As days get shorter and seasons change, winter arrives with snow and ice. No matter how brief the day or severe the weather, railroads continue to haul tonnage and passengers through landscapes cloaked in snowy white. Scenery takes on an added dimension when mercury plunges to uncomfortable temperatures. A crisp winter setting with a train running through it, beautifully lit with low winter sunlight, is just as captivating as a scene of heavily falling snow muffling sights and sounds of a massive train following a white pathway of hidden rails. Even when travel gets tough and the snow gets deep—and it hurts to breathe and your face and hands sting—hardy men and mighty machines keep the tracks clear.

Snow season isn’t for everyone, but this stunning collection of original photographs will delight any railway fan whether they be warm at home or braving the elements.