The maintenance work on railways that the linemen had to do in winter differed in most respects from the tasks of summer. At that time, for various reasons, the railway was more sensitive to winter weather than it is today.

The track rested on ballast of soil, clay, and sand instead of today's macadam. Frost caused significant trouble through what were known as frost heaves. The track was pushed up and became uneven. Wooden wedges were inserted between the sleeper and rail in front of and behind the frost heave so that trains could pass.

During extremely cold weather, there was also a risk of rail fractures. These could occur due to tensions in the rail or after traffic with wagons with damaged wheels. Then, the rail had to be sawn off and replaced with a new piece of rail.

Another problem that winter creates for Sweden's railways is sometimes unexpected amounts of snow. Especially on lines with long distances between trains, snowdrifts formed, making it difficult to switch tracks. In cuttings, where the railway was surrounded by rock walls, the problems could be significant.

In such cases, snow fences were erected for protection. In mountainous areas, there were – and still are – snow sheds; tunnels made of wood or concrete that keep the snow out.

But even railways with denser traffic could be surprised by snow. During the 1800s, wooden ploughs were used, which were pushed ahead on the track. Depending on the amount of snow, several men might be needed to help pull them.

Over time, snowploughs were developed that could be pushed by one or more locomotives. Later, special machines were added, which also ploughed between the rails, and various types of larger so-called wing ploughs with extendable wings that ploughed far outside the track. For particularly challenging conditions, snow blowers were acquired, first steam-powered, then electric, and finally diesel-powered.