WINTER PARK, Colo. – Amtrak and Winter Park Resort will operate a Winter Park Express excursion train on March 14, taking passengers and their ski gear by Amtrak train from Denver Union Station directly to the resort that morning -- then back to Denver that evening -- in celebration of the resort’s 75th anniversary.

For each round-trip adult railfare of $75, passengers will avoid I-70 and US-40 and receive a $15 gift voucher for use in resort restaurants and retail stores, with discounted lift tickets available in advance by calling the resort at 888- 923-7275. Rather than enduring the maddening stop-and-go “ski traffic,” Amtrak passengers Enjoy the journey® on the historic Union Pacific Railroad route, with the Winter Park Express stopping at the resort after passing through the landmark Moffat Tunnel. The Winter Park Express will depart Denver at 7:00 a.m. and arrive at the resort at 9:00 a.m., leaving Winter Park at 4:15 p.m.to return to Denver at 6:15 p.m. All times local.

“Passengers riding this train to ski will have a brief chance to sample the comfort and reliability of Amtrak – America’s Railroad®,” said Mark Murphy, the Chicago-based Amtrak General Manager responsible for the excursion, which shares part of the route of the daily Amtrak California Zephyr to and from Denver. “Amtrak operates excursion trains such as the Winter Park Express to bring in revenue to support our core business of operating scheduled Amtrak service.”

“Winter Park Resort’s very creation was predicated on the railroad, so it’s only fitting that we celebrate our 75th anniversary with this one-day return of passenger rail service from downtown Denver to the resort’s doorstep,” said Gary DeFrange, Winter Park Resort President and COO. “We are excited the Winter Park Express not only provides our guests an alternative to the traffic quagmire on I-70, but also for the potential it represents for rail service in the future.” Tickets for up to 400 passengers are available from Amtrak.com/WinterParkExpress or by calling the resort at 888-923-7275. Up to two children ages 2-12 per adult can travel at half- fare and Amtrak Guest Rewards points can be earned on this excursion. More information is available on Amtrak.com.

About Amtrak® Amtrak is America’s Railroad®, the nation’s intercity passenger rail service and its high-speed rail operator. Amtrak and its state and commuter partners move people, the economy and the nation forward. Formally known as the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, Amtrak is governed by a nine member board of directors appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Anthony R. Coscia is board chairman and Jeffrey R. Moreland is vice chairman. In FY 2014, nearly 31 million passengers traveled on Amtrak on more than 300 daily trains – at speeds up to 150 mph (241 kph) – that connect 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian Provinces. Enjoy the journey® at Amtrak.com or call 800-USA-RAIL for schedules, fares and more information. Like us on Facebook, Follow us on Twitter (@Amtrak) and check out our blog at blog.amtrak.com.