My wife and I are going from Iowa to Colorado in Feb on a ski trip. The problem is the Amtrak stations here don't allow checked luggage, ie no snowboards or skis. Does anyone out there know a way around this?

Thanks,
Ben

Sadly there is no easy way around your problem, short of starting your trip in Omaha, NB or Chicago. The only other solution that I can think of is to make arrangements with where you are staying to ship your gear to them ahead of time.

Do not show up at the station with your skies/snowboards as the conductor will not let you board with them. Most conductors are even enforcing the two carry-on bag per person limit, so they certainly won't take skies.

AlanB is correct in that you will not be able to bring your ski equipment inside the train with you; however, since the train you are traveling on (California Zephyr) is equipped with bi-level Superliner coaches you will be able to store your ski gear inside the equipment lockers accessible from the exterior of each coach car.

Amtrak's official policy on carrying gear such as yours is as follows:
"Special Items: Ski equipment, snowboards, golf clubs and bicycles may generally only be handled as checked baggage on Amtrak trains. Items are permitted onboard when they can be safely stowed in the exterior lockers of Superliner equipment, or onboard equipment that is specifically designed to safely and securely accommodate the storage of the items." This policy can be read in its original form on Amtrak's website at: http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/Conten...53878&ssid=195

I would highly recommend calling Amtrak at 800-USA-RAIL and have them add a note to your reservation stating that you will be bringing ski gear along and that you will need access to an exterior Superliner storage locker at your origin and destination stations. This will allow the crew sufficient time to prepare to accommodate you enroute. If the reservation agent is unfamiliar with Amtrak's policy on carrying this type of ski gear, you may need to recite the policy from the website.

Finally, your ski gear will NOT count as one of your two permitted carry-on items per person. Have a great trip!

Well I'll be, that's a new one on me. I've never seen anyone open one of those lockers for any reason. In fact, I'd question how many of the crew members even know how to open them, much less that they exist.

I'd take Amtrak's advice though one step further. Not only would I call Amtrak to confirm and note this on your reservation, I'd bring along a printed copy of the policy just in case. It makes it a little harder for the conductor or crew member to argue with you, when you have the clearly printed policy with you.

Without a printed copy, you just might find yourself forced to choose between your trip and your skis, as many conductors are allowing no exceptions to the 2 bag policy.

Now you see just how smart Amtrak is?

There's no way Osama Bin Laden would know about this policy, and so he would be flat turned away if he attempted to board in Iowa with one or more snowboards.

Amtrak is safe as can be.

Thanks a ton!! When I called Amtrak last night they never mentioned the lockers. I'll give them a call again and bring it up. Thanks again.

-Ben

My Brother & his scouts almost every summer take Amtrak to here in NM to camp. The outside bins are where their gear are stored. They board in Fort Madison get off in Raton.