Ah, spring – the season of surprises! It’s a golden opportunity for multi-sport activities: skiing, climbing, running, hiking, biking… even kayaking! And there’s no event that captures this spirit better than the Pole, Pedal, Paddle. While there are a few of these events across the nation, one of our favorites is the Selco Pole Pedal Paddle in Bend.
Inspired By Jackson Hole
Held every late May, it was started by Jenny and Dave Sheldon back in 1975, inspired by a similar event in their original town of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. While Jackson Hole’s version was cancelled in 2023 due to weening popularity, Bend’s version has grown immensely over four decades, attracting a huge following.
What Is It?
Finishing up with a party across in the Riverbend Park just down the river from the Old Mill District, this annual tradition is the BIGGEST event of the year for the area. Over 10,000 people descend upon Bend to taste everything the region has to offer in the Pole Pedal Paddle Bend event. It starts on the snow-covered slopes of Mt. Bachelor and flows downhill finishing up on the Deschutes River. Depending on how fit you are, you can either attempt to do all six legs or enjoy it as a team relay race.
Keep It Mellow Or Get After It
One of the main reasons why it’s so popular is the flexibility of how you can enjoy the Pole Pedal Paddle Bend race. If you’re a fierce competitor or just a soul surfer, it can be an easy jog or a strenuous workout. It’s all up to you. Based on that, the course can take anywhere from an hour and 45 minutes to four hours.
Team Category Options
In regards to team categories, there’s a LOT to choose from. If you’re in it for a chance to win a cash prize, the Elite Individual category is the one for you. It’s the only category with cash prizes, which are $1,000, $500, and $250. The next option is a two-person team. Your team can be all female, all male, or mixed. These two person crews will have one person per leg, with each member alternating. If you’re looking for a more intense experience and still only two people, check out the tandem category. While some of the legs you’ll be able to alternate, there are some that you must do together like using a tandem bike or a two-person kayak. Last, but not least is the most popular – the team race. Each crew must include three to seven members (there are six legs, but you can have two people in a canoe or one in a kayak).
A Family Affair… literally
We have to talk about a special team division: the Family category. With 3-7 members, this division is exclusively for family members. But here’s where it gets exciting: instead of the standard race format, they’ve devised a unique formula. It considers the team’s size and age range, ensuring fairness and fun. This makes the PPP a real family adventure, where even grandparents and grandkids can join in!
How It Works
Compared to other pole, pedal, paddle races, this one doesn’t have just three legs but a whopping six categories. They are as follows:
1 Alpine Ski
This leg starts at the top of Mt. Bachelor’s Red Chair, sprinting uphill then skiing down the LeeWay run.
2 Cross-Country Ski
The XC is an 6 km skate ski and goes to Mt. Bachelor’s Nordic Lodge parking area.
3 Bike
Biking consists of a 22 mile beautiful ride into Bend along Century Drive.
4 Run
This leg is a 5 mile mix of dirt, pavement, and pavers that starts at the Athletic Club of Bend that travels over and under multiple bridges that cross the Deschutes River finally finishing at the Riverbend Park in Bend
5 Canoe/Kayak
The water portion goes downstream 1/2 mile, then upstream for a mile to the NEW take-out point at Farewell Bend Park, on the opposite side of the river.
6 Sprint
The last segment is a 0.4 mile sprint that crosses over the bridge that connects Farewell to Riverbend and finishes at the Riverbend park.
Why You Should Go & 2026 Bad Winter’s Twist
We’ll let you in on a little secret… April and May at Mt. Bachelor might be the best kept play in skiing. While midwinter crowds fight for powder days, those in the know wait for this. Longer days, softer turns, and plenty of space to roam. If you’re anywhere near the PNW, don’t just come to spectate, bring your gear and grab a few laps.
That said, this season threw a curveball. The 2025/26 winter has been a tough one. Mt. Bachelor saw just 206 inches of snow, nearly 60 inches below its previous low, and record warmth didn’t help. For the first time ever, they won’t make it to Memorial Day, with closing day set for April 19. But here’s the thing… Bend still delivers. World class mountain biking, the Deschutes River for everything from floating to surfing, and the Bend food scene punches way above its weight.
Even without a full spring ski season, the energy is still there. Between the event, the community, and everything happening around town, it’s more than worth the trip. And if you want to jump in instead of just watching, hit the registration link below.
Event Details:
When: May 16th, 2026
Where: Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort and Bend, OR
Registration: PPP Bend Website
