Amtrak’s Best Routes for Snowy Views

Amtrak’s Best Routes for Snowy Views let you enjoy the beautiful sights of winter while relaxing on a warm, comfortable train. These routes take you through snowy mountains, frozen lakes, and quiet small towns, showing off some of the best winter scenery in the country. Whether you want to go skiing, explore charming winter towns, or just relax and watch the snow outside your window, these train trips are a wonderful way to experience the magic of winter without worrying about traffic or bad weather.

Amtrak’s Most Scenic Winter Train Routes

Travelers looking for dramatic snowy landscapes and cozy winter escapes by train should consider these exceptional Amtrak routes:

• California Zephyr: Travels from Chicago to San Francisco, passing through the dramatic snowy landscapes of the Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada. Highlights include the Moffat Tunnel under the Continental Divide, Glenwood Canyon, and Donner Pass with snow-covered peaks and scenic river valleys. Ideal for stunning mountain winter vistas and alpine experiences.​​
• Empire Builder: Runs from Chicago to the Pacific Northwest through Glacier National Park and the northern Rockies. Offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, frozen lakes, and dense forests, perfect for a classic winter wilderness experience.​
• Adirondack: Connects New York City to Montreal, showcasing the snow-covered Hudson Valley, Adirondack Mountains, and Lake Champlain. Provides a cozy, picturesque winter journey through charming small towns and scenic landscapes.​
• Vermonter: From Washington, D.C., to St. Albans, Vermont, this route highlights the snowy Green Mountains, offering peaceful rural winter scenery and opportunities to explore New England winter activities.​
• Winter Park Express: A direct route from Denver to Winter Park Ski Resort, ideal for skiers wanting a metro-to-mountain option. The train delivers passengers to the heart of a top Colorado ski area surrounded by snowy peaks.​
• Lake Shore Limited: Runs between Chicago and New York, passing through snow-blanketed regions of upstate New York and along frozen lakeshores, offering classic northeastern winter views.​
• Amtrak Cascades: Connects Seattle and Vancouver, featuring the snow-capped Cascade Range. Passengers can enjoy winter mountain vistas along the Pacific Northwest corridor.​

Note: These routes highlight some of the most scenic snowy landscapes in the United States and Canada, combining majestic mountain views, frozen lakes, and charming winter destinations accessible by train. Each offers unique winter travel experiences with easy access to outdoor activities and cozy towns.​​

Amtrak’s Best Routes for Snowy Views offer unforgettable winter scenery and convenient access to top ski and winter destinations. From the majestic Rocky Mountains on the California Zephyr to the serene Green Mountains on the Vermonter, these trains let you experience stunning snow-covered landscapes without driving stress. Whether seeking cozy mountain towns or alpine adventures, Amtrak’s winter routes provide a comfortable, scenic journey worth planning for the snowy season. Riding these routes in peak winter months brings the most magical views and memorable experiences.