Squaw Valley: March 14, 2015
On-snow fundraiser supports lifestyle empowerment programs
Winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy the best Squaw Valley Ski Resort has to offer, all while benefiting lifestyle empowerment programs for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS). Can Do MS’s annual skiing extravaganza known as Vertical Express is returning to Squaw Valley, Calif. on Saturday, March 14, 2015. The event will raise funds for Can Do MS, a national nonprofit and innovative provider of lifestyle empowerment programs that help families living with MS. The Squaw Valley event is just one of five Vertical Express events being hosted at ski resorts across North America this season.
Skiers and boarders of all ages and abilities can show off their skills on the Dual Slalom Course and On-Mountain Poker Run. Then enjoy the festivities with friends and family at the Après Ski Party. Since its inception in 1985, Vertical Express for Can Do MS has raised more than $11 million and Can Do MS hopes to raise $30,000 at this year’s Squaw Valley event.
“Vertical Express is an event that truly ties fun together with the support and empowerment of our MS community,” said Heidi A. Heltzel, president and CEO of Can Do MS. “We’re thrilled to have five awesome resorts hosting the series this year, and to announce exciting upgrades and additions, such as more opportunities for adaptive ski experiences and easier to use online registration and fundraising tools to earn awesome new prizes. It’s going to be a lot of fun!”
The five ski resorts hosting Vertical Express events are Vail (Colorado), Crystal Mountain (Washington), Schweitzer Mountain (Idaho), Norway Mountain (Michigan) and Squaw Valley (California).
Day-of registration is only $25 and includes a swag bag, all on-mountain activities and Après Ski Party (lift ticket not included). Fundraisers that raise $250 or more receive a 2-day lift ticket, swag bag, all on-mountain activities, Après Ski Party and Sunday Awards Brunch. All fundraising participants will receive $100 off a new pair of skis from Liberty Skis and will be eligible for more prizes. 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. This year, Can Do MS has partnered with Liberty Skis to offer the top individual fundraiser a brand new pair of skis of their choice! Also, the top overall fundraiser will receive a free trip to Vail for two during the 2015-2016 ski season. This prize includes three-nights lodging for two, round trip ground transportation to and from Denver International Airport (airfare not included), two 2-day lift tickets and two restaurant gift certificates.
For more information or to register for any of the Vertical Express events, visit www.mscando.org/verticalexpress.
2015 Squaw Valley Vertical Express Event: Schedule of Events
Saturday, March 14
7:30 – 9:30 a.m. – Registration
10 – 12 p.m. – On-Mountain Poker Run
1:30 – 3:30 p.m. – Dual Slalom Race Course
4 – 6 p.m. – Après Ski Party
Sunday, March 15
7:30 a.m. – Awards Breakfast
All day – Fundraiser Ski Day!
2015 Can Do MS Vertical Express Event Series
Norway Mountain, MI
Feb. 7, 2015
www.mscando.org/norway
Vail, CO
Feb. 21, 2015
www.mscando.org/vail
Crystal Mountain, WA
Feb. 28, 2015
www.mscando.org/crystal
*Revised Schedule
Schweitzer Mountain, ID
March 7, 2015
www.mscando.org/schweitzer
Squaw Valley, CA
March 14, 2015
www.mscando.org/squaw
The Vertical Express for Can Do MS national gold sponsor is Novartis Pharmaceuticals. The national adaptive sponsor is Genzyme, a Sanofi company. The national silver sponsor is Biogen Idec. The corporate team sponsor is Genentech, Inc. Supporting national sponsors include Chums, Grabber Warmers, Liberty Skis and Swany America. Local sponsors include Squaw Valley Resort, Plumpjack, Wild Cherries, North American Ski Training Center, Tiedhouse Brewhouse Co., and Hermitage Brewing House.
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 970-926-1290.
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.