MEET BC’S RIDERS: RON LAROY – THE SOUL OF SNOWMOBILING IN REVELSTOKE
“In 1969 I took a snowmobile for a ride and thought THIS IS IT– I have to get me one of these… I haven’t missed a winter since.”
Snowmobiling in BC isn’t just about the adventure — it’s about the people, the history, and the passion that keep the sport alive. In Revelstoke, no one embodies that better than Ron LaRoy.
For decades, Ron has been a steady pulse at the heart of Revelstoke’s snowmobiling community—not just as a rider, but as a builder, advocate, and storyteller. He’s a guy who’s made it his mission to create a space where riders don’t just show up to the mountain—they belong. Whether it’s your first time in town or your fiftieth, if you’ve ever visited Revelstoke’s West Booth on Boulder Mountain, you’ve probably been greeted by Ron’s warm smile and genuine enthusiasm. But his contributions go far beyond the friendly face you see at the booth. His legacy is woven into the very foundation of the Revelstoke snowmobiling scene.
A LEGACY OF WELCOMING RIDERS
Ron LaRoy’s snowmobiling journey began in 1967 with a Polaris sled. He quickly caught the bug, and by the early 1970s, he was working at Terry Fleming’s dealership, where he helped others discover the joy of snowmobiling.
In those early days, Boulder Mountain and Mount Revelstoke National Park were the prime riding areas. Snowmobiling was still allowed in the park until the late 70s, when efforts to protect caribou habitats began to take hold. Ron, along with fellow riders Dusty Veideman, Terry Fleming, Richard Comozzi, and Don Hawker, would load their sleds into their trucks and drive as far as they could before unloading to break trail. The snowpack was often 20 feet deep, making these trips an exhausting challenge.
The crew would boot pack 2 or 3 abreast, only to return to their sleds, ride up the packed trail, rest, and repeat the process. The carbureted sleds of the time, not yet designed for mountainous terrain, required constant tweaking. As they gained and lost elevation, swapping jets to maintain the right fuel-to-air ratio became a crucial part of the adventure. These early trips built the foundation of what would become a lifelong passion for Ron and the Revelstoke snowmobiling community.
FIGHTING FOR THE BACKCOUNTRY
Ron didn’t just ride the trails—he fought to preserve them. As an advocate for snowmobiling, he spent years negotiating to keep Revelstoke’s terrain open to riders, including traveling to Victoria to discuss caribou conservation and snowmobiling closures. His efforts ensured that, even as conservation measures took shape, snowmobilers had a place to ride, explore, and share the backcountry.
"I’m proud of what we accomplished," Ron reflects. "We kept areas open for riders while respecting the need for conservation. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it."
Video: Ron travelled to Eastern Canada in person to convince Can-Am to bring their district service managers from across the Country to British Columbia in 2012. It was the start of many incredible industry events hosted in Revelstoke.
A FAMILY AFFAIR
Ron’s passion for snowmobiling has become a family legacy. His daughter, Stephanie, works with BRP, and in 2013, the family was honored as Canada’s Snowmobiling Family of the Year. Together, Ron and Stephanie participated in the Tracks for Cancer fundraising journey—a seven-day trek across BC and Alberta that raised tens of thousands of dollars for cancer research.
photo: Ron, wife ‘Evie from Revy’, and daughter Stephanie LaRoy Schwartz
RECOGNIZING A LIFETIME OF DEDICATION
Ron’s contributions have been recognized far and wide. He is a Lifetime Member of both the Revelstoke Snowmobile Club and the BC Snowmobile Federation. In 2012, Ron attended the International Snowmobile Congress in Rapid City, South Dakota, expecting to speak on the importance of family in snowmobiling. Instead, he was surprised with an induction into the prestigious Iron Dog Brigade—a rare honor that celebrates individuals who have made extraordinary, lasting contributions to the snowmobiling community on an international scale.
photo: Ron being inducted into the Iron Dog Brigade
THE SOUL OF REVELSTOKE
What makes Ron truly special is his authenticity. He’s not just a snowmobiler; he’s a mentor, a storyteller, and a friend. Whether he’s recounting his first ride on that 1964 Polaris (or many tales of the sleds that came after it) or welcoming todays’ riders to Boulder Mountain, Ron embodies the spirit of our sport.
For Ron, snowmobiling isn’t just about the machines—it’s about the wilderness they unlock, the friendships they forge, and the memories they create. “Being involved in this sport took me into the backcountry, a wilderness I wouldn’t have seen otherwise. And for that, I’m forever grateful.”
So next time you roll into the West Booth on your way to the mountain, take a moment to appreciate the man behind the counter. Ron LaRoy’s legacy goes far beyond his friendly smile—he’s one of the reasons we have a place to ride, a community to be a part of, and a sport that continues to thrive.
Here’s to you, Ron—a true legend of BC’s riding community.
WANT TO SEE RON IN ACTION?
Watch our 24-hour behind-the-scenes video with the Revelstoke Snowmobile Club, featuring Ron as he prepares the iconic West Booth. Get a glimpse of the passion and dedication that fuels our community.
