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 can take travelers practically 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 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.
Killington and other Vermont resorts on the Ethan Allen Express line
As we’ve previously written, Amtrak makes it easy to get to East Coast ski resorts, including many Vermont ski areas. The Ethan Allen Express travels daily between New York City and Burlington, Vermont, 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 from the 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 16 runs, of mainly beginner terrain, served by five lifts.
Stowe and other Vermont resorts via the Vermonter
The Vermonter is another Amtrak train, which connects Washington, D.C., New York City, and Boston skiers and riders to Northern Vermont. It’s just a 25-minute drive to Stowe Mountain Resort once you disembark at the Waterbury-Stowe station. Other great resorts accessible via the Vermonter include Mount Snow, located 40 minutes from the Brattleboro stop. Mount Snow, which is on the Epic Pass, 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 drive to Berkshire East.
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 the resort 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 for the ride to the resort. Note that this shuttle runs consistently on weekends and holidays, while travelers will need to call the resort during the week for a shuttle pick-up. Skiers can also purchase the Thunder Ski Package, which offers a train and lift combo ticket at a discounted price.
Winter Park, Colorado
Denver Union Station is your gateway to the Colorado Front Range. Many resorts are easily accessible from the Denver area but none are as easy to get to by train as Winter Park, which is on Amtrak’s California Zephyr route. Mountain adventure seekers can hop on the Winter Park Express at Denver’s Union Station and be skiing or riding 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 will be running 5 days a week (Thurs.-Mon.) this season starting Jan. 9.
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.
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 the big sky country of Montana. Whitefish, Montana, the gateway to Glacier National Park, is among the Empire Builder’s stops in Montana. It’s then just 20 minutes to Whitefish Mountain Resort. The S.N.O.W. Bus (Shuttle Network of Whitefish) is a free shuttle that picks up passengers from the Amtrak Station and transports travelers 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.
Lake Tahoe, California
Amtrak’s California Zephyr gets you close to numerous West Coast ski destinations, but arguably none better than Lake Tahoe. This 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).
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
January 12, 2025
