Bend, OR (Monday, May 2, 2005) - The North American Pond Skimming Championships, live music from KC Flynn and the largest multi-sport event in the United States will create the biggest beach party of the year May 14 and 15, 2005 on Mt. Bachelor.

“This is the annual blowout weekend to celebrate one of the longest ski seasons in North America,” said Mt. Bachelor spokesman Chris Johnston. “The US Bank Pole, Pedal, Paddle is Saturday, pond skimming is Sunday, we’ll have a barbecue and live music on the deck and tons of prizes from our sponsors.”

Registration for the Oregon ski and snowboard resort's annual pond skimming competition is $15.00 and open now to the first 100 registrants. Registration will remain open until 10:00 a.m. on May 15 or until all 100 slots are full. Entry forms are available online at www.mtbachelor.com or may be picked up at 115 SW Columbia in Bend. The competition will begin at 11:00 a.m. with live music from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the West Village Deck. All participants are entered in a drawing to win a 2005-2006 Mt. Bachelor Season Pass. The three competitors who garner the highest scores will receive prize packs that include K2 ski poles, a Smith t-shirt, a Salomon visor and hydration system, a Dakine beanie and a gift certificate to Cascade Lakes Lodge.

Scoring for the North American Pond Skimming Championships is based equally on three categories: Costume, Style/Trick, and Distance. Each category has a value of 10 points for an overall maximum of 30 points. Every competitor will get at least one run with those crossing the pond entirely granted a second run. Competitors under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian signature. Helmets are required. No ski poles will be allowed on the course.

It's obvious why the North American Pond Skimming Championships at Oregon's Mt. Bachelor ski and snowboard resort is a favorite event with spectators. (photo: Mt. Bachelor Resort)

“This is our most popular spectator event of the season,” Johnston said. “Imagine a hundred crazy skiers and snowboarders, in costumes, skimming across a 50 foot, ice-filled pond. With all of the gear we have from Dakine, K2, Smith and Salomon, plus Bachelor t-shirts and beach towels there’s a chance you’ll walk away with a prize.”

The event will close the Mt. Bachelor ski and snowboard season. Until then, Mt. Bachelor will operate the Summit Express (weather permitting) and the Pine Marten Express chairlifts from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. daily. Daily lift ticket prices are $30.00 for adults, $18.00 for kids and $26.00 for seniors and teens. Express Pass holders receive free lift tickets on the last day of the season.