Welcome
TO THE 2026 GERRY LOPEZ BIG WAVE CHALLENGE
Shred the slopes for a great cause. Join us in celebrating the 14th year of the Big Wave Challenge hosted by legendary Big Wave surfer, Mt. Bachelor ambassador, + Bend local, Gerry Lopez. This event, inspired by Gerry’s passion for surf and snow, is a snowboard contest held on a custom-built course shaped by legendary groomer Alex Storjohann that features a series of huge sweeping banked corners, quarter pipes, and spines that incorporates the natural terrain as much as possible. The result is a series of wave-like features linked up along a flowing course that brings the surf to the mountains.
march 2026
Venue | Mount Bachelor
Big Wave Challenge Event Details
The Big Wave Challenge will operate in a jam-style format, allowing riders to take as many runs through the course as they like during their division's allotted time.
Competition Schedule & Divisions: We plan to run divisions consecutively, ensuring continuous action:
HEAT 1 : Makule's
HEAT 2: Grom + Ho’omau + Keiki
HEAT 3: Wahine + Kane
Pro Surfers: Drop in whenever there's a good wave, ensuring maximum action.
Scoring and Prizes: Judges will score competitors based on overall performance and impression.
The top three riders in each division will be awarded prizes.
Special Prizes will also be awarded in categories including Best Carve, Best Layback, Best Slash, Most Aloha, and more … Be sure to join us for the awards ceremony!
Spectator Information: Spectators are invited and encouraged to attend! Bring your Aloha spirit and cheer on the competitors from the sidelines and in the finish area!
Important Note: Please note that the resort schedule is subject to change throughout the weekend based on weather and event logistics. For real-time updates, please follow @BigWave_Challenge on Instagram!
DIVISIONS
HEAT 1
Makule | Men/Women 40+ (enthusiasts only, no pro)
HEAT 2
Grom (boys / girls 10 & under)
Ho’omau | Adapative men / women (all ages)
Keiki (boys/girls 11-16)
HEAT 3
Wahine | Women’s PRO (all ages)
Kane | Men’s PRO (all ages)
Event Schedule
THURSDAY, MARCH 26th:
3:00-6:00PM
Registration / Bib Pickup / Auction Viewing
10 BARREL EAST 62950 NE 18th St, Bend, OR 97701
FRIDAY, MARCH 27th:
→ Late Registration / Bib Pick-Up Downstairs at (Mt. Bachelor West Village Lodge)
→ Yoga w/ Mobility Duo (2nd Floor Rock Bar)
7:00-12:00PM
8:30-9:00AM
10:00-3:30PM
Course Open for Practice at Mt. Bachelor (RIDER BIBS REQUIRED FOR ACCESS!)
APRES PARTY w/ Demos by Gentemstick, Wax Station by Tactics, Gnarly Nutrition Sampling
10 BARREL WEST: 1135 NW Galveston Ave, Bend, OR 97701
3:00PM-TBD
saturday, MARCH 28th:
7:00-8:00AM
Late Registration and Bib pick-up Downstairs at Mt. Bachelor West Village Lodge
9:00-11:00AM
Makule Division (PROsurf anytime)
11:00-1:00PM
Grom, Ho’omau, Keiki Divisions (PROsurf anytime)
12:00 PM
Party Wave in celebration of Stratton Matteson
1:00-3:00PM
Wahine & Kane Divisions (PROsurf anytime)
4:00-4:30PM
Awards @ Mt. Bachelor West Village Lodge
Auction Viewing + Final Bidding, Music by Austin Scott Brown, Wild Mike’s Pizza
10 BARREL WEST: 1135 NW Galveston Ave, Bend, OR 97701
5:00-8:00PM
8:00PM-TBD
After Party
RIVER PIG: 555 NW Arizona Ave Ste 40, Bend, OR 97703
Sunday, MARCH 29th:
9:00-3:30PM
Backup weather day for contest
Course is open to the public if event is not running.
COMPETITOR LIFT TICKETS
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COMPETITOR LIFT TICKET PURCHASE:
In addition to their BWC registration competitors will need an Ikon Pass, Mt. Bachelor Season Pass, or lift ticket to access the course.
Registered competitors may purchase advance $69/day lift tickets online for practice and competition days only. Discounted tickets will be available online only, up until contest day.
Tickets can be picked up at any Mt. Bachelor Pick-Up Box (PUB). PUB’s are located at the Mountain Gateway building in the West Village Base Area and Sunrise Lodge at Mt. Bachelor, as well as Sun Country Tours and the Mt. Bachelor Park N' Ride in Bend.
Lift tickets are valid for all chairlifts, so be sure to explore Mt. Bachelor’s terrain during your visit!
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How to Purchase Online Discounted Lift Tickets:
1. Visit the Event Registration Button
2. Select the number of days you plan to use your Competitor Lift Ticket (the start date for your ticket) and add to cart
3. Sign in or create and account
4. Checkout and pay
5. Have Fun!
AUCTION
2026 Big Wave Challenge Auction. Bidding goes through Saturday, March, 28th at 8:00 pm PST, so get your bids in! Auction items will be on display at BOTH 10 BARREL LOCATIONS during the welcome and auction party’s.
March 26-28, 2026
BWC Fundraiser
Proceeds from this year’s Big Wave Challenge, including registration, raffle, and auction proceeds, benefit our beloved friends Pat Malendoski and Michele Schnake. Additionally this year proceeds will also be donated to Oregon Adaptive Sports and Urban Surf 4 Kids - amazing charities making a positive difference for so many!
welcome party
The weekend kicks off with a Welcome Party at 10 BARREL EAST from 3:00–6:00 pm. Athletes can pick up their swag filled registration bags + event bibs, connect with the BWC team, and get hyped for the days ahead. Guests will also get a first look at the auction items and have the chance to grab raffle tickets for some exciting big-ticket prizes!
March 26, 2026
local knowledge
Weekends can be busy at the mountain, Please plan on leaving town by 5:00 am or earlier to get ahead of the traffic—think of it like dawn patrol for surfing.
Pssst, Don’t forget your competitor's bib!
destination
Your destination is up the Cascade Lakes Highway to the West Village base area (not Sunrise). The breaking waves of this year's course will be accessed via the Pine Marten + Red Chair chairlifts. Check out the trail map and Mt. Bachelor Mountain Report to familiarize yourself with the mountain and for current weather conditions.
NOTE: Course location subject to change, please check back week of to confirm