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Snowmobiling and Small Towns in British ColumbiaEH BC's of Rural Tourism PodcastMerritt Snowmobile Club - Simon Rizzardo What happens when you combine deep powder, hundreds of kilometres of groomed trails, dedicated volunteers and a small-town community that knows how to welcome snowmobilers?You get rural winter tourism in British Columbia, Canada.In this episode of EH BC’s of Rural Tourism, the Brothers of Tourism, Greg and Colin, sit down with Simon Rizzardo of the Merritt Snowmobile Club to talk about the people, passion and economic impact behind snowmobiling in Merritt and the Nicola Valley.Merritt may have a population of just over 7,000, but its winter tourism opportunities are anything but small. The Merritt Snowmobile Club maintains more than 300 kilometres of trails, four riding areas and six warming shelters. Simon was also recognized as Groomer of the Year by the BC Snowmobile Association in 2022.The conversation goes well beyond the thrill of riding.Greg and Colin explore how snowmobiling contributes to the local economy, bringing visitors into communities where they fuel up, stay in accommodations, eat at restaurants, visit local businesses and often return with friends.They also shine a spotlight on something that often goes unnoticed: the volunteers and groomer operators who make rural winter tourism possible.Without their time, dedication and hard work, the trails simply wouldn't be ready when visitors arrive.This episode is a look at why rural tourism matters, why winter recreation deserves a bigger place in BC's tourism conversation, and why supporting the people behind the experience is just as important as promoting the destination.Watch the episode, hear Simon's story and discover why the best snowmobile adventures aren't just about the powder — they're about the people and communities that make the ride worth taking.EH BC’s of Rural Tourism is a partnership between the Tourism Industry Association of BC and EH Canada Travel, bringing the voices, experiences and perspectives of rural tourism to the forefront.Subscribe, like, comment and share the episode with someone who loves snowmobiling, rural BC and the great outdoors.Snowmobiling and Small Towns in British ColumbiaEH BC's of Rural Tourism Podcast