Denver’s ‘Ski Train’ bids a fond Farwell
DENVER - The train that connects Denver with the ski hills and resorts at Winter Park, Colo., will no longer operate, effective immediately, the Denver Post has reported. A spokesman for “Ski Train” owner Phil Anschutz said a variety of factors, including rising rates for liability insurance, led to the train’s cancellation.
Anschutz has sold Ski Train’s equipment to Canadian National’s Algoma Central Railway, which operates passenger service between Sault Ste. Marie and Hearst, Ont.
“There is common knowledge that the train consistently lost money in its operation, yet profitability never really was the driving issue,” said Anschutz spokesman Jim Monaghan. “It was something a subsidiary of the Anschutz Co. wanted to do.”
However, he said overall cost increases for the train, particularly liability insurance rates, led to its cancellation. He also cited operating issues in sharing the line, Union Pacific’s Moffat Tunnel route between Denver and Salt Lake City, with freight trains.
Finally, a weak economy helped push the train over the edge.
The two-hour ride, which took passengers through dozens of tunnels and traversed breathtaking scenery, was the kind of journey that mesmerized kids. It also was a welcome respite for adults who otherwise would find themselves battling Interstate 70 ski traffic and a sometimes harrowing trip over Berthoud Pass.
The cocktails served in the cafe-lounge on the ride home didn’t hurt either.
It is with fond memories and regret we say farewell to this charming piece of Colorado history.
Ski Train service began under Denver & Rio Grande Western in 1940; Anschutz owned Rio Grande and successor Southern Pacific from 1984 until 1996.
For more on Colorado train rides, see www.scenicrailexcursions.com/colorado_trainrides.php
