"I just came along for the view" may be the sole reason many people climb aboard the Reno Snow Train. But their "views" change after hearing that "all aboard."

Not only does the excursion begin when the engine chugs away from the station to head toward the mountains, so does the entertainment.

Guests are invited to move about the train and get to know other passengers. Attendants service each car, much like an airline flight attendant.

Piano-lounge car entertainment includes a polished keyboard player who can croon or rock, depending on the song request. A dining car offers snacks and drinks that can be purchased if riders chose not to bring their meals and drinks aboard.

Décor is determined by the particular focus of the outing. It could focus on the '50s, bingo, Mardi Gras or the big band era. Travelers are encouraged to dress according to the mood.

The dome car provides a clear view of the snow-covered peaks, rivers and overall beauty of nature. Because the railroad tracks do not always follow along the roadway, this splendor is generally missed when driving a car.

"On the snow train people get a chance to view how beautiful it is up in the Sierras," says Jade Chapman, president of Key Holidays, Snow Train's host. "Most of this is missed if you travel by bus or drive. Being in that area where it's snow and nature, well it's just gorgeous."

The two-night, three-day package includes a room at one of Reno's casinos, the ride, games, prizes and all the entertainment available during the 5-6 hour ride each way. Lunch is provided on the trek home.

Circus Circus, one of the casinos in Snow Train Packages, offers entertainment for the entire family through high wire and daredevil circus acts. Its rooms range from single full-sized beds to suites that can accommodate up to six people.

Representatives from the El Dorado, also listed to accommodate travelers, were aboard the Fat Tuesday Mardi Gras train giving away prizes. Some of the 660 passengers aboard were presented tickets to see Magician Darren Romeo in the casino's showroom.

Troubadours stroll from one car to another singing familiar songs while playing their banjos, accordions, guitars and harmonicas.

Stewards and staff members are versed in the historical aspect of the trip, narrating facts and lore as the cars roll through small towns and hamlets.

According to Chapman, the passengers get to know each other and seek each other out while in Reno. At any given time groups of people can be observed dancing, playing cards or joking with the crew.

"They tell me they feel like they become family," she says. "Some people travel the Snow Train year after year and look forward to seeing the crew members they've gotten to know. It's like being on a cruise ship, you have that connection."

One such person is William Webber of Yuba City. He annually drives to Roseville to board the train bound for Reno.

"I've been doing this every year for at least 10 years," he boasts while pointing to his metal laden shirtfront. "See, every time I get a Snow Trip pin that tells what year I rode. I brought 27 people with me this year."

The Snow Train's last 2005 departure is on March 15. Its sister the Reno Fun Train, a self-contained weekend party, ends its season on April 8, even though the ample snow provided this year will last past the usual spring melt. Extending the weekly expeditions, however, is dependent on Amtrak.

"We charter the equipment and the crews," says Chapman. "We offer year round trips to Hearst's Castle, Yosemite, San Francisco, Monterey and we're adding one to the Grand Canyon this year. We also have the Pacific Northwest train that goes to Seattle."

Key Holidays has been producing one to four day jaunts with Amtrak since 1983.

While the Snow Train ambled down the hill toward home, Manager Eric Witt communicates with the engineer by phone.

Not only does Witt make sure the train is stocked with supplies, he is responsible for crewmembers and passengers from its start in Oakland (as well as other stops between) until the engine rests in the train yard. Witt continually counts heads, making sure the train leaves Reno toward home with all passengers present and accounted for.

"It's a lot of work," he says smiling. "But I meet so many nice people. I love my job."

Call (800) 783-0783 or (925) 945-8938 for more information.