Vertical Express at Crystal Mountain Helps People with Multiple Sclerosis Live Fuller Lives

Ski or ride February 28-March 2 to make a difference in the lives of people living with MS at an on-snow fundraiser

Winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy the best Crystal Mountain has to offer, all while benefiting lifestyle empowerment programs for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS), February 28 through March 2, 2014, at Vertical Express for Can Do MS. This annual skiing extravaganza at Crystal Mountain Resort will celebrate the 30th anniversary of, and raise funds for, Can Do Multiple Sclerosis, a national nonprofit and innovative provider of lifestyle empowerment programs that help families living with MS.

Skiers, boarders and telemarkers of all ages and abilities will have the opportunity to test out Crystal Mountain’s Giant Slalom; join an on-mountain scavenger hunt; participate in a group ski memorializing Can Do MS founder, Jimmie Heuga, the first American ever to medal in Olympic ski racing; enjoy festivities with friends and families at a happy hour and awards party; and earn free lift tickets for fundraising efforts. The Crystal Mountain event is one of four nationwide Vertical Express events that together have raised more than $11 million in their 30-year history. Can Do MS hopes to raise $25,000 at this year’s event.

“Vertical Express is an event that ties together one of our founder’s greatest loves, skiing, with his lifelong commitment to inspire and empower people with MS to enjoy a better quality of life,” said Heidi A. Heltzel, president and CEO of Can Do MS. “We invite anyone whose lives have been touched by MS, as well as those who simply love to enjoy winter sports, to join us for all or part of this multi-day celebration that showcases what one can do while making a meaningful difference for those living with MS and their families.”

Event registration is only $25 and benefits Can Do MS programs, which are offered free of charge and serve 10,000 people annually. However, with waiting lists for Can Do MS programs, fundraising events like this will help Can Do MS meet the demand. Supporters who raise $250 or more are awarded VIP status, and receive prizes, such as a one-day lift ticket, a gift bag and perks at the awards party. VIP supporters who raise $500 or more will receive a three-day lift ticket. Participants can register online at www.mscando.org/verticalexpress to start fundraising and will receive a personal web page they can customize with their own messages and photos, allowing them to honor loved ones touched by MS and inspire others to support their participation.

The three-day event includes a variety of family friendly activities.

DAY ONE: Friday, February 28

All Day: Ski pass pick-up. Location: Guest Services
10 a.m.-1 p.m.: Heuga Express Vertical Challenge. Location: Crystal Mountain
3 p.m.: Harmond Brewing Co. happy hour with discounted beers and prizes. Location: Bullwheel
4:30 p.m.: Reception, registration and pizza party. Location: Cascade Grill
7 p.m.: Movie Showing: The Art of Flight and Can Do: The Legacy of Jimmie Heuga. Location: Chinook level of the base lodge

DAY TWO: Saturday, March 1

7:30 a.m.: Registration and breakfast. Location: Bullwheel
8:40 a.m.: Group photo. Location: Main lodge patio
8:45-11 a.m.: Poker run. Location: Base lodge patio
11:15 a.m.-1:15 p.m.: Lunch for participants. Location: Cascade Grill balcony
1 p.m.: Giant slalom. Location: Chair 4
4:30 p.m.: Awards party. Location: Cascade Grill
9 p.m.: After party with live music from Common Ground. Location: Bullwheel

DAY THREE: Sunday, March 2

All day: Free skiing for VIP participants who raise $500 or more.

Not only does this year’s Vertical Express event celebrate the 30th anniversary of Can Do MS, but it also memorializes the 50th anniversary of Can Do MS founder Jimmie Heuga’s Olympic medal in ski racing – the first ever won by an American.

For more information or to register for the event, visit www.mscando.org/verticalexpress.

Vertical Express for Can Do MS national sponsors include Vail Marriott Mountain Resort, Biogen Idec, Teva Neuroscience and Swany America Corp. The Crystal Mountain event is sponsored locally by Fireball Whiskey, Harmond Brewing Co., Paragon Restaurant & Bar, Questcor and Crystal Mountain Resort.