BC Snowmobiling Excellence Recognized Through National Awards
Last week, the BC Snowmobile Federation attended the International Snowmobile Congress in Omaha, Nebraska — an annual gathering that brings together snowmobile leaders, manufacturers, tourism operators, clubs, land managers, and recreation organizations from across the world to discuss the future of organized snowmobiling.
As part of the Congress, the Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations (CCSO) recognized outstanding contributions to snowmobiling from across Canada through its national awards program.
This year, the BCSF was proud to forward two nominations highlighting the strength, leadership, and future of organized snowmobiling in British Columbia.
Outstanding Snowmobile Tourism Promotion & Development
Great Canadian Tours, Revelstoke
The BCSF nominated Great Canadian Tours for their exceptional leadership in snowmobile tourism development and professionally guided backcountry experiences in British Columbia.
Welcoming more than 1,200 guests annually from across Canada and internationally, Great Canadian Tours has helped introduce countless riders to snowmobiling through safe, structured, and professionally guided experiences ranging from introductory rides to multi-day mountain adventures.
Beyond tourism impact alone, Great Canadian Tours has played an important role in advancing professionalism and safety standards within the mechanized guiding industry in BC. Members of their guiding team were instrumental in helping form the Canadian Mechanized Backcountry Guides Association, contributing to the continued evolution of professional standards, avalanche awareness, and responsible backcountry travel within the sector.
The company has also helped strengthen understanding of organized snowmobiling at the political level through annual rides involving elected officials and decision-makers, helping showcase the importance of winter recreation to rural communities, tourism economies, and outdoor recreation culture in British Columbia.
Outstanding Youth Contribution – The Pete Greenlaw Award
Kruz Garwasiuk, Kelowna Snowmobile Club
The BCSF was also proud to nominate Kruz Garwasiuk of the Kelowna Snowmobile Club for the CCSO Outstanding Youth Contribution Award.
Kruz represents the next generation of organized snowmobiling in British Columbia and has become actively involved in club operations, grooming support, youth engagement, and rider mentorship within the Kelowna Snowmobile Club.
From supporting trail condition reporting and club operations to helping encourage youth participation in organized snowmobiling, Kruz has demonstrated a level of leadership, maturity, and volunteerism well beyond his years.
He also serves as a positive ambassador for responsible riding and safe backcountry recreation while helping ensure younger riders feel included and represented within the future of the sport.
Celebrating Leadership Across BC Snowmobiling
The BCSF would like to congratulate both Great Canadian Tours and Kruz Garwasiuk on this national recognition and thank them for the important role they each play in strengthening organized snowmobiling in British Columbia.
Whether through tourism development, volunteerism, mentorship, advocacy, or youth leadership, these stories help showcase the depth, professionalism, and community that continue to shape snowmobiling across the province.
