North Creek, NY – Snow train service from Saratoga Springs to North Creek, N.Y. returned on Friday for the first time since the Presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt.

The Saratoga and North Creek Railway celebrated the inaugural run of the Gore Mountain Snow Train, a new full-service passenger service that provides round-trip transportation for skiers, snowboarders and winter enthusiasts from Saratoga Springs to North Creek with continuing shuttle service to Gore Mountain every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through March 31.

The Gore Mountain Snow Train is the first passenger snow train service between Saratoga Springs and North Creek since 1942.

“The launch of the Gore Mountain Snow Train is a significant historical milestone for Upstate New York,” said Steve Torrico, general manager of the Saratoga and North Creek Railway. “Restoring passenger rail service to North Creek will allow a new generation of winter sports fans to experience the luxury and comfort of train travel that was celebrated in decades past.  We hope skiers and sightseers opt to skip the drive this winter and jump on board for a special travel experience that will offer unparalleled service and convenience.”

Designed for skiers and sightseers alike, the Snow Train offers an enjoyable winter travel experience for those heading to the slopes or looking for a day-trip to the Adirondacks. The round-trip from Saratoga Springs to North Creek includes conveniences not typically found in today’s rail service, such as complete ski and snowboard equipment handling and storage from Saratoga Springs to the base of Gore Mountain, tableside breakfast and dinner menu with wine offerings and bar service, and picturesque views of the North Country.

Skiers can check their equipment before climbing on board for the relaxing two-hour ride through the heart of the Adirondacks, and transfer from the North Creek Depot to the direct shuttle service to Gore Mountain, where they will find their ski equipment waiting for them. For non-skiers, the Snow Train welcomes passengers to visit downtown North Creek where a variety of antique shops, country stores, bed and breakfasts and restaurants line Main Street and offer visitors an array of historic, artistic and cultural attractions.

Saratoga and North Creek Railway operates the Snow Train over track that was saved from abandonment through a joint effort by Warren County and the Town of Corinth, which upgraded the track to enable the passenger operation. Saratoga and North Creek Railway is financially responsible for maintaining the track and is exploring further improvements. In addition, as a fully integrated passenger railway, Saratoga and North Creek Railway provides on-board and operating staff, sells tickets, maintains equipment, and markets the service.

The Gore Mountain Snow Train departs Saratoga Springs each morning at 7 a.m. and arrives in North Creek at 9:15 a.m. Return service departs North Creek at 4:30 p.m. and arrives in Saratoga Springs at 6:45 p.m. Shuttle transportation is provided to Gore Mountain by the Snow Train on all arrivals and departures.

The Snow Train can handle up to 800 riders per day, offering a choice of either vintage coach car or dome car seating. The coach cars are roomy and comfortable, ideal for family traveling, while the dome cars offer uninterrupted views of the winter landscape through large dome windows that wrap overhead.

Round-trip tickets start at $30 for coach cars and $55 for dome seating. For those headed to the slopes, the snow train offers ski packages which include round-trip train transportation and a lift ticket to Gore Mountain. Packages begin at $70 for coach and $87 for dome – a 30 percent savings over the individual retail cost. Two complimentary drink tickets are also provided to package holders 21 and over.

For younger ski fans, the Snow Train is offering a 2011/2012 “Haul Pass,” which includes five round-trip rides on the snow train in coach seating for $99 – a 66 percent discount. Lift ticket must be purchased separately.

For more information about the Gore Mountain Snow Train, visit www.goremountainsnowtrain.com.