Skis and Snowboards Ride for Free on Amtrak

Traveling to the mountains for skiing or snowboarding has become much easier with Amtrak’s flexible baggage policies. One of the biggest perks is that Skis and Snowboards Ride for Free on Amtrak on many routes, including popular seasonal services like the Winter Park Express, which takes travelers from Denver to Colorado’s Winter Park Resort. Whether you are planning a quick weekend trip or a longer journey, understanding how to bring your gear along without extra charges can make your trip smoother. Amtrak allows skis and snowboards to be transported as part of your baggage allowance, making your trip both convenient and cost-effective.

How to Carry Your Ski or Snowboard Gear?

Amtrak offers two primary options for transporting your gear:

Carry-On Baggage

• Allowance: Skis or snowboards can serve as your one carry-on item, replacing a standard carry-on bag.
• Size & Weight Limits: Your equipment must be in a full-length protective cover and should not exceed 50 lbs in weight or 72 inches in length (linear dimensions).
• Protection: To prevent damage and ensure safety, all skis, snowboards, poles, and boots must be enclosed in a sturdy, full-length protective case made of vinyl, cloth, nylon, or a hard-sided material.
• Availability: You are allowed two carry-on bags per person, so your ski or snowboard can count as one of these.

Checked Baggage

• Allowance: Alternatively, you can choose to check your gear as one of your checked bags.

• Limits: The first two checked bags are free, each weighing up to 50 lbs and measuring no more than 75 inches in linear dimensions.

• Oversized Items: If your gear exceeds 76 inches in length, there is a $20 fee for each item up to 100 inches. Items larger than 100 inches are not permitted.

Important Tips for Traveling with Your Gear

Traveling with skis and snowboards requires some preparation to ensure a smooth journey. Here are a few essential tips to help you pack and manage your gear effectively, making your trip hassle-free and enjoyable from start to finish.

• Always use a full-length protective cover for skis, snowboards, boots, and poles to safeguard your equipment and fellow travelers.
• Confirm whether the stations you’re departing from and arriving at allow checked baggage, as some stations may not offer baggage service.
• If your train is a special ski service like the Winter Park Express, there are often dedicated storage areas and assistance with loading your equipment.

Special Routes: The Winter Park Express

One of the most popular ski routes operated by Amtrak is the Winter Park Express from Denver to Winter Park Resort. This service is specifically tailored for winter sports enthusiasts:

• Free Transportation: Skis and snowboards ride for free, with no additional charge.
• Dedicated Storage: The train features a designated storage area for ski and snowboard equipment, and volunteers assist with loading.
• Passenger Allowance: Passengers can bring two carry-on items and two personal items, with skis or snowboards counting as one carry-on.

Additional Important Details

nowing the key details about booking and baggage policies can make your trip with skis and snowboards much easier. Here’s what you need to know about purchasing tickets, size restrictions, and baggage allowances on Amtrak’s popular routes like the Winter Park Express.

• Booking: Tickets for the Winter Park Express and other routes can be purchased via the Amtrak website or the Amtrak app.
• Fees for Oversized Items: For gear larger than 76 inches but up to 100 inches, there’s a $20 fee. Gear larger than 100 inches is not allowed.
• No Extra Cost on Special Routes: On routes like the Winter Park Express, skis and snowboards are included as part of your free baggage allowance.

Traveling with your winter sports gear on Amtrak is a hassle-free and budget-friendly way to get to the slopes. When you prepare your gear properly and arrive ready at the station, you can enjoy a comfortable and scenic ride without the stress of driving or flying with bulky equipment. Best of all, Skis and Snowboards Ride for Free on Amtrak, making it an even more convenient option for winter sports enthusiasts. Just follow the guidelines, and your journey to the mountains will be smooth and enjoyable from start to finish.