From amusement parks to national parks, Xanterra Travel Collection’s Regional Director of Sales and Marketing Jim Stellmack’s career has taken him all over the nation, sometimes living in remote areas surrounded by nature where most people only get to visit. “My first job was working for Knott’s Berry Farm where I worked a variety of positions in human resources, health services, security and risk management, sales specialist, several management positions and was the operations manager,” he … [Read more...] about From Roller Coasters to Canyon Rails
grand canyon railway
All Aboard for Sustainability: Grand Canyon Railway to Debut Battery-Powered Train in 2027
Future passengers on Grand Canyon Railway will arrive at the South Rim with little fanfare or noise, as a battery-powered electric locomotive is added to the fleet. The Williams-based railway announced in late 2024 that it was awarded a $3.4 million federal grant to convert one of its diesel locomotives to a zero-emission battery-electric locomotive. Xanterra, the parent company of GCR, will pay 20% of the conversion cost under the U.S. Department of Transportation grant agreement. “This … [Read more...] about All Aboard for Sustainability: Grand Canyon Railway to Debut Battery-Powered Train in 2027
GC Railway Honored as Flagstaff’s Green Business of the Year
The Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce has recognized Grand Canyon Railway as its Green Business of the Year. The recently presented award, now in its third year, recognizes local businesses and non-profits that reduce operational impacts on the environment. “We hear from our business community frequently about how much they’re doing to preserve our environment and keep our quality of life high here in Flagstaff,” said Julie Pastrick, Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce president and … [Read more...] about GC Railway Honored as Flagstaff’s Green Business of the Year
Grand Canyon Train Picks Up Steam After Pandemic Setback
This past winter, while icy roads cut vehicle traffic to Grand Canyon 22% in the first quarter, Grand Canyon Railway (GCR) powered through all the snow with a 5% increase in ridership. Train travelers were treated to a snow-blanketed South Rim and photographers scored images of a century-old steam locomotive puffing smoke into the frigid air. “We’re chugging along and only seeing more and more people coming out to visit,” said Sam Langner, Grand Canyon Railway vice president of sales. … [Read more...] about Grand Canyon Train Picks Up Steam After Pandemic Setback
Making Holiday Magic with the Polar Express
Going to work in places where he could play is what Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel General Manager Jeff D’Arpa had in mind while growing up, and that’s exactly what happened. With ski resorts, national parks, hotels and now the Polar Express and Grand Canyon Railway in his professional queue, D’Arpa has completed 25 years with the Xanterra Travel Collection. In his new position as Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel General Manager, D’Arpa oversees 280 to 340 employees and said, “The team I … [Read more...] about Making Holiday Magic with the Polar Express
The Last Large Parcel of Private Land in Northern Arizona Goes into Escrow
One of the largest privately owned parcels of land in the cool pines of Northern Arizona is currently in escrow and scheduled to close this year. Located in Williams, just 30 minutes from Flagstaff in Coconino County, the 500 acres are owned by Valley entrepreneur Max Biegert, who spent 85 million to develop and build the Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel in the late 80’s. He is selling the land to developers to make way for a new mini master planned community that would include custom homes as … [Read more...] about The Last Large Parcel of Private Land in Northern Arizona Goes into Escrow
