Artificial snow hill attracts skiers and snowboarders to Mississauga

If you can’t go to the mountain, then the mountain is coming to you.

That’s what will be happening in Mississauga next month when some of North America’s top skiers and snowboarders will take part in three days of competitions and exhibitions on the artificial snow hill that will be created at Celebration Square.

Called APIK, the urban winter event is designed to bring the mountain atmosphere to the city for a family-themed event that not only features competitions but demonstrations, lessons, music and an after-party.

It all happens on Feb. 7, 8 and 9 at Celebration Square in front of Mississauga City Hall.

“We’re bringing the snowy mountain spirit to the city with APIK! After two successful editions of APIK in Montréal, we’re proud to be able to inject this unique energy into downtown Mississauga and make it more attractive than ever,”  said Micah Desforges of Tribu Expérientiel Inc., the group that is bringing APIK to Mississauga.

The custom-built installation in Celebration Square will host the world’s some of the best athletes including American skiing legend Tom Wallish, professional snowboarder Natalie Allport, Canadian Championships gold slopestyle medallist Frank Jobin, snowboarder and Olympian medallist Laurie Blouin, and Olympian skier Megan Oldham, who has brought home hardware from many celebrated ski and snowboard competitions.

Admission to the grounds is free.

“We can’t wait to welcome visitors as we transform Celebration Square into a winter sports haven – complete with skiing and snowboarding competitions in the middle of our city,” said Victoria Clarke, CEO of Visit Mississauga. “We invite you to bring your whole family out to this free event and enjoy the magic of winter while you experience the rush of watching these incredibly talented athletes compete.”