North Creek, NY – The Saratoga & North Creek Railway has brought back the Snow Train with an expanded schedule designed to serve day-trippers and skiers alike for the 2013 winter season.

The full-service passenger rail train provides round-trip transportation from Saratoga Springs, N.Y. to North Creek with continuing shuttle service to Gore Mountain every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through mid-March.

The expanded schedule features two round-trip trains each Saturday during the 2013 season, providing an additional trip from last year’s schedule. The Saturday schedule will offer both early and mid-morning departures from Saratoga Springs with return trips from North Creek in the early afternoon and evening. Fridays and Sundays will each offer one round-trip train.

“Our new schedule provides a variety of options for both skiers and sightseers alike. By running two trains on Saturdays, we are offering passengers the opportunity to either tackle the slopes early for a full day of skiing or enjoy a leisurely winter afternoon in the scenic Adirondacks,” said Saratoga & North Creek Railway General Manager Steve Torrico. “The snow has returned to the Adirondacks just in time for our season to begin. We hope winter enthusiasts opt to skip the drive and jump aboard the Snow Train for a special travel experience that will offer unparalleled atmosphere, service and convenience.”

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 menus with wine offerings and bar service; and picturesque views of the North Country aboard vintage mid-century dome cars.

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 lines Main Street and offers visitors an array of historic, artistic and cultural attractions.

The Saratoga & North Creek Railway Snow Train departs Saratoga Springs on Fridays and Sundays at 10 a.m. and arrives in North Creek at 12:17 p.m. Return service departs North Creek at 3:45 p.m. and arrives in Saratoga Springs at 5:57 p.m.

On Saturdays, the train will offer two travel options for passengers. The first train departs Saratoga Springs at 7 a.m. and arrives in North Creek at 9:17 a.m. A second train will follow with a departure from Saratoga Springs at 10 a.m. arriving in North Creek at 12:15 p.m. Return trips will depart from North Creek beginning at 1 p.m. with arrival in Saratoga Springs at 3:15 p.m. and again at 5 p.m. arriving in Saratoga Springs at 7:15 p.m.

On Saturdays, the 10 a.m. departure from Saratoga Springs and 1 p.m. departure from North Creek will not offer dome cars or full meal service. A snack bar will be available for passengers.

Shuttle transportation is provided to Gore Mountain by the Snow Train on all arrivals and departures. The North Creek Business Alliance also operates a shuttle to downtown Main Street for passengers aboard the train.

The Snow Train offers 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 adult tickets cost $30 for coach cars and $55 for dome seating. Round-trip child tickets are $20 for coach cars and $40 for dome seating.

For those headed to the slopes, the Snow Train will offer ski packages which include round-trip train transportation and a lift ticket to Gore Mountain. One-day lift ticket and round-trip transportation packages begin at $70 for adults; $55 for seniors and teens (ages 13-19); $42 for children (ages 7 through 12); and $15 for children under six years old. Two-day lift ticket and round-trip transportation packages begin at $87 for adults; $72 for seniors and teens (ages 13-19); $57 for children (ages 7 through 12); and $32 for children under six years old.

Snow tubing packages are also available for passengers looking to take advantage of the 800-foot chutes and handle tow lift service at Gore Mountain. One-day tubing lift tickets and round-trip transportation begin at $44 for adults and $34 for children (children must be 36’ or taller for lift-serviced tubing).

The Snow Train will also offer a 2013 “Haul Pass,” which includes five round-trip rides on the snow train in coach seating for $99, a 66 percent discount off the regular price. Rides may be used individually and/or to service a group; valid for both adults and children. Lift tickets must be purchased separately.

Additionally, Snow Train passengers will have access to exclusive transportation and overnight accommodation packages at a number of lodging partners located at both the north and south depots, including: the Courtyard Marriot; Residence Inn by Marriot; and Saratoga Downtowner in Saratoga Springs; and the Alpine Lodge in North Creek.

For more information and pricing details on all packages available for the 2013 season, visit SNCSnowTrain.com.