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Amanda Schwengel

April 03, 2023

Food and Hospitality

PHOTOS: The Winter Park Express

Amanda Schwengel

April 03, 2023

Brad Swartzwelter, a graduate of Metropolitan State University of Denver’s School of Hospitality, helped revitalize the Winter Park Express ski train. Now, it’s a huge success, he said, selling out 90% of its runs this season.

Read the full story: “The Winter Park Express is a runaway success story”

MSU Denver Hospitality alumnus and Amtrak Winter Park Express train conductor Brad Swartzwelter welcomes skiers to the train on Saturday, March 25, 2023. Photo by Amanda Schwengel

Conductor Brad Swartzwelter began his studies at MSU Denver in 1991 at age 27, pursuing a degree in Hospitality, Meeting and Travel Administration.

Skiers and snowboarders board the train early on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at Union Station in Denver.

Conductor Brad Swartzwelter helped revitalize the Winter Park Express, which runs riders and skiers to Winter Park Resort from January to March.

Conductor Brad Swartzwelter makes an announcement at departure.

Brad Swartzwelter checks train tickets during the two-hour journey to Winter Park Resort.

Passengers enjoy the 360-degree view in the lounge car during the 66-mile journey.

Brad Swartzwelter talks with passenger and train-lover Ross Westlay, 86.

Conductor Brad Swartzwelter checks tickets and talks to passenger Emily Roberts, right.

Passengers grab skis and belongings after arriving at Winter Park Resort.

Brad Swartzwelter hands skis to ColoRail volunteer James Flattum at Winter Park Resort. Photo by Amanda Schwengel

A skier makes her way down a run at Winter Park Resort.

Skiers wind down the mountain.

The Winter Park Express pulls into Winter Park Resort as skiers finish their day.

The train passes through 30 tunnels, including the historic 6.2-mile Moffat Tunnel under the Continental Divide, before dropping passengers at the resort.

The Winter Park Express pulls into Union Station.

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