SKI TRAIN TICKET FAQs :: Back to Ski Train Page

Q. Who organizes the Ski Trains?

In addition to the time spent by the NSAA office staff,  organizing the ski trains requires an enormous volunteer effort spearheaded by a volunteer ski train chairman.  The chairman is supported by a dedicated team of volunteers who coordinate such things as parking and loading, food sales, T-shirt sales, safety and, of course, the polka band.

Q. How long has the Ski Train been operating?

The first ski train was March 19, 1972.  The ticket price was $5, and the train charter cost was $3,000

Q. What does the Ski Train ticket cover?

NSAA’s biggest cost for the ski train is the charter fee paid to the Alaska Railroad Corp.  The charter cost for the 2007 ski trains is $28,000 per day, up 30% from the 2006.  Additionally, NSAA must purchase a separate insurance policy exclusively for the ski trains which costs approximately $10,000.  Other costs covered by the ticket price include a Forest Service use fee, security, and the office costs associated such tasks as processing payments, assigning seats, mailing tickets and preparing train manifests.

Because of the increase in the charter price, the price of a ticket for the 2007 ski trains must be increased by $10 ($70 for members and $80 for nonmembers).  This represents a 17% increase in the NSAA member ticket price, compared to a 30% increase in the charter cost. NSAA has set the price at a level which allows NSAA to breakeven if both trains sell out.

Q. Why are the tickets discounted for NSAA members?

It’s one of the benefits of membership!

Q. Why are tickets non-refundable?

NSAA and the Alaska Railroad have no control over weather conditions or avalanche dangers. Most costs of organizing the ski trains are incurred whether the train finally leaves the station or not. Similarly, the costs are incurred whether or not individual passengers are able to make the trip.  If Grandview is inaccessible, Curry is the alternate destination.  If at all possible, we will not cancel the ski train.

If you find that you will be unable to go on the ski train, you may resell your ticket.  Just make sure that you notify us of the change in passenger name.

Q. What happened to the "Beer Car"?

The train cars available for the 2007 ski train have 86 fewer seats than in 2006.  To make as many seats available for passengers as possible, we eliminated the designated “Beer Car”.  This allows us to sell seats in this car. 

Rev. 9/06