The Colorado Transportation Investment Office (CTIO) Board of Directors convened on May 14, 2025, to discuss various agenda items, with a significant focus on the Ski Train partnership. The meeting highlighted the success of the Ski Train service, which has seen substantial improvements in ridership and affordability.

The discussion began with an overview of the Ski Train's performance during the winter season. Sky, a representative from the partnership, expressed gratitude for the support received and reported that the Ski Train had achieved a remarkable occupancy rate of approximately 95% during its December operations, marking the first time the service ran during that month. The service expanded from three days a week to five days a week in January, further increasing accessibility for skiers and recreational users.

Key changes this season included a reduction in ticket prices, which were adjusted to make the service more affordable. Prices were lowered to as low as $9 one way, significantly increasing family accessibility. The introduction of stops in Fraser allowed for greater local use, with about 6% of riders boarding or disembarking there, indicating a successful integration of the service into local transportation options.

The Ski Train's ridership numbers were impressive, with nearly 44,000 riders reported, reflecting a 57% increase in capacity. Despite a slight shortfall in revenue targets, the overall financial performance showed an increase of approximately $300,000 compared to the previous year, with total ticket revenue reaching about $1.1 million.

The meeting also addressed operational aspects, including on-time performance, which was commendable for morning runs at 90% but dropped in the afternoons due to scheduling conflicts with other trains. The board discussed future plans for the Ski Train, including its integration with the upcoming Mountain Rail service, which aims to provide year-round operations.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the Ski Train's successful season, marked by increased ridership, improved affordability, and positive community sentiment. The board expressed optimism about future collaborations and the potential for continued growth in the service's offerings.