These scenic winter train rides will take your breath away!
When traveling long distances across our beautiful country, the picturesque route is always worth taking, especially in the winter when those majestic and wild landscapes are wrapped in snow.
And even though wintery conditions don’t really favor drivers, train riders can enjoy the frosty scenery without the stress of slippery roads.
So, a scenic winter train ride in North America can sometimes feel like riding in a snow globe as you watch mountains, lakes, rivers, and forests rush by while you’re sitting cozy and warm in your railcar.
Whether you choose a ski train between downtown Denver and the slopes, an Amtrak route from the Midwest, or a California wine train that embraces the holiday spirit, trains, and winter fun go together like hot cocoa and marshmallows.
Let’s not waste any more time! Check out our 10 favorite scenic winter train rides in the US, where you can truly appreciate the diverse natural beauty of our nation.
Christmas Story Train: Strasburg, Pennsylvania
Carving through Pennsylvania Dutch country in Lancaster County, Strasburg is the nation’s oldest short-line railroad, running since the mid-1800s.
If you choose to go on this train ride, you’ll see Clement Clarke Moore’s poem, “The Night Before Christmas,” come to life on the “Christmas Story” train while admiring the countryside.
Holiday excursions on this scenic winter train ride include Santa trains and a Christmas Tree train. It even has a stop to pick out and load your chosen tree onto a flatcar to take home with you.
Napa Valley Wine Train: Napa, California
The Napa Valley Wine Train is probably among the most alluring ways to explore this well-known California wine region. You can sip wine at any time of year while overlooking the vineyard outside your window.
During the holidays, though, you can buy a ticket for the Santa Train and, rather than wine, enjoy a tasting of freshly baked cookies and hot chocolate, plus a visit from the red-suited man himself.
Or, you can upgrade your journey on this scenic winter train ride to include a three-course gourmet meal with kid-friendly menus in one of the luxury cars. The holiday-themed trip runs between late November and December 23rd.
The Polar Express: All around the nation
The Polar Express, a Tom Hanks movie and Caldecott Medal-winning children’s book, is re-created in 40 Polar Express rides across 24 states, plus 8 trains in England and Canada combined, putting over a million annual passengers in some magical train seats.
The story is read and performed by actors who are onboard, while Santa, his elves, and dancing chefs who serve hot cocoa and treats add to the fun on the way to the “North Pole.”
Most of these scenic winter train rides are on heritage railroads in picturesque spots like Mount Rainier, the Grand Canyon, and the Catskills.
Amtrak California Zephyr: Chicago to San Francisco
Those who like to travel long-distance on trains love the Zephyr in any season, but winter adds the extra appeal of powdery snow outside the window as they roar over the Sierras and Rockies and in between Utah’s Red Rock Country.
Leaving daily all winter from Chicago and San Francisco, the 51-hour odyssey offers hotel-style service in a bedroom or suite with a private shower in the bathroom.
Or, you can break up your trip on this scenic winter train ride with stops to sleep… and ski in Salt Lake City or Denver.
Empire Builder: Chicago to Portland, Oregon
This 46-hour Amtrak route runs each day of the year, allowing wintertime travelers to witness the splendor of the American West under a blanket of white snow.
Beginning in Chicago and ending in Seattle, through Minneapolis, St. Paul, Spokane, and Portland, the Empire Builder route passes through the grandeur of Glacier National Park, all dressed up in its winter best.
Other highlights on this scenic winter train ride include vistas of Seattle’s Columbia River Gorge and the snowcapped peaks of Washington’s Beacon Rock and Oregon’s Mount Hood.
Winter in the Rockies: Vancouver to Banff, Alberta, Canada
Spending winter in the Rockies will get you from Vancouver to the real-life winter wonderland of Banff in Alberta, where you’ll be cutting through both Jasper National Park and the famous Lake Louise.
Along the way, you’ll have a front-row seat to Canada’s Rocky Mountain vistas and an opportunity to go out and explore the beautiful landscapes winter has to offer.
With this vacation package, you can ice skate on Lac Beauvert or enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride across the icy landscape. Once you arrive in Banff on this scenic winter train ride, do a well-deserved soak in the natural hot springs or hit the ski slopes.
Ethan Allen Express Train: NYC to Burlington, Vermont
Vermont may be mostly recognized for its fall foliage, but if you choose to visit in the winter, you’ll be in for another stunning spectacle.
Amtrak’s Ethan Allen Express goes from New York City to Burlington, passing picturesque winter views of the Green Mountains and Hudson Valley.
This scenic winter train ride takes about eight hours to finish, but you can break it up with stops to explore many charming towns along your way, or you can find a cozy bed-and-breakfast with a wood-burning fireplace to spend the night on this relaxing journey north.
Aurora Winter Train: Alaska
This seasonal scenic winter train ride will take you north from Anchorage to the snow-covered peaks of Denali, which is America’s tallest mountain.
You can hop off after three hours at Talkeetna to Nordic ski in Denali—and, if you’re in luck, get a glimpse of a trackside moose—or continue for another nine hours to Fairbanks for some incredible northern lights views.
Trains leave each Saturday morning, with return trips on Sundays. Certain midweek departures between November and March let you return after a few days if you wish for some more time to explore.
Canyon & Christmas trains: Arizona
“Snowbirds” who are looking to escape the Midwest chill in December by flocking to Arizona might still long for memories of a Christmas away from the desert. Well, we’ve got you covered!
With a quick drive from Phoenix to Clarkdale around Sedona, you’ll get to see red rock buttes and pinion pines embracing the Verde River on the four-hour Verde Canyon train ride.
When the holiday season comes around, you can hop on board the Magical Christmas Journey express ride to get to the “North Pole.”
An ugly sweater factory and Santa’s Workshop are just a few examples of fantastic holiday sights the kiddos can see on this scenic winter train ride.
The Ski Train: Colorado
This scenic winter train ride is a joyride, even for those who don’t know how to ski. The double-decker ride ties Denver’s 1914 Beaux-Arts station with the Winter Park ski area.
One minute, you’re in downtown Denver’s gorgeous Beaux-Arts Union Station, and a mere two hours later, you’ll find yourself stepping off the train just a few feet from a Winter Park ski lift. So don’t forget to pack some comfy and warm boots!
While here, you can see spectacular views of the Flatirons as you chug along over Boulder, then more views while winding into the Rockies before crossing under the Continental Divide in a six-mile-long tunnel.
Trains run from January 14th to April 3rd on the weekends.
Have you ever taken any of these scenic winter train rides? If so, let us know about your experiences in the comments section below.
Meanwhile, if you liked this article, we highly recommend you also check out: 8 Magical AND Affordable Winter Destinations in the US
