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Let’s face it, nothing quite kills the excitement of a ski day like sitting in traffic. And sometimes flying isn’t any better, especially over holiday weekends or when there’s a snowstorm. But driving and flying aren’t your only travel options for getting to many ski resorts. Enter Amtrak and the numerous train routes that can get skiers and riders close to ski resorts around the U.S.
Some train routes get travelers directly to the entrance of ski resorts, while others can get skiers and riders close enough that it’s then just a short shuttle, rideshare, or taxi ride to the slopes. Train travel expands access for skiers and riders, especially for those who live in major cities. Bonus: There’s no traffic and security lines, and in some cases, you can enjoy aprés-ski on the train.
Amtrak’s Ethan Allen Express—Killington, Pico Mountain and Sugarbush
As we’ve previously written, Amtrak makes it easy to get to some East Coast ski resorts, including many Vermont destinations. The Ethan Allen Express travels between New York City and Burlington, Vermont daily, and is arguably the most picturesque way to get to Killington Resort. Riders will pass through stunning views of the Hudson River Valley and the Green Mountains while they head to the East Coast’s largest ski resort. If Killington, or its sister mountain, Pico Mountain, is your final destination, then get off at the Rutland stop, where you’ll find shuttle service straight to the mountain. It’s then just a quick half-hour ride to the slopes.
The next stop, Middlebury, is another fun stop for access to smaller ski areas like Middlebury Snowbowl, or a little further away, Mad River Glen. Mad River Glen, and neighboring resort Sugarbush, offer the chance to shred some of the most technical terrain in the area, as evidenced by Mad River’s famous “ski it if you can” mantra. Note that Mad River Glen only allows skiers, no snowboarders.
About an hour’s drive from the Ethan Allen Express’ final stop in Burlington is Stowe, set on the highest peak in Vermont, and Smugglers’ Notch. Both ski resorts are very family-friendly and offer a variety of terrain. Finally, Willard Mountain is a small New York resort that’s just 30 minutes south from the Saratoga Springs stop. Willard is home to 15 runs, of mainly beginner terrain, served by six lifts.
Amtrak’s Vermonter—Stowe, Mount Snow, and Bolton Valley
The Vermonter is another route offered by Amtrak, and it connects Washington, D.C. and New York City to Northern Vermont. After disembarking at Waterbury-Stowe Station, it’s only a 25-minute drive to Stowe Mountain Resort. Other resorts accessible via the Vermonter include Mount Snow, located an hour’s drive from the Brattleboro stop, which is on the Epic Pass and has a top-notch ski school and expansive park scene at Carinthia. Bolton Valley, home to 71 trails and 300 acres of skiing, is a 30-minute drive from the Essex Junction stop. Over in Massachusetts, travelers can get off at the Greenfield stop and take a quick 30-minute ride to Berkshire East.
Metro North Ski Train—Thunder Ridge, New York
New Yorkers looking to break away from the hustle and bustle of the city can take the Metro-North Ski Train up to Thunder Ridge Mountain. The transit authority and Thunder Ridge have partnered to help reduce weekend ski traffic and provide an accessible option for those without vehicles. The train departs from Manhattan’s Grand Central Station and stops at Patterson Station. From there, a free shuttle is provided, getting riders directly to the resort. Note that this shuttle runs consistently on weekends and holidays, but travelers will need to call the resort during the week for a shuttle pick-up.
Amtrak California Zephyr—Winter Park, Colorado and Lake Tahoe, California
Denver’s Union Station is your gateway to the Colorado Front Range. While many resorts are easily accessible from the Denver area, none are as easy to get to by train as Winter Park, which is on Amtrak’s California Zephyr route. Skiers and riders can hop on the Winter Park Express at Denver’s Union Station and be at the mountain in no time. This specific Amtrak and Winter Park partnership brings passengers directly to the resort, passing up through the mountains and avoiding all the pesky I-70 traffic. The Winter Park Express typically runs Thursday through Monday.
Upon arriving at Winter Park, skiers and riders are greeted with 3,000 acres of skiable terrain and everything from technical steeps and glades at Mary Jane Mountain to easy flowing greens for learners off of the Gemini Express Lift. It’s a family fave, too, rated by OnTheSnow users as the Most Family-Friendly Resort for the 2023-24 ski season.
Lake Tahoe is also accessible via the California Zephyr and it is particularly convenient for San Francisco Bay Area skiers and riders. The California Zephyr stops in Truckee, giving travelers easy access to several North Lake Tahoe ski resorts, including Palisades Tahoe, Northstar California, and Sugar Bowl Resort. All of these resorts are within a 20-minute drive of the Truckee Amtrak station. Both Palisades Tahoe and Northstar California have great villages with accommodations, so you don’t need a car at all. However, if you want to rent a car to explore Lake Tahoe, then you’ll find a few car rental companies at Truckee Airport (TKF).
Amtrak Empire Builder—Whitefish, Montana
Amtrak’s scenic Empire Builder line travels from Chicago to the Pacific Northwest, stopping in destinations like Seattle, the Columbia River Gorge, Minneapolis, and Montana Big Sky Country. Whitefish, Montana, the gateway to Glacier National Park, is among the Empire Builder’s stops in Montana. After disembarking, it’s just a 20-minute drive to Whitefish Mountain Resort. The free S.N.O.W. Bus (Shuttle Network of Whitefish) picks up passengers from the Amtrak Station and transports them between the resort and downtown Whitefish. Once you’ve gotten your fill of Whitefish Mountain’s 3,000 skiable acres, head to Glacier National Park, located just 35 miles away, for one of America’s best national parks.
Note that Amtrak can get you close to many other ski resorts across America. These, however, are some of the most convenient. You can check out more itineraries to ski destinations on Amtrak’s website.
Hero image ©Amtrak
February 27, 2026
