Savvy slat rats are in on the secret. They’re ditching drives and forgoing flights to choose rail relaxation. USA passenger trains have had their ups and downs since the first winter trains hit Lake Tahoe in 1868. Today’s rail renaissance is taking skiers to new heights with shusher specials on track from coast to coast. These days, Amtrak and regional railways are hitting the slopes from California to the Rocky Mountains to New England. We’ve zeroed in on nine of the best.
California Zephyr to Squaw Valley Resort, California
Smart San Francisco and Sacramento skiers trade I-80 traffic for Amtrak’s California Zephyr to Truckee Station where a free TART (Tahoe Truckee Area Regional Transit) shuttle continues to Squaw Valley Resort. Bay Area departures are from Emeryville (connect with Amtrak California and long-distance routes; and Amtrak shuttle to Bay Area transit connections). Amtrak’s Sacramento Valley Station connects with RT Gold Line light rail.
Empire Builder to Whitefish Mountain, Montana
Amtrak’s Empire Builder puts Midwest and Pacific Northwest skiers within over-night reach of one of Big Sky Country’s top winter resorts. The long-distance train runs everyday from Seattle, Portland, Chicago, and the Twin Cities to Amtrak’s historic depot in Whitefish, Montana. From there, you can hop the free SNOW Bus shuttle and be at the Big Mountain’s Whitefish Mountain Resort in around 20 minutes.
UTA FrontRunner to Snowbasin Resort, Utah
UTA FrontRunner trains close the distance between Salt Lake City and Sun Valley’s Snowbasin — site of the 2002 Olympics downhills. From Downtown’s Salt Lake Central (connect with Amtrak California Zephyr) and North Temple Station (connect via TRAX Green Line from SLC airport), it’s less than an hour to Ogden Intermodal Transit Center where Ski Shuttle buses link winter sports enthusiasts with Snowbasin Resort and nearby lodging options.
Winter Park Express to Winter Park Resort, Colorado
Amtrak’s only true ski train, Colorado’s Winter Park Express runs straight to the slopes. The train operates Fridays and Sundays between Denver Union Station and the Winter Park Resort base station. Denvers RTD A-Line trains link Union Station and the airport. Alternatively, Amtrak’s California Zephyr stops at Fraser, Colorado where you can catch The Lift Black Line shuttle to the the resort.
New Mexico Rail Runner to Ski Santa Fe
New Mexico’s Rail Runner Express points the way to Ski Santa Fe and amazing apres. Ride the rails from Albuquerque’s Alvarado Transportation Center (connect with Amtrak Southwest Chief) to South Capital Station. Then catch the RTD 255 Mountain Trail bus for the final leg to the Ski Santa Fe base station in Santa Fe National Forest. ABQ SunPort shuttles serve multiple Rail Runner Stations.
Amtrak Vermonter to Mount Snow, Vermont
Amtrak’s Vermonter connects the Green Mountain State’s Mount Snow with a string of Northeast burgs including Washington DC and New York City. Rely on Metro, VRE or MARC transit to connect with the Vermonter at Washington’s Union Station. MTA lines or NJ Transit to will get you to NYC’s Penn Station on time. MOOver shuttle buses to Mount Snow’s base station greet the Vermonter on arrival in Brattleboro, Vermont.
Amtrak Ethan Allen Express to Killington Resort, Vermont
Amtrak’s Ethan Allen Express is the New York City Metropolitan Area’s Killington connection to the Northeast’s largest ski resort. Killington Resort is just a half hour away from Amtrak’s Rutland, Vermont Station via the Killington Express Shuttle. The MTA Trip Planner and NJ Transit website wil help you to make your way to Manhattan’s Penn Station via subway, commuer rail, or bus.
MBTA Ski Train to Wachusett Mountain, Massachusetts
Wachusett Mountain Ski Area is a short reach from Boston thanks to the MBTA Ski Train. Head out from Bean Town’s North Station to Wachusett Station where a free shuttle completes the city-to-slopes journey. Travelers arriving at Amtrak’s South Station or Back Bay Station are just a “T” subway ride away from North Station. Folks arriving aboard the Amtrak Downeaster from Maine need only switch platforms.
Metro North to Thunder Ridge Ski Area, New York
Thanks to the New York MTA’s Metro North Ski Train, Thunder Ridge Ski Area is the Big Apple’s most convenient winter resort. Make your way to Grand Central Terminal to grab a Metro North Harlem Line train to Patterson and hook-up with the free Ski Train Shuttle in around two hours. The MTA Trip Planner can help you plan subway, bus, and regional rail connections to Grand Central from Amtrak Penn Station, regional airports and throughout the Tri-State Area.
