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11 Scenic Train Rides That Transform Winter Into Magic
Not every winter adventure should involve strapping two sticks to your feet and pretending gravity doesn’t exist. Some of us prefer the art of leisurely sightseeing, sipping on hot cocoa, and feeling sophisticated enough to nod knowingly at someone who holds a mug with two hands.
Train rides deliver that vibe with an extra dash of cinematic majesty. So, I’ve rounded up a few winter train rides that are so visually stunning, they’ll make your holiday lights display seem as if it was powered by a sad flashlight.
These routes promise landscapes so spellbinding even the snooziest passenger will press their nose to the frosty window. Curious yet? Here’s your itinerary of snowy escapes by rail.
Aurora Winter Train (Anchorage to Fairbanks, Alaska)
Rolling through Alaska is as picturesque as eating pancakes covered in snowy powdered sugar – minus the sticky fingers. And this 12-hour escapade shows off the state’s untouched wilderness, complete with snow-capped mountains and icy lakes.
Keep an eye out for moose and other wildlife as you sip your coffee. It’s not every day you can casually say, “Oh, there’s a caribou” mid-journey.
Empire Builder (Chicago To Seattle/Portland)
The Empire Builder doesn’t just take you through America’s winter; it drags you on a multicourse tour of the snowy Midwest, the glacial Rockies, and urban skylines.
Over these glorious 46 hours, discover how a train ride can make “the middle of nowhere” look as if it’s auditioning for a National Geographic photo spread. When it travels through Glacier National Park, you’ll gasp…unless you’re too busy trying to warm your hands.
Cascade Canyon Winter Train (Durango, Colorado)
The only thing more dramatic than this 5-hour round trip through the Colorado wilderness is the view of the San Juan National Forest itself. It’s as if nature decided to flex a bit – with frosty treetops, golden sunbeams, and snowflakes so delicate you want to wrap them in bubble wrap.
Fun bonus? This train is pulled by a steam engine. Talk about vintage cool! Channel all your secret train conductor dreams while you’re at it.
Winter Park Express (Denver To Winter Park, Colorado)
Ditch the bumper-to-bumper grind and hop on the Winter Park Express – your personal snow chariot from Denver to Winter Park Resort in just under two hours. Weekends and holidays? Covered. Stress and road rage? Left behind.
Imagine fresh snow-dusted views out your window, crisp mountain air filling your lungs, and zero worries as the train glides along the tracks like it’s auditioning for a winter travel ad. With every turn, you’re closer to the slopes, and guess what? Your sanity’s still intact. No traffic jams, no parking meltdowns – just an easy, breezy ride straight into your weekend victory lap through the Rockies.
California Zephyr (Chicago To San Francisco)
The California Zephyr dares to call itself “the most scenic train route in America,” and it’s not lying. Stretching across the Great Plains and into the snowy Rocky Mountains, it’s a two-day, two-freezing-hands adventure that reminds you what winter should look like.
The windows frame landscapes so cinematic that it feels as if you’ve wandered into a PBS nature documentary. Except here, there’s no narrator interrupting your decisions to nap, snack, or stare.
Adirondack Train (New York City To Albany)
Did someone say “Winter Wonderland?” That’s New York City to Albany in less than three hours by train. Are you not into the whole outdoor winter thing? No problem. Admire the white-clad views from the cozy comfort of your seat, book in hand.
The Hudson Valley alone will make you feel like you’re living inside a snow globe – sans pesky glitter spillage. Just be sure to keep an eye out for bald eagles and other wildlife. It’s not uncommon to spot them during this scenic journey.
Ethan Allen Express Train (New York City To Burlington, Vermont)
For a train named after a revolutionary hero, this ride is nothing short of a scenic rebellion against dull travel. Winding its way through the Hudson Valley to Burlington, Vermont, it serves up wintery Green Mountain views that basically shout, “Frame me already!”
Expect snow-dusted maples, sleepy valleys, and those small towns that look like they were plucked straight from a cozy movie marathon. It’s eight hours of cozy charm, just enough to make your seatmate’s questionable snack choices almost endearing – or at least tolerable.
Coast Starlight Train (Seattle To Los Angeles)
Skip the hassle of airports and hop on the Coast Starlight, a train ride so stunning it feels like stepping into a living postcard. Imagine the Pacific Northwest forests rolling by, shimmering lakes winking at you, and the Cascade Mountains standing tall in all their snow-capped glory.
In just 36 hours, you’ll be living your main character moment, complete with tea in hand and Mount Shasta casually photobombing in the background. And every turn is better than the last. It’s proof that sometimes, the journey is the real showstopper, not just the destination.
Vermonter (Washington D.C. To St. Albans, Vermont)
Who knew a train named Vermonter could be such a winter MVP? Starting in bustling Washington D.C., it winds its way to Vermont, crossing through tranquil snowy landscapes in Connecticut & Massachusetts.
Think frozen rivers, towering pines, and a scenery transformation as cozy as putting on your favorite sweater. For a ride this magical, you might even forgive the Wi-Fi for cutting out mid-journey because, hey, look at those trees!
Pocono Winter Wonderland Express (Honesdale, PA)
Experience the charm of winter in the Pocono Mountains with this scenic train ride. Departing from Honesdale, Pennsylvania, this 2.5-hour journey takes you through beautiful valleys and countryside. And it offers stunning views of snow-covered mountains and forests along the way.
Keep warm inside quaint train cars while sipping on hot coffee, or head outside to snap some photos as the snowflakes dance around you. It’s a picture-perfect escape from reality during those chilly winter months.
Steam And Sleighs (Alna, ME)
If you’re looking for an outing that feels straight out of a wintery movie, hop aboard the Steam and Sleighs tour in Alna, Maine. Because this isn’t your average train ride – this vintage beauty (powered by an old-school steam engine) glides through the quiet, snow-dusted countryside like it’s got a Hallmark movie contract.
Farms and forests blanketed in white roll by as you sip hot cocoa and snuggle under warm blankets. Oh, and the sleigh ride? Total bonus points. If the snow’s just right, you’ll get whisked through the magic at Sheepscot Station, making all your dreams come true.
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