‘Deck The Walls’ competition coming to Bend this weekend
Triton Notary
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– A unique winter sports event is taking shape in the heart of Bend, bringing mountain action to the city’s downtown core.
Workers are constructing a wall ride ramp in the backyard of Bend Brewing Company, just feet from Drake Park, for the “Deck the Walls” snow competition. The event is scheduled for Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m., with 25 competitors set to showcase their skills on a ramp facing the Deschutes River.
Despite limited snow on the mountain, the event is moving forward thanks to creative problem-solving by organizers.
“Why do something like this? I ask myself that sometimes when I’m in the middle of the build. The number one reason is to bring the community together. That might sound like a line, but, you will see if you come down here Saturday, how special these events are for everybody, not just the athletes,” said Pete Alport, event organizer for Deck the Walls.
To make the competition possible, a local excavation company is transporting snow all the way from Mt. Bachelor. Once delivered, crews will move the snow into place by hand to create the competition surface.
The event will feature prizes for winners and offers spectators a chance to watch winter sports action from the comfort of downtown Bend.