For a couple of years in the late ’90s, Ansco’s Rio Grande Ski Train leased Amtrak F40PHs for power, before purchasing three for the train in 2000. On December 27, 1997, Amtrak Nos. 388 and 298 pull the westbound train through the cut at milepost 23 east of Plainview, Colorado.
The Winter Park Ski Train has taken generations of Denverites to the slopes. Started by the Rio Grande and now operated by Amtrak, it's the best way to get there.