Capturing winter’s magic: Best BNSF snow photos of 2025
By EUNICE ARCHILA
Staff Writer
Winter transforms our rail network into a picturesque wonderland, offering railfans and photographers the opportunity to capture the beauty of BNSF’s bright orange locomotives against snowy backdrops.
We had stunning entries for our 2025 Winter Photo and received an avalanche of impressive shots. Judges selected the top photos based on creativity, composition and adherence to safety guidelines. Remember, when capturing these scenes, to maintain a safe distance from railroad tracks and private property. Trespassing is not only illegal but also dangerous.
The contest was hosted on BNSF Railway’s Instagram and Twitter accounts, as well as the Friends of BNSF Facebook group. Scroll down to enjoy this year's top winter photos and find inspiration for your next snowy adventure!
FIRST PLACE
Daniel Larabee
BNSF 1864 leads the run down the River Subdivision to clear rails after Snowstorm Blair dumped around 6 to 12 inches of snow in the St. Louis, Missouri, area. The crew had just begun their southbound journey toward Chaffee, Missouri.
SECOND PLACE
Erik Lindgren
A BNSF mixed freight glides over the Great Divide in Colorado on a slightly cloudy day. The contrast between the snow-covered landscape and the emerging sunlight creates a magical scene, capturing the essence of winter railroading. Lindgren’s photo encapsulates the serene beauty of a winter's day.
THIRD PLACE
Carter Hayes
Fresh snow covers the landscape as locomotive No. 4294 leads the way through Colorado. The BNSF train is framed beautifully, transporting us to a calm, winter wonderland. This shot highlights the tranquility and beauty of the snowy landscape.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
William Nsumba
BNSF 6284 passes through Spruce, Colorado, cutting through the snow-covered terrain with power and grace. We love the unique composition of the train moving over an overpass.
“Real Railfan”
BNSF 7628 leads northbound through Isanti, Minnesota, on our Hinckley Subdivision. The BNSF orange stands out against the cover of night, creating a striking contrast that draws the viewer's eye.
Samuel Brodersen
BNSF 7101 leads an eastbound tanker train near Falls City, Nebraska, just after sunrise in January. The early morning light casts a golden glow on the snow, adding warmth and depth to the scene. Brodersen’s photo captures the quiet beauty of a winter morning.
Emerson Mallery
BNSF 6405 leads a southbound stack train just shy of the town of Greenland, Colorado, heading toward Palmer Lake. Mallery took this photo early one morning this January. The cloudless sky and fresh snow create a picturesque setting.
Erik Lindgren
Oh look, it’s Erik again! Despite the challenge of reaching the mountains in Toland, Colorado. He captured the beauty of winter railroading last April. The rugged terrain and snow-covered peaks provide a dramatic backdrop, highlighting the determination and skill required to navigate these tracks.
Mark Burns
A mixed manifest freight winds north through subzero conditions in Sandpoint, Idaho, passing a grain train. The harsh winter environment is no match for these powerful BNSF trains. This photo showcases the relentless spirit of railroading in extreme weather.
Thank you to everyone who participated and congratulations to our winners! If you want to see all the entries, search #BNSFsnowphoto on X or Instagram, or you can join our Friends of BNSF Facebook group.
