Nestled high in the Rocky Mountains, the communities of Winter Park and Fraser—together often referred to as the Fraser Valley—owe much of their history and development to the railroad. Passenger rail service has long been a lifeline for these towns, connecting them with Denver and beyond while providing a sustainable, scenic, and reliable transportation option through rugged terrain.
Today, as Colorado looks toward a cleaner, more connected future, passenger rail is once again at the center of conversation. From the revival of the Winter Park Express ski train to proposals for expanded Mountain Passenger Rail, this mode of travel remains vital to the Fraser Valley’s economy, identity, and sustainability.
A Brief History of Rail in Winter Park and the Fraser Valley
The story of Winter Park and Fraser is inseparable from the story of the railroad.
In the early 1900s, before the automobile became dominant, the Denver & Salt Lake Railroad built lines across the Continental Divide. The opening of the Moffat Tunnel in 1928—a 6.2-mile engineering marvel—transformed access to the high country. For the first time, trains could travel directly between Denver and the Fraser Valley without the perilous climb over Rollins Pass.
When Winter Park Resort was founded in 1940, the railroad played a starring role in its success. The Denver Ski Train, as it was known for decades, brought thousands of skiers from the Front Range straight to the slopes. By 1950, weekend ski trains were a Colorado institution—offering a stress-free, social, and scenic alternative to the long drive on treacherous mountain roads.
In 1985, Amtrak established the Fraser–Winter Park Station, cementing the valley’s status as one of the most accessible mountain destinations in the United States by rail. The station, still in use today, is one of the highest-elevation Amtrak stops in the nation.
The Winter Park Express: A Modern Icon
After a brief hiatus in the 2000s, the ski train was revived in 2017 as the Winter Park Express, operated by Amtrak in partnership with Union Pacific, Winter Park Resort, and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT).
Running from Denver Union Station directly to the Winter Park Resort platform, the Winter Park Express allows passengers to skip I-70 traffic, enjoy stunning views of the Rockies, and step off the train just yards from the lifts.
This isn’t just a novelty—it’s a transportation success story. Ridership has grown steadily, and in the 2024–25 season, service expanded to five days a week, with additional stops at Fraser. According to CDOT and Amtrak, ticket sales have often sold out, demonstrating strong demand for reliable mountain rail.
The service also aligns with state sustainability goals by reducing highway congestion, lowering emissions, and providing an accessible alternative for visitors who prefer not to drive in winter conditions.
The Economic and Cultural Impact of Passenger Rail
1. Tourism and Economic Growth
Passenger rail service is a cornerstone of Winter Park’s tourism economy. By offering a direct, car-free route to the mountains, the Winter Park Express attracts visitors from across Colorado and beyond. This increases spending at local businesses, supports hospitality and recreation jobs, and lengthens the tourism season.
Fraser, with its welcoming small-town charm, benefits as well. The town’s station provides access to restaurants, lodging, and local attractions, encouraging visitors to stay longer and explore more of the valley.
The rail connection also enhances property values and investment. Communities with train service often see more stable and diverse economies, as reliable transportation makes them more appealing to both residents and businesses.
2. Reducing Traffic and Emissions
The I-70 corridor is notorious for congestion, particularly on winter weekends. Rail service offers a practical and environmentally friendly solution. A single full ski train can remove hundreds of vehicles from mountain highways, easing traffic, cutting fuel use, and reducing road maintenance costs.
Moreover, passenger rail aligns with Colorado’s climate and transportation goals by providing low-emission mobility for both residents and tourists. As the state targets net-zero emissions by 2050, rail will play a growing role in sustainable travel.
3. Accessibility and Equity
For many Coloradans and visitors, driving in winter mountain conditions is daunting or impossible. Passenger rail provides an inclusive option—safe, affordable, and comfortable. It ensures that the beauty and recreation of the Fraser Valley are accessible to everyone, not just those with vehicles or the means to drive.
The Future: Mountain Passenger Rail and Regional Connectivity
Looking ahead, the Fraser Valley is positioned at the heart of Colorado’s passenger rail future.
The proposed Front Range Passenger Rail and Mountain Passenger Rail initiatives aim to connect Denver with mountain and rural communities, including Winter Park, Granby, Steamboat Springs, and Craig. The state has already allocated millions for feasibility studies, environmental review, and long-term planning.
The Moffat Tunnel, now under a renewed lease agreement between the State of Colorado and Union Pacific Railroad, is key to this vision. Securing passenger access to this tunnel ensures that future rail expansion through the Rockies remains viable.
If realized, these projects could provide year-round passenger service between Denver and the Fraser Valley, creating a modern transportation corridor that honors Colorado’s rail heritage while meeting 21st-century needs.
The Fraser–Winter Park Station: A Local Anchor
The Amtrak Fraser–Winter Park Station remains a critical piece of infrastructure for the region. Located within walking distance of both towns, the station connects residents and tourists alike to Denver, Salt Lake City, and the broader Amtrak network via the California Zephyr line.
As discussions about expanded service continue, the station could serve as a multimodal hub—integrating rail, local shuttles, and regional transit systems. This would enhance connectivity across Grand County and reduce car dependency for both visitors and residents.
Community Support and Vision
Local leaders and residents have shown strong support for maintaining and expanding passenger rail. The Town of Fraser Board of Trustees passed a resolution backing a Mountain Passenger Rail stop, recognizing the long-term benefits to the economy, environment, and quality of life.
In Winter Park, town officials continue to collaborate with CDOT, Amtrak, and the Northwest Colorado Council of Governments to explore opportunities for service expansion. Public enthusiasm remains high, reflecting a deep appreciation for the historic and cultural significance of the train.
Challenges and Opportunities
While optimism is high, expanding rail service in the Fraser Valley faces hurdles:
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Infrastructure Ownership: Much of the track is owned by Union Pacific, meaning passenger operations must be carefully coordinated with freight traffic.
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Funding and Investment: Passenger rail requires significant state and federal support, particularly for station improvements, rolling stock, and scheduling capacity.
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Seasonal Demand: Balancing winter tourism peaks with year-round service will require flexible scheduling and partnerships.
Still, Colorado’s growing commitment to rail as a sustainable transportation solution—backed by federal funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)—makes the future brighter than it’s been in decades.
Why Rail Still Matters
In an age dominated by cars and airplanes, passenger rail offers something increasingly rare: a balance of efficiency, sustainability, and experience.
For Winter Park and the Fraser Valley, it represents more than a way to travel—it’s a symbol of connection, resilience, and identity. The same tracks that once carried early settlers and skiers now carry the promise of a greener, more accessible future.
As tourism grows, roads become more congested, and climate pressures mount, rail offers a proven, forward-thinking alternative. Investing in passenger rail is not just about nostalgia—it’s about ensuring that these mountain communities remain vibrant, livable, and connected for generations to come.
Conclusion
From the first trains through the Moffat Tunnel to the modern Winter Park Express, passenger rail has shaped the history and identity of the Fraser Valley. It fueled early settlement, made mountain recreation accessible, and continues to support tourism and sustainability today.
Looking ahead, expanded rail service could once again redefine how Coloradans and visitors experience the Rockies—offering a safe, scenic, and sustainable alternative to highway travel.
For Winter Park, Fraser, and the wider Colorado mountain region, the tracks that run through the valley are more than steel and timber—they’re the lifeline that connects past, present, and future.
