Denver post article saying Amtrak spokesman says ski train a success.
http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_27718873/winter-park-ski-train-part-our-legacy-part-our-history
http://kdvr.com/2015/03/14/local-amtrak-ski-train-visits-winter-park-again-after-5-years-off/
Amtrak effectivly killed the train in 2009 by insisting on Iowa Pacific having insurance way higher than the usual excursion premium. Ironic to see them make a run themselves.
Another report.
blue streak 1 Another report. http://kdvr.com/2015/03/14/local-amtrak-ski-train-visits-winter-park-again-after-5-years-off/
Is that reporter actually standing next to a moving CBR or ethanol train? If she only knew....
-Don (Random stuff, mostly about trains - what else? http://blerfblog.blogspot.com/)
Need some memory refreshment. Last time at Winter Park there was a siding just west of the tunnel. Was that siding used for the D&RGW ski train ?
Is the siding still there as noticed a two head signal facing the tunnel in one of the pictures of the train ? If siding is it only for MOW equipment and not passenger approved. ?
If the siding was there was there a platform ?
Which side of train then and now was used to getting on and off train and what is the relationship of the platform (?) to ski facilities ? Maybe a map link of present setup.
If Amtrak can find equipment is a longer train possible for loading ?
My memory, definitly subject to correction, was that there was a platform on the north side of a single track, not a platform at the siding, and only a platform, not a station building. On the other side of the platform was a gravel road, possibly long since paved.
MidlandMike Amtrak effectivly killed the train in 2009 by insisting on Iowa Pacific having insurance way higher than the usual excursion premium. Ironic to see them make a run themselves.
Editor Emeritus, This Week at Amtrak
I skied at Winter Park about 20 years ago, and here is what I remember. The Ski Train stopped on the main, and passengers got off on the south side, which is adjacent to the ski area base. The ground was snow covered, and I saw in another post that there is no platform. Google earth shows both a passing siding, and a spur siding on the north side. After unloading skiers, the train continued west. I understood that the Ski Train layover and turn was at Tabernash, about 10 miles west, where there is both a wye and a balloon track. One other point of confusion may arise from the fact that Amtrak's Cal. Zephyr "Winter Park" stop is actually at Fraser, about 4 miles west of the ski resort. It is on tangent track, so the engineer and crew have line-of-sight for the entire platform/train length, probably a safety factor.
I hope to see a ski train from NY to VT. With amtrak receiving new baggage cars, hopefully it will be possible.
zkr123 I hope to see a ski train from NY to VT. With amtrak receiving new baggage cars, hopefully it will be possible.
There is one of sorts- the Ethen Allen to Rutland. Killington is about 10 miles away. The only ski resort I know of close to a rail line is Okemo, at Ludlow. Vermont is too far for day trips from NY, like what is possible with the Denver Ski Train
What's needed is the return of the over night montrealer that got north East passengers to Vermont in time for breakfast. Rode that train many times.
But thier was to be a day time NYC to the ski slopes connection involving Amtrak's Adirondack and the Saratoga and northcreek with the connection taking place in Saratoga springs NY. Don't know if thus ever came about.
The two connect in the summer months with excursion trains out of Saratoga springs.
The Adirondack leaves NYC at 8:15 AM, and arrives at Saratoga about Noon. A close S&NC connection would get into North Creek about 2 PM. Gore Mountain ski area is a short shuttle ride away. I looked at S&NC's schedule earlier this winter, but I don't remember if that was the scheduled time. I do remember that the ski train was infrequent. A service of this type would seem more for the overnight(s) visitor.
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