Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Club and Coach?Club fares include a continental breakfast on the way up and après-ski snacks on the return trip. There is a cash bar located in each club car. The seats are larger and there are only 38 passengers per club car. Club cars have less foot traffic. The Coach fare does not include food or beverages, but you may purchase these items in the cafe lounge cars #5 and #9. Coach cars can hold up to 80 passengers. Both travel classes have reclining seats, ski racks, storage and restrooms. Back to TopWhere does the train leave from and where does it drop you off?The Ski Train departs Denver's Union Station located at 17th & Wynkoop Streets in lower downtown Denver. It is approximately 3 blocks south of Coor's Field. A map is available on the "Trip Tips" page. Union Station is approximately 20 miles from Denver International Airport. Cabs, van shuttles and RTD city busses are available. The Ski Train drops passengers off directly at the base of the Winter Park Resort. This is closer than you can park your car! It is located a few hundred yards from the nearest lift. The Ski Train picks passengers up at the same location in the afternoon. Back to TopDoes the train run on schedule? What about inclement weather?The Ski Train runs on track owned and operated by the Union Pacific Railroad. Therefore, we have to share with other rail traffic. As a result, occasionally our train will be required to slow down or temporarily stop on a railway siding to allow other oncoming freight traffic to pass. Situations may also rise where we are delayed as a result of Union Pacific crews maintaining their lines to ensure safe tracks. We do remain in frequent contact with railroad dispatching throughout the day in an effort to arrive at our destination on time. Should the occasional delay occur, we thank you in advance for your patience and understanding. Ski Train will not be responsible for delays caused by weather, rail or traffic conditions, mechanical failure, or any other conditions beyond our control. Any expenses arising as a result of delayed departure or arrival times, including ski lessons or other activities, missed flights or travel connections, are the sole responsibility of the passenger. The Ski Train operates during bad weather. We may be the only transportation that makes it to Winter Park in a bad snowstorm. Delays may occur. In the very rare occurrence the train is cancelled, detailed information will available at (303)296-4754, online at skitrain.com, and through the local media. Back to TopCan I travel up one day and back on a different day?All fares are based on same day, round-trip travel. You can travel on different days, however, you must purchase a round-trip ticket for each day you travel and opt not to use one of the travel portions on your ticket. The price of buying two tickets is comparable to round trip tickets on other carriers. Please note, the Ski Train has limited luggage accommodations. Our train is designed as a daily excursion train, not as transport for a stay at Winter Park. Amtraks train #5 & #6, the "California Zephyr" does offer service to nearby Fraser, Colorado. Other van services are also available. Back to TopWill I have access to the Ski Train during the day?The Ski Train does not stay in Winter Park during the day. The Ski Train leaves Winter Park and travels to Tabernash to turn around on a "wye". The Ski Train then sits on a siding at Fraser until the return trip. All passengers must detrain in Winter Park Resort. The same train will pick passengers up in Winter Park that afternoon. As such, passengers may leave personal items onboard that they will not need during the day. We do not recommend leaving valuables onboard as you may not be the first person on the train in the afternoon. Lockers are available in the West Portal Station and Balcony House at the base area. Back to TopAre reservations required? What about groups, children or seniors?Advanced reservations are strongly recommended as most trips sell out. It is difficult to estimate how far in advance to make reservations. If you want to prevent disappointment, we recommend making reservations the earlier the better. It is all based upon availability. Club seats are limited and sell out quickly. If tickets are available on the day of the trip, we will sell them on a first-come, first-served basis at our will call ticket desk the morning of the trip. If we don't have tickets, and since tickets are non-refundable, non-exchangeable, often times passengers may have a cancellation in their party and will sell extra tickets directly for the face value, accepting cash, at Union Station. Group rates are available for parties of 20 or more by contacting the Ski Train reservation center at (303)296-4754. Additionally, the Ski Train does offer special coach fares for children (ages 3 to 12) and seniors (62+) on certain excursions. Please contact our reservation center or refer to our online ticketing for availability. Children 2 and under, that sit on their parent's lap and do not occupy a seat, do not require a ticket. Children under 14 years old must be accompanied by an adult. We do not offer children's or senior fares in Club. Back to TopDoes the Ski Train go anywhere else or make any other scheduled intermediate stops?At this time, the Ski Train only operates to Winter Park Resort. Unfortunately logistically and operationally, it is just not possible for us to stop anywhere on the tracks to pick up additional passengers once the train is under way. The tracks we operate on is owned by Union Pacific Railroad. They operate 25 or more trains a day that also use this main line. Back to TopIs smoking allowed on the train?Smoking is not allowed anywhere on the Ski Train. This includes restrooms and vestibule areas between the cars. Back to TopWhere do I park at Union Station?Parking is available in surrounding lots to Union Station. They are managed by private companies. Usually the companies have attendants you pay and place a ticket in your window or you put money into a numbered slot corresponding to your parking space number. Prices vary and exact change is required. Please also see our "Trip Tips" page for further information. Back to TopWhat can I bring on the Ski Train?The train is equipped with storage areas, overhead racks, and ski racks. You may bring ski equipment, snowboards, bags and other personal items. Although not required, we do recommend ski bags to keep your skis and poles together. (We recommend renting equipment in Denver rather than the ski area as once the train arrives, there tends to be a rush on all base amenities.) The Ski Train does not offer checked baggage. Due to space limitations, large amounts of luggage, or large pieces of luggage are discouraged and depending on the trip, may not be accommodated. During the summer, passengers may bring their bicycles onboard in the special bike car. Small personal soft sided coolers for Winter Park are allowed, however, due to space limitations, large coolers and private catering of your party are not allowed. The catering company sells various refreshments including beer and wine. They can be contacted directly to arrange the catering needs for your group. Due to Colorado State Law, passengers may not bring their own alcohol onboard the Ski Train. Pets are not allowed on the Ski Train with the exception of service animals accompanying a passenger with a disability. Back to TopIs the Ski Train ADA accessible? What if I have a medical condition?The Ski Train is not completely ADA accessible. The Ski Train has been running for over 65 years. We do have staff that can accommodate loading and unloading. The passenger would be lifted over the 4-5 steps on and off the train by our staff. The wheelchair would be stored during the trip and the passenger seated for the duration of the trip. Keep in mind during snowy days, there can be drifts of snow, or rocky ballast, where we detrain in Winter Park. Passengers may need to phone Winter Park in advance for additional assistance at the Resort. We are happy to help in any way we are able. Service animals are welcome when accompanied by passengers with disabilities requiring their assistance. Keep in mind, the Ski Train travels to higher altitudes. The base of the Winter Park Resort is 9,000 feet above sea level. There is Ski Patrol, and a medical clinic available at the Base of Winter Park. Back to TopWhat other information should I know about Winter Park Resort or the nearby towns?The elevation at the base of Winter Park is 9,000 ft. Information regarding Winter Park Resort is available on our website. You may also visit Winter Park Resort's Website or contact them at 303-892-0961. They will be able to help you with lessons, snow cat tours, equipment rental and other snow activities and non-skier activities. You may also contact the Fraser Valley Chamber of Commerce at 800-903-7275 for activities in the valley. The towns of Winter Park and Fraser are accessible via shuttle busses. Please watch the schedules closely to make sure you make it back to the train before departure time. Also, the weather can change quickly. We recommend preparing for various types of weather. Back to TopWhat other information should I know about the Ski Train?The Ski Train is enclosed. We have heat, air conditioning, and restrooms. On a sold out train, we accommodate approximately 800 passengers. The train travels an average of 35 to 55 mph depending on the track and rail traffic. We have security on the train during the trip. In order to maintain a safe and comfortable experience, we have to right to deny or de-board any person who, in the manager's judgment, is unruly or disruptive. The entire train is non-smoking. More information is available throughout our website, or visit our "contact us" page for more information on where to address your questions. We look forward to having you on the train! Back to TopWhat is Will Call?The Ski Train Will Call Desk is located at Union Station just inside the walkway to the trains. The desk is open 1 hour before train departure. Passengers can make arrangements to have their tickets picked up at Will Call if there is not enough time for the tickets to be mailed, or purchase tickets if available on the morning of the trip on a first come first served basis. Passengers requiring assistance may find help at the Will Call Desk. It is a orange and silver desk and difficult to miss. Back to TopDo tickets ever become available if not currently so?If the online system indicates "limited availability", tickets may be still available through the reservations center. Reservations in this circumstance are only available over the phone. Contact our reservation office (303)296-4754 for up-to-minute availability. Groups have the opportunity to reserve tickets up to 30 days before a train trip. Occasionally, if a group does not purchase all the tickets they are holding, tickets will become available. Check the "buy tickets" link to check our availability page or contact the reservation center for updates. If a trip is sold out, upon occasion, and without guarantee, coach tickets become available and are sold at the Will Call desk on the morning of the trip on a first come, first served basis beginning 1 hour before train departure. Your site shows ticket availability, but why can't I purchase tickets online?Occasionally tickets are available but cannot be purchased online. It is possible if departure time is nearing, online sales have been discontinued, but may be available through our reservation center or at Union Station on the morning of the trip on a first come, first served basis beginning 1 hour before departure. Also see "Do tickets ever become available if not currently so?" above. It is also possible that tickets for a trip are not yet available online. Contact the reservation center for more details. How do I obtain my tickets?When ordering your tickets, you may select to have your tickets mailed, emailed, or held at Will Call for pick up on the morning of the trip. Click here for Detailed Ticket Delivery Information. Some limitations require particular delivery methods, including ticket type and timing. How do I get from Denver International Airport to the train station?There are shuttles that run from DIA to a few of the lower Downtown hotel. You can find more information at www.supershuttles.com. There are also public buses that run to the downtown area - for information please go to www.rtd-denver.com under "skyride". Taxis are also available. The airport is 26 miles from the train station. I've Lost Something on the Train.Passengers are responsible for their own possessions. We return items left on the train to their owners, but we assume no liability for damaged or misplaced items. Any charges incurred in returning a left-behind or lost item is the responsibility of the passenger. Remember, many items look alike. Passengers should check to see that you have retrieved all their belongings, and that each item indeed belongs to them. You may report a lost item online by submitting details to our lost & found department. Are tickets refundable or exchangeable? Are certificates refundable or extendable?No. Please be sure your travel plans are finalized before you purchase tickets. In order to provide the best fares, all tickets purchased from the Ski Train are non-refundable and non-exchangeable - for any reason. You may give the tickets to someone else, or sell the tickets for up to the amount you paid for them. (Note: if you are buying third party tickets, the original purchaser remains on record and the ticket holds no warranty). Gift certificates and Coach-4-Packs cannot be refunded and the expiration date cannot be extended. This policy includes, but is not limited to, travel disruptions, illness, and family emergencies. Lift tickets sold through the Ski Train are valid at Winter Park Resort, for use on a single day, before the ticket expiration date printed on the ticket. It is at the passengers discretion whether to purchase travel insurance for their itinerary from an independent agency. When can I purchase tickets for the next season? What are the fares?Our schedule requires approval from the Union Pacific Railroad. Individual tickets on summer trains are usually available in May. Individual tickets for winter trains are usually available in October. Groups have the opportunity to reserve tickets before they go on sale to the general public. Fares will be announced once reservations become available. How do I redeem my Coach 4 Pack or gift certificates online?In order to redeem your certificates online you will need the certificate number. Proceed to the BUY TICKETS link. Select the date you wish to travel and follow the instructions given. When you "go to payments" and are given a choice of payment options, select "Certificate", and enter the valid certificate number and personal information.
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