Start-ups can push venture capitalists onto the chairlift before breaking ground in the Blue Mountains.
The Canadian technology summit is going downhill in its second year – on skis.
“We built Techskis 2025 in six weeks and somehow achieved something that people are still talking about.”
Jonathon Hillis,
Technical skis
In March 2026, a curated group of 250 founders, investors, builders and ecosystem participants will hit the slopes at Osler Bluff Ski Club for the second edition Technical skis. BetaKit is a Techskis community partner.
After a successful impromptu debut in February, the event returns to the Blue Mountains, Ontario. on March 3 and 4 to take Canadian engineering from the show floor to a secluded location filled with chairlifts, cold plunges and après-ski chats.
“We created Techskis 2025 in six weeks and somehow achieved something that people are still talking about,” Benchfund founder and Techskis organizer Jonathon Hillis told BetaKit. “We've got six months this year and we're going to blow the lid off this thing.”
The first day will include keynotes, founder discussions and hands-on sessions led by leading operators and investors. Current speakers include world record endurance holder Connor Emeny, Monday Girl co-founder Rachel Wong, and Mid-Day Squares co-founder Jake Karls.
The day will conclude with an optional Techskis dinner, allowing participants to network over food and wine. Although dinner is optional, 95 percent of Techskis' customers showed up before the last minute.
Day 2 is when technical skiers can choose their own adventure. There are signature TechSki Lift Pitches, where startups offer venture capitalists a chairlift ride before skiing or snowboarding, as well as organized indoor and outdoor activities such as yoga, fireside chats, cold plunges and other wellness activities.
“The goal of Techskis when John came to me with the idea was to always create something that is not your typical tech summit,” Mell Truong told BetaKit Toronto Tech Week and Techskis co-founder. “No hotel ballrooms, convention centers, or traditional networking apps—just real people, real conversations, and a community that goes beyond “what do you do?” a kind of conversation.”
“It is equal parts summit, mindset reset and unforgettable experience,” she added.
Those wishing to register with Techskis can do so. Here.
All images courtesy of Techskis. Photos by Kianna Sunshine Photography.
