Thompson Rivers University (TRU) buzzed with excitement as riders, spectators, sponsors and locals gathered for this year’s Rail Riot, an event that turned a simple down-flat-down rail into a hub of community, sports culture and creativity. From first-time competitors to longtime supporters, everyone who showed up shared one thing: a deep love for skiing, snowboarding and the spirit that ties the mountain community together.
Spectators bring the energy
Among the crowds were Kamloops locals Chance Adams, Aidan McGrath, Smith Simpson and Henry Tosoff, who came to support the event and a familiar voice on the mic.
“We came because my homeboy’s announcing it, Cody McKinnon,” Simpson said. “Lots of cool people hanging around. Good place.”
But for them, this wasn’t just about the show.
“It’s the ski culture,” Adams said. “It brings everyone together. Everyone connects this way. It’s a fun night.”
The vision behind Rail Riot
At the centre of Rail Riot’s success is Justin Tarasoff, a current TRU student and the event’s creator.
“I’m just really stoked that it all came to a success,” Tarasoff said. “This has been months of planning, months of pulling my hair out, worrying about snow. The fact that it’s actually here, it feels amazing.”
His vision has always been to make mountain sports more accessible.
“It brings mountain sports into urban locations,” Tarasoff said. “You don’t have to be at Sun Peaks to start. You just need snow and dedication. It shows how accessible it really is.”
The idea behind Rail Riot was born from trial and a few run-ins with security.
“I kept setting this up on my own and getting kicked out,” Tarasoff said. “So my teacher, Billy Collins, told me to facilitate it properly and go through the right channels. That’s how Rail Riot was born.”
‘This is the best event TRU has ever held’
As Rail Riot grows, businesses like Kamloops Ram, represented by Maga Ermakov, are stepping up to support the movement.
For Kamloops Ram, sponsoring Rail Riot aligns perfectly with their brand.
“We’re Dodge, Jeep, RAM and Jeeps are super popular with outdoorsy people,” Ermakov said. “Off-road, skiing, backcountry, camping, these cars are built for that lifestyle. Events like this help bring that world out and show what these vehicles can do.”
Ermakov praised the event enthusiastically.
“It’s the best event that TRU has ever held on campus,” he said. “[Tarasoff] did a really good job and every year it just gets bigger. It’s important for companies like us to support the riders and support the community.”
A celebration of snowboarding, skiing and friendship
For rider Alex Wright, participating in Rail Riot was an easy decision.
“[Tarasoff] told me about the contest, said it’s super chill, a whole bunch of people having fun,” Wright said. “I saw videos online and knew right away I was locked in. It’s something you just can’t miss.”
Though many competitors were skiers, Wright proudly represented the snowboarding community.
“It’s all community,” he said. “You meet people who match your style or intensity, you make new friendships…This is what snowboarding and skiing is all about.”
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