers stunning coastal views mixed with snow-covered Cascade Range scenery.
What you’ll see:
- Mount Shasta with its snow-covered peak
- Coastal cliffs and winter beaches
- Snow-dusted forests in Oregon and Northern California
- The dramatic Cascade Range
Travel time: Around 35 hours Best viewing: Southern Oregon through Northern California
Winter Park Express (Seasonal)
Why it’s perfect for skiers: This seasonal weekend service runs directly from Denver’s Union Station to Winter Park Resort—no bus transfers needed.
Operating season: Mid-January through March (weekends only) Travel time: Just 2 hours Service: Direct station-to-slopes transportation
This is the only ski train in the United States, making it incredibly convenient for Colorado ski trips.
Top Ski Destinations Accessible by Amtrak
Winter Park, Colorado
Amtrak station: Winter Park (Fraser) Route: California Zephyr or Winter Park Express
Winter Park Resort sits just minutes from the Fraser-Winter Park station. With over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain, it’s one of Colorado’s most accessible ski destinations by train. The resort offers everything from beginner slopes to challenging back bowls.
Why it works: The station is specifically designed for ski travelers, with easy resort access and equipment-friendly facilities.
Truckee/Lake Tahoe, California
Amtrak station: Truckee Route: California Zephyr
From Truckee station, you can reach multiple world-class ski resorts:
- Squaw Valley (Palisades Tahoe) – 30 minutes
- Northstar California – 20 minutes
- Sugar Bowl – 15 minutes
The Truckee area receives some of the heaviest snowfall in North America, making it a powder paradise.
Whitefish, Montana
Amtrak station: Whitefish Route: Empire Builder
Whitefish Mountain Resort (formerly Big Mountain) is just 15 minutes from downtown Whitefish. This charming mountain town offers excellent skiing without the crowds of more famous Colorado resorts.
Bonus: Glacier National Park is nearby for winter adventurers seeking cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Amtrak station: Glenwood Springs Route: California Zephyr
While not a ski-in/ski-out location, Glenwood Springs provides access to:
- Sunlight Mountain Resort – 30 minutes
- Aspen Snowmass – 45 minutes
After skiing, soak in the world’s largest hot springs pool right in downtown Glenwood Springs.
Amtrak Winter Schedule and Fare Guide
| Route | Frequency | Coach Fare Range* | Sleeper Fare Range* | Peak Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California Zephyr | Daily | $150-$280 | $600-$1,200 | Dec-Mar |
| Empire Builder | Daily | $140-$250 | $550-$1,100 | Jan-Feb |
| Coast Starlight | Daily | $100-$200 | $500-$900 | Dec-Feb |
| Winter Park Express | Weekends Only | $39-$49 | N/A | Jan-Mar |
*Prices vary by date, booking time, and availability. Book 3-4 months ahead for best winter fares.
Money-saving tip: Tuesday and Wednesday trains typically cost 20-30% less than weekend departures.
How to Plan Your Amtrak Ski Trip
Booking Your Winter Train Tickets
Best time to book: 90-120 days before travel when Amtrak releases inventory Peak periods to avoid (higher prices):
- Week between Christmas and New Year’s
- Presidents’ Day weekend
- Spring break (late February-early March)
Use Amtrak’s multi-ride passes if you’re planning several ski weekends. The USA Rail Pass allows 10 segments over 30 days.
What to Pack for Winter Train Travel
Train stations can be cold, but trains themselves are well-heated. Layer up:
- Warm jacket for station platforms
- Comfortable clothes for the train (it gets warm inside)
- Slip-on shoes (you’ll want to kick off boots during long rides)
- Ski equipment in padded bags
- Snacks and water bottle (dining cars can get pricey)
Luggage allowance: Amtrak allows two carry-ons plus two checked bags free—plenty for ski gear.
Getting from Station to Slopes
Most ski towns offer shuttle services from Amtrak stations:
- Winter Park: Resort shuttle meets every train
- Truckee: TART public transit connects to resorts, or use resort shuttles
- Whitefish: SNOW Bus connects to Whitefish Mountain Resort
- Glenwood Springs: Roaring Fork Transportation Authority serves Aspen area
Book shuttle services in advance during peak season.
Winter Train Travel Tips for First-Timers
Choose the Right Accommodation Type
Coach seats work fine for shorter journeys (under 8 hours) but consider sleeping accommodations for overnight routes:
- Roomette: Private space with two seats converting to beds, perfect for 1-2 people
- Bedroom: Larger room with private bathroom and shower
- Coach: Reclining seats with leg rests, more affordable but less privacy
Winter routes can book solid, especially sleeper cars. Reserve early.
Best Time to Travel
Scenic viewing: Take westbound morning departures for best mountain light. The California Zephyr’s most scenic stretches are in Colorado and the Sierra Nevada—timing matters.
Fewer crowds: Mid-January through early February (excluding MLK and Presidents’ Day weekends) offers cheaper fares and less crowded trains.
Food and Dining on Winter Routes
Long-distance trains have dining cars serving hot meals—perfect when you’re watching snow fall outside. Sleeping car passengers get meals included; coach passengers pay separately.
Pro tip: Bring your own coffee and breakfast items. Dining cars don’t open until later in the morning.
Winter Weather and Train Delays
Yes, winter weather can affect train schedules. Heavy snow in mountain passes occasionally causes delays, though Amtrak trains have better winter performance than cars or buses.
What to know:
- Trains equipped with snow plows handle most winter weather
- Delays of 1-3 hours can happen during severe storms
- Amtrak doesn’t cancel trains lightly—they’ll get you there
- Build buffer time before important ski resort reservations
Check Amtrak’s real-time tracking on their app for delay updates.
Beyond Skiing: Winter Train Activities
Not a skier? Winter train routes offer plenty more:
Glacier National Park (Empire Builder): Winter wildlife viewing and cross-country skiing Rocky Mountain towns: Snowshoeing, dog sledding, hot springs Scenic photography: Train travel provides countless photo opportunities Small town exploration: Places like Red Lodge, Montana, or Glenwood Springs come alive in winter
The journey itself is an attraction. Many passengers ride purely for the winter scenery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Amtrak allows skis and snowboards as regular luggage. Place them in a padded ski bag. They count toward your standard baggage allowance (two carry-ons plus two checked bags).
Book 3-4 months in advance for best availability and pricing. Winter routes to ski destinations sell out quickly, especially sleeper accommodations during peak season.
Yes, trains are well-heated—sometimes too warm. Dress in layers. Stations and platforms can be very cold, but train interiors stay comfortable.
Amtrak trains are equipped for winter travel and rarely cancel. If delayed, you’ll receive updates via their app. Amtrak doesn’t offer compensation for weather delays, so build flexibility into your plans.
Most long-distance Amtrak trains have Wi-Fi, though it can be spotty in remote mountain areas. Download entertainment before your trip and enjoy being disconnected while watching the snowy scenery.
The California Zephyr through the Rockies and Sierra Nevada offers the most dramatic winter mountain scenery. The Empire Builder through Montana provides expansive snowy prairie views. Both are spectacular.
Possibly, if you’re traveling through Montana during high aurora activity in winter months. The train travels through areas with dark enough skies, though viewing from a moving train isn’t ideal. Your best chance is during stops.
Make This Your Winter to Ride the Rails
There’s no better way to experience America’s winter beauty than from a warm train window with mountain views unfolding for hours. Whether you’re chasing fresh powder at Winter Park or simply want to watch the Rockies pass by in their snowy glory, Amtrak’s winter routes deliver experiences no highway can match.
Start planning now—winter train seats fill fast. Book your tickets, pack your warmest jacket, and get ready for a snow-covered adventure that begins the moment you board.
Ready to book? Visit Amtrak.com or call 1-800-USA-RAIL to reserve your winter train journey today.