Unearth The Voyage
Winter transforms ordinary train rides into magical journeys through snow-covered landscapes that look like scenes from a storybook. Across America, historic railways and modern routes offer front-row seats to frozen rivers, snow-capped mountains, and frosted forests without the hassle of driving icy roads. Whether you’re chasing the northern lights in Alaska or gliding past the Pacific coastline, these winter train adventures deliver unforgettable views and cozy comfort. Pack your warmest coat and prepare for some of the most stunning scenery you’ll ever see from a train window.
1. Alaska Railroad — Aurora Winter Train (Anchorage ↔ Fairbanks)
The Aurora Winter Train connects Anchorage to Fairbanks on select weekends and holidays, offering passengers a comfortable way to experience the Last Frontier’s frozen beauty. On clear days, you might catch glimpses of Denali rising above the horizon like a frozen giant.
The real magic happens after dark when the aurora borealis sometimes dances across the sky, visible right from your train window if you’re lucky. Winter seats fill up fast because locals and tourists alike know this route showcases Alaska at its most dramatic. Book your tickets early through alaskarailroad.com, and bring layers—you’ll want to step onto the outdoor viewing platforms despite the cold.
2. Amtrak Winter Park Express — “Ski Train” (Denver ↔ Winter Park, CO)
Skipping the icy mountain drive has never been easier or prettier. This seasonal express whisks powder-hungry skiers from Denver straight to Winter Park Resort, passing through the dramatic Moffat Tunnel carved deep into the Continental Divide. For 2025, service has expanded to five days a week starting January 9, with bonus holiday departures in late December.
Front Range peaks frame every window as the train climbs higher into ski country. You’ll trade highway stress for relaxed views of frozen creeks and pine forests heavy with snow. Step off practically at the slopes, gear in hand, ready to carve fresh tracks without ever touching a steering wheel or worrying about chains.
3. Durango & Silverton — Cascade Canyon Winter Train (CO)
Step back in time aboard vintage railcars that chug alongside the iced-over Animas River, surrounded by the towering San Juan Mountains. Winter trips don’t reach Silverton—instead, they turn around at Cascade Canyon, which honestly feels like riding inside a snow globe come to life. Frosted cliffs rise on both sides while the river below freezes into abstract sculptures.
The 2025 winter and spring schedules are already posted on durangotrain.com, so planning your trip is straightforward. Bring a camera because every curve reveals another postcard-worthy scene of Colorado high country dressed in white. The slower pace and cozy heated cars make this a perfect escape for anyone craving old-fashioned railroad charm wrapped in winter wonder.
4. Mount Washington Cog Railway — Waumbek Winter Trains (NH)
Climbing toward the clouds on America’s first mountain-climbing cog railway feels like an adventure from another era. Winter trains chug up to Waumbek Station at 4,000 feet, where warming huts and crackling fire pits await cold passengers eager to soak in White Mountain views. Note that steam operations are taking a break for 2025, but diesel and biodiesel trains continue running through the snow.
Frosted evergreens line the steep track as you ascend, and on clear days, the panorama stretches across New Hampshire’s snow-draped peaks. The railway doesn’t reach the summit in winter, but Waumbek offers plenty of dramatic scenery without the extreme exposure. Bundle up and prepare for a classic New England mountain experience that’s thrilled visitors since 1869.
5. Amtrak California Zephyr (Chicago ↔ San Francisco Bay Area)
Few train rides in America can match the California Zephyr’s continental sweep through winter landscapes. This daily long-distance route crosses the snowy Rockies in Colorado before threading through Nevada and climbing into the Sierra Nevada between Reno and Sacramento. The glass-domed Sightseer Lounge car puts you right in the middle of the action, with panoramic views that make you feel like you’re flying through the mountains.
Winter is actually prime time for this journey because snow transforms already-stunning scenery into something truly epic. You’ll watch frozen rivers, frosted canyons, and white-capped peaks roll past your window for hours. Book early on amtrak.com—word has gotten out about this bucket-list ride.
6. Amtrak Empire Builder (Chicago ↔ Seattle/Portland)
Big-sky country gets even more dramatic when blanketed in snow, and the Empire Builder gives you a front-row seat to the transformation. Running daily year-round between Chicago and the Pacific Northwest, this route crosses the northern plains before approaching the mountain wilderness around Glacier National Park. Even in winter, when the park itself is mostly closed, the scenery from the train is breathtaking.
Endless white fields stretch to distant horizons in Montana and North Dakota, broken only by frozen rivers and occasional farmhouses sending up woodsmoke. The journey takes about two days, so you’ll want a sleeper car to fully enjoy the experience. Check amtrak.com for current schedules and prepare for one seriously scenic winter adventure.
7. Amtrak Coast Starlight (Los Angeles ↔ Seattle)
Combining coastal beauty with mountain drama, the Coast Starlight might be America’s most scenically diverse train ride. Winter light makes the Pacific sparkle differently, softer and more golden, as you roll north from Los Angeles. Then the route turns inland, climbing past snow-dusted Mount Shasta and through the white-frosted Oregon Cascades before reaching Seattle.
Daily year-round service means you can catch this ride whenever your schedule allows—just verify exact times on content.amtrak.com for your travel dates. The Parlour Car (when available) and Sightseer Lounge offer the best vantage points for soaking in ocean views and mountain passes. Pack layers because coastal fog and mountain snow create wildly different temperatures along the way.
8. Amtrak Vermonter (Washington, D.C. ↔ St. Albans, VT)
New England looks like a Christmas card factory exploded all over it during winter, and the Vermonter captures every picturesque moment. Daily service connects Washington, D.C., with Vermont, passing through New York City, Connecticut, and Massachusetts before reaching the Green Mountain State. Frozen rivers wind alongside the tracks while snow-covered farms and classic red barns dot the landscape.
Vermont villages with white church steeples appear around bends, looking exactly like they did a century ago. The single-seat ride means no transfers—just settle in and watch the Mid-Atlantic gradually transform into quintessential New England winter scenery. Check amtrak.com for schedules, and consider bringing hot cocoa in a thermos to complete the cozy experience.
9. Amtrak Ethan Allen Express (New York City ↔ Burlington, VT)
Following the Hudson River north before cutting across to Lake Champlain, the Ethan Allen Express serves up Hudson Valley beauty followed by Vermont’s winter charm. Daily year-round service to Burlington (extended since 2022) makes this route a convenient gateway to Vermont ski resorts and winter adventures. Snow-frosted mountains frame the Hudson as you leave New York City’s bustle behind.
Lake Champlain’s approach into Burlington offers stunning views, especially when ice formations create abstract patterns along the shore. The ride takes about half a day, perfect for a long weekend escape. Check current schedules on amtrak.com and coordinate with Vermont ski areas if you’re planning slope time—several resorts are easy shuttle rides from Burlington.
10. Grand Canyon Railway (Williams, AZ ↔ Grand Canyon South Rim)
Most people picture the Grand Canyon under blazing summer sun, but winter brings a quieter, more intimate experience with occasional snow dusting the rim. Classic railcars roll daily from Williams through ponderosa pine forests that look magical under a blanket of white. The South Rim feels peaceful in winter, with far fewer crowds and a hushed atmosphere that lets the canyon’s grandeur really sink in.
Mainline service operates year-round, and from mid-November through early January, you can also catch festive Polar Express night trains for a family-friendly seasonal option. Check schedules and book through the Grand Canyon Railway website or phoenixmag.com for special event details. Winter at the canyon is truly special.
11. Great Smoky Mountains Railroad — Winter/Polar Express (Bryson City, NC)
Frost clings to the ridges of the Smokies like powdered sugar, creating a softer, dreamier version of these ancient mountains. Operating from Bryson City, this heritage railroad extends its season into winter with special excursions that showcase the mountains at their most peaceful. Cozy heated cars keep you comfortable while misty valleys and bare hardwood forests create hauntingly beautiful scenes outside your window.
Families especially love the seasonal Polar Express experience, which runs from Bryson City and brings the beloved children’s story to life with hot chocolate and festive fun. Check Visit Smokies for current schedules and ticket availability. Even without the themed rides, regular winter excursions offer a wonderfully relaxing way to experience these legendary mountains.
