Back by popular demand!
2017 Snowflake Adventure
Emeryville - Reno - Emeryville via Donner Pass
Virginia City Rail Corp.

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Emeryville - Reno - Emeryville,  March 28-30, 2017

The popular Sierra Snowflake Adventure is back!! The 2017 edition of the Sierra Snowflake Adventure is scheduled for March 28-30th 2017. Join us for this year's  Snowflake Adventure  during the last weekend of March. 

We are traveling to Reno with Virginia City on Tuesday March 28th and returning to Emeryville Thursday March 30th. In addition to Virginia City we will also have the popular Plaza Santa Fe Pleasure Dome-lounge car and Royal Gorge. We have rooms available at the Nugget Hotel Casino in Sparks. Transportation will be provided to and from the hotel and the Reno Amtrak station.

Join us and be wined and dined as we cross the magnificent Sierra-Nevada mountains and enjoy the bountiful snowfall from this winter's storms. 

Fares For 2017

We have six tiers of fares for this trip: 

  • Delux West Tower $760 pp double occupancy
  • Premier East Tower $775 pp double occupancy
  • Delux West Tower $815 single occupancy
  • Premier East Tower $840 single occupancy
  • Train trip only, no hotel, $710 pp
You can mail a check to 
Virginia City Rail Car
PO Box 2041
Pioneer CA 95666 
Or you can pay online using Paypal, including credit card payments.
 
March 2017 Roundtrip

About Virginia City

You haven't traveled in a private rail car until you've traveled in Virginia City.

Step aboard our opulent private rail car and experience all the romance and nostalgia of a bygone era that is sure to provide you with spectacular scenery, fine food and a warm and friendly staff to pamper you as you relax and have fun in an elegant atmosphere. We invite both our special passengers who join us every year and those who have not traveled with us before, to join us for the time of your life as we make our way over Donner Pass on rails of the original Transcontinental Railroad.

Featured on the Travel Channel show "Tricked Out Trains," the Virginia City is an elegant private rail car that features a brass-railed open observation platform, cozy lounge with a working fireplace, dramatic dining room with an ornate 19th century crystal chandelier, custom china, crystal stemware, gold plated flatware, fresh napery and flowers. 

PLEASE BOOK YOUR TRIP NOW! The cost for round trip fare per person includes round-trip train transportation, elegant gourmet meals, sumptuous hors d’ oeuvres, beverages and cocktail service. However, it does exclude gratuity. This fare is non-refundable within one month of travel. Fares will be refunded in full should the trip be cancelled due to insufficient bookings. 

Itinerary

We will depart Emeryville, California on Tuesday morning and arrive in Reno, Nevada that afternoon. All detraining and boarding will occur at the Reno Amtrak Station! 

We will depart Reno, Nevada on Thursday morning, at approximately 8:30 a.m. and arrive in Emeryville, California about 7:00 p.m. Please plan on being at each Amtrak Station at least 30 minutes prior to departure. 

You can check on the status of any Amtrak train by calling 800-872-7245.

Hotel Accomodations

Our Hotel will be the Nugget Hotel Casino in Sparks. Rates are shown above. We have rates for both double and single occupancy and a 'train only' fare. Hotel space must be confirmed 30 days prior to departure to guarentee rooms.

Check this page for further information and updates to our Snowflake 2017 Trip - or you can call us at (650) 867 4530. We look forward to seeing you aboard! 

(Watch our Snowflake 2011 Highlights video at the bottom of this page - the 2011 trip featured the three cars scheduled for the 2017 trip. Caution: it's rated "X" for eXtreme fun!)

    The smell of crisp mountain air, the rhythm of the rails and snowcapped Sierra Nevada Mountains as far as the eye can see, and that's only part of what you'll enjoy aboard our 2017 Snow Flake Special trip. While the world outside your private car offers a view of the Sierras you can only see by rail, the world inside the car is just as exotic. Many Americans have never experienced the world of private rail travel, they haven't enjoyed its luxuries or had a taste of true first class service. 
     Come, join us aboard the Virginia City for a peaceful trip through the Sierra Nevada mountains. Rail travel is not about economy and speed, instead, it's for those travelers who understand the value of service, and can appreciate the joy of anticipation. Today's transportation industry is focused on fast and cheap but on Virginia City you can step back to a time when happiness was not a station you arrived at but a manner of traveling. 

 
    From the moment you set foot on our red carpet until you debark at your destination you will be in the hands of our veteran chefs and stewards. There are no bags of peanuts or cramped seats aboard our cars, no mediocre service. Instead you'll find elegant meals, a constant flow of hors devourers and a full selection of complimentary liquid libations. Instead of cramped airline seats you'll find a range of atmospheres to explore among five distinct lounges and two vista domes aboard this years Snow Flake Special. 

*Cars subject to change*

 

Day 1 - The Adventure Begins

    We've been making this run for over 25 years, and each trip is better than the last. Each year we see more and more of the same faces, making this a true tradition! This year we hope to top all previous Snowflake trips by making 2017 the best year yet! We'll start with our signature Champagne brunch, followed by an afternoon of spectacular sight seeing as we climb from the valley floor to the snowy  peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountains. As we get closer to Reno enjoy an afternoon tea service, with plenty of savory appetizers and succulent sweets for everyone. 

Day 2 - Reno!

 The day is yours, Virginia City Rail doesn't need to tell you how to spend it. Enjoy one of Reno's many casinos, live performances or music venues. There is plenty of stimulus around, but don't be shy about asking the crew for tips on local attractions. 


Day 3 - End Of The Line

    We've been told that Rail Travel is the most fun you can have with your clothes on! With 25-plus years of experience, we have to agree. The only thing better than taking the Snowflake to Reno is taking it back to the Bay Area! Waiting on board are all your new friends, eager to share their stories about winning and losing in the "biggest little city in the world!" You will receive the same great service on your way home as we roll out an entire day of beautiful scenery, delicious food, and great company. Our three course lunch is sure to impress even the most experienced palate. Even though today is the end of our voyage, its not the end of your experience. The memories and friendships created aboard our cars will last a lifetime!

Virginia City Rail Car 
(650) 867 4530 (Cell) 

Or by Email 
vcrail@sbcglobal.net


Watch highlights from the 2011 Snowflake Adventure
featuring the three cars that will be on our 2017 trip.. 
Running time is 7.5 minutes.

 

 
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