APIK MISSISSAUGA 2026

Transforming Winter Into a Global Urban Stage

In January 2026, thanks to Visit Mississauga, APIK returned to Celebration Square with a clear ambition: to push winter culture further and elevate urban action sports onto a global stage.

More than a competition weekend, APIK has evolved into a content-driven platform where athletic performance, city activation, and digital storytelling converge.

For three days, a custom-built urban snowpark transformed the urban core into a playground for progression, attracting elite athletes, engaged communities, and international audiences alike.

Elite Competition, Urban Energy

This edition brought together 91 athletes, from X Games medalists to emerging local talents, competing across four disciplines: snowskate, skateboarding, skiing, and snowboarding.

With a $100,000 prize purse, divided equally between women and men, APIK reinforced its commitment to high-level performance and gender equity. The event also hosted the largest snowskate competition ever held in Canada, setting a new benchmark for the discipline nationally.

The competition formats blended structured contests with dynamic Best Trick sessions, creating high-impact moments designed both for live spectators and digital audiences.

Cultural Credibility & Global Icons

APIK’s 2026 edition was elevated by the presence of two legendary figures in freestyle culture: Tom Wallisch and Seb Toots.

Both served as judges for APIK’s Golden Ticket program: an online talent search designed to uncover the next generation of under-the-radar ski and snowboard riders. The initiative gives emerging athletes a direct pathway to compete on a major international stage, offering visibility, prize money, and career-defining exposure.

The impact was immediate. In 2026, both the women’s and men’s snowboard podiums were topped by Golden Ticket winners: Mia Langridge and Nick Fox, demonstrating the program’s ability to identify and elevate true breakout talent.

A dedicated APIK post featuring Wallisch and Toots surpassed 100,000 views, further amplifying the reach and credibility of the initiative.

A Festival That Travels Far Beyond the City

While APIK energizes public space, its true scale unfolds online.

The 2026 edition generated 3.9 million total views across APIK platforms, including 1.7 million views on social media content alone. The official website recorded over 97,000 visits, with nearly 49,000 unique users, reflecting sustained audience engagement before, during, and after the event.

The live webcast attracted more than 14,000 viewers, delivering real-time global exposure and extending the reach of Mississauga far beyond its physical footprint. Hosted by legendary figures in action sports: Craig McMorris, Mikey Ciccarelli, and Kim Lamarre. The broadcast combined technical insight, credibility, and authentic cultural voice, elevating the viewing experience and reinforcing APIK’s positioning as a premium winter sports property.

A Scalable Platform for Cities & Partners

APIK continues to demonstrate how winter sport can redefine urban spaces while delivering measurable cultural and media impact.

By combining elite competition, authentic community engagement, and high-performance digital strategy, the event creates value that extends far beyond three days on site. For host cities like Mississauga, and brand partners like The North Face, APIK represents a scalable platform capable of activating public space, generating international visibility, and connecting meaningfully with the next generation of audiences.

From city square to global spotlight, APIK turns winter into a high-impact platform for cities and brands.