Richard Kehoe: When Snow Fuels the Toronto Snowmobile Show
What drives the excitement surrounding major snowmobile shows? According to Richard Kehoe, the answer begins long before the doors open. It starts with the previous winter and the experiences snowmobilers have enjoyed out on the trails.
During our visit to the 2026 Toronto International Snowmobile, ATV & Powersports Show, we had the opportunity to meet Richard Kehoe, President and CEO of this major powersports event.
Richard Kehoe also serves as President and Publisher of On Snow Magazine and Snowmobiler TV, two well-known names in the North American snowmobiling community.
With decades of involvement in the industry, Kehoe brings a valuable perspective on market trends, consumer expectations, and the passion that continues to drive snowmobilers year after year.
During our conversation, one topic stood out in particular: the direct connection between winter snow conditions and the enthusiasm surrounding the Toronto Snowmobile Show.
🎥 Exclusive Interview with Richard Kehoe
Our team sits down with Richard Kehoe at the 2026 Toronto International Snowmobile, ATV & Powersports Show.
A Great Winter Makes All the Difference!
In the snowmobile industry, Mother Nature plays a major role. And as Richard Kehoe explained during our interview, its influence extends far beyond the trails.
He shared an observation that perfectly captures the relationship between snow conditions and the excitement surrounding the show:
The Toronto International Snowmobile, ATV & Powersports Show is directly influenced by winter conditions. When the previous winter has been a good one, enthusiasts are excited. They’ve had the opportunity to use their equipment, put miles on their snowmobiles, and now they’re eager to discover what’s new.
Translated summary of Richard Kehoe’s comments during our interview.
This observation highlights a unique characteristic of the snowmobile market.
After a winter filled with great snow conditions, riders have accumulated miles, enjoyed their machines, and created unforgettable memories. Their enthusiasm is at its peak, and naturally, they begin looking at what manufacturers have in store for the next season.
New snowmobiles, innovative technologies, riding gear, accessories, and safety equipment all become appealing to enthusiasts looking to enhance their experience.
On the other hand, when winter conditions are disappointing, snowmobiles may spend more time in the garage than on the trails. As a result, the urgency to upgrade or replace equipment can diminish.
A great winter doesn’t just make snowmobilers happy. It also helps maintain their enthusiasm and stimulate the entire industry.
Richard Kehoe: A Career Dedicated to Snowmobiling
Richard Kehoe is certainly no newcomer to the world of snowmobiling.
His involvement spans several decades and reaches well beyond organizing the Toronto Snowmobile Show.
Throughout his career, he has played significant roles in specialized media, television production, event promotion, and bringing the snowmobiling community together.
This extensive experience gives him a unique perspective on the industry, from the manufacturers developing new products to the consumers who ultimately ride them.
On Snow Magazine: Informing and Connecting Snowmobile Enthusiasts
Richard Kehoe is President and Publisher of On Snow Magazine (OSM), a publication dedicated to snowmobiling in North America.
Through this magazine, he contributes to bringing industry news, manufacturer announcements, snowmobile reviews, racing coverage, and other important developments to enthusiasts.
His involvement extends beyond the business side of publishing. Over the years, Kehoe has also contributed editorial content and participated in coverage of major snowmobile events.
This close connection with the industry allows him to follow emerging trends while maintaining a strong understanding of what matters most to snowmobilers.
Snowmobiler TV: Bringing Snowmobiling to the Screen
Richard Kehoe is also President and Publisher of Snowmobiler TV (STV).
Launched in 1997, this Canadian television program has spent years showcasing the excitement and lifestyle surrounding snowmobiling.
Through destination features, snowmobile reviews, industry reports, and riding adventures, Snowmobiler TV brings viewers closer to the people, places, and machines that make the sport special.
The program has also aired on REV TV, where it celebrated its 25th season in December 2021.
The connection between On Snow Magazine and Snowmobiler TV has helped bring snowmobiling content to enthusiasts through multiple media platforms.
For Kehoe, this involvement represents another way of supporting the visibility and continued growth of the sport.
Toronto International Snowmobile, ATV & Powersports Show: A Major Industry Gathering
Richard Kehoe is also President and CEO of the Toronto International Snowmobile, ATV & Powersports Show.
The annual event is a major gathering for snowmobile, ATV, and powersports enthusiasts.
Its 39th edition took place from October 23 to 25, 2026, at the International Centre in Mississauga, in the Greater Toronto Area.
The show brings together manufacturers, dealerships, equipment suppliers, snowmobile clubs, associations, and businesses connected to the powersports industry.
Visitors have the opportunity to explore the latest machines, speak directly with industry representatives, and compare the equipment and accessories available for the upcoming season.
Beyond its commercial importance, the show is also an opportunity for enthusiasts to reconnect before winter arrives.
For Richard Kehoe, organizing this event is part of a broader career dedicated to promoting snowmobiling and bringing its community together.
More Than a Show: A Gathering of Snowmobile Enthusiasts
One of the greatest strengths of events such as the Toronto Snowmobile Show is their ability to bring together so many different aspects of the industry under one roof.
Visitors certainly come to see the newest snowmobiles and accessories, but they also come to share experiences, discover riding destinations, and reconnect with fellow enthusiasts.
For manufacturers and dealerships, these events provide valuable opportunities to interact directly with customers.
For snowmobile clubs and associations, they offer a platform to promote trail maintenance, safety awareness, and the importance of volunteer involvement.
And for riders, attending the show is simply another way to enjoy their passion, even before the first snowfall.
This is where Richard Kehoe’s observations become particularly meaningful.
When winter conditions are favorable, snowmobilers get to enjoy the sport to its fullest. That excitement carries over into the fall, when they visit shows to discover the products and innovations that could make their next season even better.
A Passion That Goes Beyond the Weather
The snowmobile industry faces a reality every rider understands: Mother Nature is unpredictable.
Snowfall, season length, and trail accessibility can directly influence how often riders get out and enjoy their machines.
Despite these challenges, the passion for snowmobiling remains strong.
Manufacturers continue to innovate, snowmobile clubs work tirelessly to maintain quality trail networks, and enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the return of winter each year.
Through his involvement with On Snow Magazine, Snowmobiler TV, and the Toronto International Snowmobile, ATV & Powersports Show, Richard Kehoe continues to contribute to the visibility of the sport and the connections that bring its community together.
Our conversation with him was a reminder that beyond the machines, technology, and industry events, it’s the simple joy of riding that keeps snowmobiling alive.
And when a great winter comes along, that enthusiasm becomes contagious!