Micah Desforges started his snow sports dream in a Montreal backyard three years ago.
The executive producer and organizer of APIK says the event has grown so much that it’s attracting competitors from around North America.
“I started this event in my backyard in Montreal, and then it evolved and grew. And now we’re an event company that produces events across the U.S.,” Desforges said.
He met some people from Tourism Mississauga who said they were excited to bring a new and fresh event home. And they did for a weekend between Jan. 30 and Feb. 1.
Desforges said the word “APIK” is a word that they invented, and it’s a reword of APIC (steep).
He said there's a significant amount of money athletes can win.
“We have equal cash prizes for men and women, so there’s $100,000 this weekend. So, 50k for skiing, 50K for snowboarding. And first place in all categories and genders is 10 grand,” Desforges said.
He said the event is an opportunity for athletes to have a good experience and earn some cash.
Competitors have the opportunity to show their best tricks on skis and snowboards.
“We do cash for tricks, so as soon as you land something, we’ll give you cash,” said JD Barabe, who is the sponsorship manager for the event and serves as master of ceremonies in Montreal.
Barabe said this event is unique among other competitions. He also provided details highlighting rail jams.
“What we built, like a snow park where there’s no mountain,” he said.
“There’s not that many rail jams anymore. Most competitions now are either on a mountain or at a resort,” Barabe said. “So, the kind of rail jams where we straight up build a snow park is a unique feature.”
He said that uniqueness is what draws competitors to these events.
Thomas Pelletier, filming coverage of the first APIKFEST in Mississauga, has similar thoughts on the event’s uniqueness.
“There’s not a lot of events where you can watch skiing and snowboarding in the middle of a city. I think it’s definitely something unique, and it’s very fun to watch with friends,” Pelletier said.
Jasmine Baird, who travelled from Whistler, B.C., to compete for the first time in the APIK snowboard rail jam, wanted to be with her loved ones and had the impression it would be fun.
“I was actually born in Mississauga, so when I heard about it being here, that would be pretty sick just to be in front of friends and family,” Baird said.
Mariona Balsamo travelled from the U.S. to compete in skiing.
“I competed in it last year, and I really enjoyed it,” Balsamo said. “Last year, I saw some of the clips from the previous years, and I was like, “that looks really cool.”
Coltan Eckert travelled from Quebec to compete for the third time in snowboarding. While competing, he gets to push his limits and test himself, he said.
“I get to see a lot of friends. I normally get to make some money, and I get to have a really fun time,” Eckert said.
Raelan Moonilall, who travelled from Orillia, Ont., to compete for the second time in skiing, said, “I love skiing so much. I love skiing with my homies.”
“I love skating with my friends,” said Spencer Maclean, who travelled from Aurora, Ont., competing for the second time in skiing.
“We love trying our best and skiing in front of a crowd,” Maclean said.
Barabe said athletes say the cheering is the best part because “it brings them up and they’re like, 'let’s go, I want more.'”
Sara Chan came to the event for the first time with her friend. She said she is interested in winter sports, and that’s what made her want to check out this event.
“I like snowboarding. It’s cool to watch, and I watch the Olympics," Chan said. “It’s very cold, but worth it.”
Caron Lee, who also came to the event for the first time to see some tricks, said she wants to try snowboarding.
“It’s exciting. You see other people who are also passionate about snowboarding and skiing, and it’s just a nice community,” Lee said.
Ava Mundy, who visited with her family and girlfriend at the event, said it’s interesting to see what the athletes can do.
“I’m a skier myself, so it’s been really cool to see what else they could do and whatnot,” Mundy said.
Dana Kleiman, who works with Volvo Cars, which is promoting the XC40 hybrid vehicle, came to the event for the first time. Kleiman said, “It’s really cool. There were some snowboarders, but without bindings.”
A skateboarding Jackalope event is planned for July 10 to 12. The next APIKFEST winter festival will be in 2027. Both events are to take place in Mississauga.
