Vertical Express for Can Do MS Hits the Slopes for MS Awareness

Ski or ride to make a difference in the lives of people living with MS at an on-snow fundraiser
Avon, Colo. (December 8, 2016) – Vertical Express for Can Do MS, the only national event series that combines skiing and fundraising to empower people with multiple sclerosis (MS), will kick off February 6, 2016, with seven events across the country located at the nation’s top ski resorts. This historical event series, now in its 31st year, supports lifestyle empowerment programs for people with MS and their support partners.

“Vertical Express is driven by a core belief that life is not over after a MS diagnosis. Everyone has the power to live fully with MS through active living, increased self-awareness, acceptance, understanding and support,” said Jennifer Clark, director of marketing and communications for Can Do MS. “The event series invites anyone with a ‘can do’ spirit to participate– from those living with MS and their supporters, to those who enjoy giving back and supporting wellness and lifestyle activities.”


The seven-event series will span February and March:

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February 6:
Loon Mountain, NH

February 13:
Norway Mountain, MI

February 20:
Hunter Mountain, NY
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February 26-27:
Crystal Mountain, WA

February 27:
Squaw Valley, CA
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February 27:
Vail Mountain, CO

March 5:
Schweitzer Mountain, ID
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Vertical Express for Can Do MS offers on-mountain and après activities for people of all ages and ability levels. This family-friendly series features two signature events, the Vertical Express Cup and the Jimmie Heuga Memorial Ski Down.

Individuals can register for only $25 at mscando.org/verticalexpress or call 1-888-Do-It-4-MS. While fundraising is not required to participate in the Vertical Express events, participants are encouraged to raise funds to earn VIP status, as well as a variety of exciting prizes. Participants who choose to fundraise will receive a personal web page that they can customize with their own messages and photos to honor loved ones touched by MS and inspire others to support their participation.

Adaptive ski experiences at three events – Vail Mountain, Squaw Valley and Loon Mountain – enable people with MS to build self-esteem and confidence, improve their fitness levels and join their family and friends on the slopes. Limited spots are available at each mountain.  Applications may be submitted online at mscando.org/verticalexpress.

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Over the course of its 31-year history, the Vertical Express for Can Do MS series has raised more than $11 million in funding to support lifestyle empowerment programs for people with MS and their support partners.

In 2016, Can Do MS aims to increase its number of programs and adaptive experiences for people living with MS; this event series will make that a reality. Because Can Do MS offers free programs, the more funds that are raised at this event, the more people the nonprofit will be able to serve.

Vertical Express supports Can Do MS, a national nonprofit and innovative provider of lifestyle empowerment programs that help people living with MS and their support partners. Can Do MS honors the legacy and beliefs of founder and Olympic ski racing medalist Jimmie Heuga, a pioneer in the MS care management field, who was diagnosed with MS at the height of his skiing career and later went on to revolutionize the way MS is managed today.

The Vertical Express for Can Do MS series is supported by national gold sponsors, Biogen and Teva Neuroscience, and by other national sponsors including Chums, Grabber, Swany and Vail Mountain Coffee and Tea.

About Can Do MS

A national nonprofit organization based in Avon, Colo., Can Do MS is an innovative provider of lifestyle empowerment programs that empower people with MS and their support partners to transform and improve their quality of life. For more information, visit the organization’s website at www.mscando.org or call 800-367-3101.

About Vertical Express for Can Do MS

Vertical Express for Can Do MS began when Can Do MS founder Jimmie Heuga organized the first Snow Express for MS in Alyeska, AK. Original participants included fellow world-class skiers Jean Claude Killy, Phil and Steve Mahre, Billy Kidd, Stein Eriksen and Bernhard Russi, who together broke records when they skied one million vertical feet in 24 hours. This event raised the seed money needed to start Can Do MS and it continues to be an important fundraiser for the organization.