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Winter on the Conway Scenic Railroad
FEATURED: History, Holiday Magic, and a Season Full of Special Excursions
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For decades, the Conway Scenic Railroad has captured the imagination of travelers who crave the nostalgic rhythm of a classic train ride paired with the unmatched scenery of New Hampshire’s Mount Washington Valley. This year, the historic railway is making history once again, because the Mountaineer no longer hibernates for the winter.
That’s right, introducing the Winter Mountaineer, a cold-season version of Conway Scenic’s signature journey through the White Mountains. Running weekends from Thanksgiving through February, this excursion gives passengers a chance to experience the grandeur of the mountains when they’re at their most breathtaking - snow-capped, silent, and shimmering in the crisp northern air.
And I can tell you from firsthand experience, having filmed multiple New England Traveler television episodes aboard Conway Scenic’s beloved trains, including their Snow Train and Mountaineer excursions, there’s nothing quite like it. Each journey offers that rare combination of nostalgia, natural beauty, and small-town New England charm that keeps passengers coming back year after year.
For many years, the legendary Mountaineer took a well-earned break each winter, resting its wheels while the snow piled high in Crawford Notch. But not anymore.
This year, Conway Scenic Railroad is extending its signature experience into the coldest months with the Winter Mountaineer.
This spectacular scenic journey now departs on select winter weekends at 10:30 a.m. from the beautifully restored 1874 North Conway station, inviting passengers to settle in for a spectacular ride through snow-covered valleys and mountain passes that look straight out of a vintage postcard.
It’s a new seasonal chapter for a beloved tradition, and one that lets train lovers extend their riding season deep into winter.
The Winter Mountaineer follows the tracks of the former Maine Central Mountain Division, tracing the path of the Saco River as it winds through the villages of Intervale, Glen, and Bartlett, climbing steadily into the rugged heart of the White Mountains.
The trip culminates with a breathtaking crossing of Crawford Notch, one of the most dramatic stretches of rail in all of New England. As the train hugs the mountainside, passengers are treated to views of deep gorges, frozen waterfalls, and snow-dusted evergreens that seem to stretch endlessly into the distance.
It’s a journey that captures the soul of winter in the White Mountains - serene, powerful, and utterly unforgettable.
From the moment you step aboard, the Winter Mountaineer feels like stepping back into the golden age of rail travel.
This is a 1950s-era streamlined passenger train, complete with classic detailing and polished finishes that make every seat feel special. Travelers can choose from a variety of car options, including the premium glass-topped Budd Vista Dome, a favorite among photographers and rail enthusiasts alike.
From these dome-class seats, the White Mountains unfold in panoramic splendor, endless snowfields, glacial rivers, and the quiet power of the wilderness.
And for those seeking the best views of the Mount Washington Valley, here’s a pro tip: sit on the north side of the train (the right-side heading toward Crawford) for the most dramatic scenery.
There’s something about winter light in the White Mountains - the way it bounces off fresh snow, sparkles on ice-laden branches, and glows softly through the steam of the locomotive.
The Winter Mountaineer offers passengers a front-row seat to that beauty. As the train glides past fields of white and forests wrapped in frost, you can sip a warm drink, relax in your seat, and take in the ever-changing views through wide windows that make you feel part of the landscape itself.
It’s peaceful, immersive, and a reminder that New England winter is not something to endure - it’s something to embrace.
As someone who’s filmed several New England Traveler episodes here, I’ve had the privilege of seeing this railroad through every season. I’ve filmed the Snow Train arriving through falling flakes, and I’ve captured those quiet moments when the only sound in the valley was the train’s whistle echoing through the mountains.
Each visit reinforces what makes the Conway Scenic Railroad so special: the people. From the engineers who maintain these vintage locomotives with museum-level care to the conductors who share stories of the line’s history, every trip feels personal, authentic, and proudly New England.
This new winter version of the Mountaineer keeps that spirit alive, ensuring that the romance of the rails doesn’t go into hibernation when the snow flies.
Check out this episode of New England Traveler called ‘Winter Wonderland’ featuring my journey on Conway Scenic Railroad’s Winter Mountaineer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNEnjBknzTI
Winter in New England can be long and quiet, but adventures like the Winter Mountaineer remind us just how beautiful the season can be.
The experience goes beyond sightseeing, it’s about connection. Families, couples, and solo travelers alike can escape the rush of modern life and slow down to the steady rhythm of steel on track. The train becomes a moving time capsule, carrying you through frozen rivers, mountain villages, and memories of a simpler era.
Few experiences capture the feeling of New England winter so completely - comfort, nostalgia, and natural wonder all rolled into one unforgettable journey.
The Winter Mountaineer boards select winter weekends at 10:30 a.m. from the North Conway station. Heated cars keep things cozy, and passengers can choose from coach, first class, or dome class seating for a more elevated experience.
Tickets are available online at the Conway Scenic Railroad website, and advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially for dome class, which tends to sell out quickly.
Whether you’re a returning rider or planning your very first winter excursion, this is the season to do it.
The Mount Washington Valley offers plenty to see and do before or after your train ride, from snowshoeing and skiing to warming up with a hot drink or exploring downtown North Conway’s charming shops.
Frontside Coffee Roasters, right in downtown North Conway, for a rich espresso or hot chocolate and a view of Mount Cranmore.
The Met Coffeehouse, just down the street on Main Street, known for its friendly vibe, creative drinks, and walls lined with local artwork.
Zeb’s General Store, a North Conway institution packed with local goods, New England treats, and nostalgic charm, the perfect stop for souvenirs or a bag of maple candy before heading home.
But honestly, even if all you do is ride the train and breathe in that crisp mountain air, you’ll leave with a smile and a story to tell.
Conway Scenic Railroad’s decision to keep the Mountaineer rolling through winter is more than just a schedule change, it’s a statement. It’s proof that New England’s rail heritage is alive, thriving, and still inspiring wonder in every generation.
As New England Traveler continues to highlight the best seasonal experiences across the region, I can say confidently: the Winter Mountaineer is a must-do for anyone who loves history, scenery, and a bit of cold-weather adventure.
After all, few things capture the spirit of New England winter quite like a vintage train climbing through the White Mountains - steam rising, snow falling, and memories being made with every mile.
