Snowy Peaks RV: Building a Thriving Business in Remote Fernie, BC

From Steel Fabrication to RV Excellence: A 40-Year Journey

Nestled in the stunning mountain landscape of Fernie, British Columbia, Snowy Peaks RV represents more than just an RV repair shop. For Steve and Deanna Hill, what began as a welding shop nearly 40 years ago has evolved into a comprehensive RV service center, parts store, and campground that serves customers from as far away as Texas.

 The Unexpected Beginning

Steve Hill's entry into the RV industry was anything but conventional. Starting as a steel fabricator in 1986, he initially built trailer hitches—something that didn't come standard with vehicles back then. Customer requests quickly expanded beyond welding.

"Next thing you know, within like only a year, people were asking us, well, can you wire the vehicle? Can you put a brake controller in?" Steve recalls. When customers asked about fixing their RV refrigerators, it was a turning point. "We go, uh-oh, fix the fridge? Like, we're welders and steel fabricators."

But Steve's boss was willing to learn, and together they figured out RV appliance repair. As the work expanded, Steve pursued formal training, becoming one of the first to complete the four-year RV technician apprenticeship program at Okanagan College. This organic growth through customer needs and commitment to professional development became a defining characteristic of their business.

Diversification in a Remote Market

The welding background proved crucial for survival. Back then, RV work was strictly seasonal—maybe July through September, with most technicians laid off the rest of the year. But Steve's dual expertise kept him employed year-round.

Today, he still leverages those welding skills, building bike racks and roof racks, and fabricating custom solutions. This versatility has made Snowy Peaks a true one-stop shop.

Building the Foundation

While Steve mastered the technical side, Deanna built the business infrastructure. As their children grew, she opened a small store on their property, then pursued accounting education. Over eight years in an accounting office, she progressed from student to teacher, eventually instructing at the local college.

(L) Steve Hill, (C) Deanna Hill, (R) Alex Barter

This financial expertise proved invaluable. What started as a store with minimal inventory has grown into a comprehensive operation that takes three months to count. The business now includes three full-size service bays, a fully-stocked parts store, and 20 campground sites.

Growing the Team

Snowy Peaks now employs three full-time Red Seal RV technicians plus additional staff. Recruiting in Fernie presents unique challenges—while the area's natural beauty attracts outdoor enthusiasts, housing costs are prohibitively high, even higher than Kelowna, BC.

Despite these obstacles, the Hills have built a strong team through commitment to training. Their partnership with Okanagan College has been particularly successful, with every staff member showing excellent results. The business even offers tool allowances for technicians who maintain high grades.

Steve was part of the first cohort to complete the four-year RV technician program, which has since been harmonized to a three-year program. Since then, he's apprenticed eight technicians. Both of his children became Red Seal RV technicians, and now their granddaughter wants to follow in the family tradition.

What Makes a Good Technician

When looking for new hires, Deanna wants people who are humble and eager to learn, with basic mechanical aptitude. Steve prefers candidates who already have a trade background, whether welding, automotive, or another mechanical field.

The variety of RV work is a major draw. "You get into the RV trade and it's like, oh, I get to do this today. I get to work on electrical today. I work on a roof today. Next day I'm doing plumbing," Steve explains. One of his former apprentices captured it perfectly: "I go to work and I do this work and I just love it so much. They actually pay me. I can't believe that they pay me to do this."

The Reality of Running a Family Business

The business has become a true family affair. Their son runs a mobile RV service in the area, while their granddaughter catches the bus from the shop every morning and visits after school. "It's like having an extended family," Deanna says. "I can bring my dog to work every day, my kids are in and out, my parents help with groundskeeping."

Working from home offers obvious benefits—Deanna's house is a two-minute walk, Steve's is steps from the shop. But boundaries are essential. Shop phones run on timers, shutting off at 6 PM.

The demands are real. "Not everybody can handle the stress of being a business owner. It's a lot of tax filings," Deanna acknowledges. She advises anyone considering business ownership to take at least a basic business course and learn bookkeeping fundamentals.

When asked about advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, the Hills offer guidance that seems contradictory but makes perfect sense. Deanna jokes that she'd tell people "don't do it," but when asked if she'd change anything about their journey, says "No, I wouldn't change anything. I would do it exactly the same."

Her real advice: "Jump in with both feet and don't look back. No plan B. Don't research it too much because you're going to talk yourself right out of it."

Steve agrees but adds: get some basic business education first, though if you think about it too long, you'll talk yourself out of it. "It's a ton of work. It's fun, though."

The one metric they refuse to calculate? Hourly wage. But that's not the point when you love what you do.

Continuous Improvement

One key to their success has been embracing Kaizen—the Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement that drives Toyota's legendary reliability.

"Things are never good enough. You're always improving. You're always getting better. Your shop has to be clean," Steve explains. They've developed systems for efficiently installing rubber roofs, optimized wheel bearing repack procedures with specialized equipment, and maintain rigorous quality control.

Despite approaching 40 years in the business, both emphasize that every day brings new challenges. "Every day there's something new. It's like a puzzle. We learn something every single day," Steve reflects.

Industry Changes

The RV industry has seen dramatic shifts in recent years. Quality control became a significant issue during the pandemic boom, though Deanna notes it's improving. "The manufacturers are getting grilled on quality. Now it's starting to see some improvements."

Supply chain challenges have tested patience—they once waited almost a year for an awning. Despite economic uncertainties, business remains strong. "We're looking two weeks in advance just to get everything finished. It's still going strong and steady."

Looking Ahead

The Hills continue to look for expansion opportunities, particularly interested in adding RV storage. "I think RV storage and RV repair goes hand-in-hand," Deanna explains. "You can just roll it out of storage and right into the shop."

Succession planning remains uncertain—their son thrives with his mobile service, but whether he'll take over or they'll eventually sell remains to be seen.

The Bottom Line

After nearly 40 years, would they do it all again? Absolutely. "I wouldn't change anything. Wouldn't trade it for the world," Deanna affirms.

For Steve, it comes down to something simple: "I really, really like the RV industry. I like the people. I like the work. Every day there's something new. That's what keeps us going."

Snowy Peaks RV proves that with technical skill, business acumen, adaptability, and genuine passion, you can build something lasting—even in the most remote corners of the country. As Deanna puts it: "We start every day by just showing up and driven by passion."