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Ski Train Returns For 1 Day, Trip To Winter Park

DENVER (CBS4)- The ski train hasn't been running from Union Station to the mountains for six years but it will return for one day.

The Winter Park Express will leave Denver on March 14 for one day to celebrate the ski resort's 75th anniversary. The Winter Park Express will be operated by Amtrak Excursion Train.

"We're celebrating 75 years of being in business here at Winter Park," said Winter Park General Manager Gary DeFrang.

Ski Train
The ski train (credit: CBS)

"Instead of the experience of having a really good time starting here once you're on the mountain, getting here is part of the fun. Everybody loves to ride a train," said DeFrang.

It's a limited edition excursion scheduled for March 14. Riders can book the trip for $75 if they make the reservation by March 13. There are only 400 seats available.

"They came to the conclusion that it was a good idea. Then they had to get approval from Denver Union Station," said DeFrang.

The train will leave Union Station in the morning of March 14 and will arrive at Winter Park Resort just two hours later. The train will return to Denver that evening.

"A few hours and I think we've sold 140 tickets so far. The train holds 400 so I think we're going to sell out on this thing pretty quick," said DeFrang. "I think this is going to be huge. I think we're going to fill the train. I think people are going to be really excited."

The hope is that Amtrak will see a benefit to running the train consistently and maybe even CDOT could get involved because this would take hundreds of cars off the road.

Winter Park officials said they hope that is one option in the future but for now they're excited to have the train coming back at least once.

"Our hope is, that if this is successful and we do everything right, that we can take this one day event and transfer it to regular schedule to part of the ski season next year," said DeFrang.

As an extra perk, a free $15 gift voucher will be distributed on the train that can be used in Winter Park Resort restaurants and retail stores.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Depart Denver Union Station at 7:00 am on Saturday, March 14
Arrive at Winter Park Resort at 9:00 am
Depart Winter Park Resort at 4:15 pm
Arrive at Denver Union Station at 6:15 pm
There are just 400 seats available, so act fast and treat yourself to a day of mountain fun that doesn't include tail lights.

Winter Park Express:  http://www.amtrak.com/WinterParkExpress

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