GROWING UP ON THE THROTTLE
A Father & Son Snowmobiling Story from MERRITT, BC
There’s something special about watching your kid fall in love with the same mountains you did. For Simon and his son Bryson from Merritt, snowmobiling has never just been about horsepower or fresh snow. It’s been about building confidence, learning responsibility, and creating a bond that grows stronger with every ride.
Bryson’s snowmobile journey started early. At just three years old, he first hopped on a small youth sled, ripping around the backyard, the Brookmere parking lot, and the local toboggan hill. Like most kids who discover sledding young, it didn’t take long before he wanted more power, more challenge, and more adventure. With a few upgrades and a lot of enthusiasm, Bryson was soon watching sled videos, trying new moves, and dreaming about bigger terrain.
For Simon, watching that progression has been one of the best parts of being a dad. Seeing his son fall in love with the same sport he loves — and grow more capable each season — has been incredibly rewarding. What started as teaching the basics slowly turned into riding alongside a confident partner in the mountains.
When Bryson moved onto a bigger sled, everything changed. His confidence grew, his skills sharpened, and Simon’s role shifted from constant leader to riding teammate. Now Bryson knows the local riding zones well enough to lead the group himself — a reflection of just how much time they’ve spent exploring and learning together in BC’s backyard.
But snowmobiling has taught Bryson far more than how to ride. The backcountry has become a place to learn responsibility and self-reliance. From packing the right gear and tying down sleds properly, to fixing things trail-side and helping out at the cabin, every ride comes with real-life lessons. Preparation matters. Taking care of equipment matters. Looking out for others matters. Those habits carry far beyond the snow.
Safety is always part of the conversation too. Simon encourages Bryson to build independence — choosing lines, reading terrain, and making decisions — while keeping clear boundaries around riding within conditions, wearing proper gear, and respecting the mountains.
Some of their most meaningful moments don’t happen at the peak of a ride. They happen after — sitting on the sled with helmets off, talking about what went well and what could be better next time. Those small conversations are where trust is built and confidence grows.
Snowmobiling has also opened the door to deeper connections within the BC riding community, from meeting riders in different regions to building friendships that stretch far beyond any one ride. That commitment to community is something Simon is known for. In 2025, he was recognized as BC Snowmobiler of the Year, an honour celebrating volunteerism, leadership, and dedication to the sport across the province.
For Simon, it’s never been about recognition. It’s about supporting clubs, strengthening riding communities, and passing those values on to the next generation — something Bryson is already learning firsthand.
For parents thinking about introducing their kids to snowmobiling, Simon keeps it simple: take it slow, ride with other families, and let kids discover if they truly love it. When they do, investing in properly sized machines helps keep learning safer and more fun.
Looking ahead, Simon hopes Bryson carries forward more than just riding skills. Confidence from learning something challenging, respect for the outdoors, smart decision-making, and a desire to give back to the snowmobiling community that’s given them so much. Whether Bryson rides forever or not, the memories and lessons will last a lifetime.
THINKING ABOUT GETTING YOUR KIDS INTO SNOWMOBILING THIS SEASON?
Start small, ride together, and let the adventure grow naturally. The BC Snowmobile Federation has a number of online resources to help including a FREE kids backcountry safety activity book and more.
