Event History

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The Snow Express for MS — the prelude to Vertical Express for Can Do MS — began in 1985, when skiing Olympian Jimmie Heuga and ten others set a world record, skiing one million vertical feet during 24 hours in Alyeska, Alaska.

This event raised the seed money to start Can Do MS, a national nonprofit and leading provider of innovative lifestyle empowerment programs that empower people with MS and their support partners to transform and improve their quality of life.

Can Do MS’s roots run deep in the skiing world. When Jimmie was diagnosed with MS, it was a blow to the tight-knit racing community. Later, when he established The Heuga Center (now known as Can Do MS), the skiing world stepped up to the financial challenge. In May 1985, friends and associates organized the first Snow Express for MS, a massive fundraiser in Alyeska, Alaska. Ten participants broke records when they skied one million vertical feet in 24 hours. The ski marathon raised $250,000 in seed money for the fledgling organization. Over the years, Snow Express broadened to include racers of all ages and abilities. It grew to be one fo the premier on-snow fundraising events in North America. Thousands have participated in Snow Express races at 30 different ski areas, raising as much as $1 million per year for the Center.

Although Can Do MS has now diversified its funding sources, Snow Express for MS — or Vertical Express, beginning in 2005 — continues to raise money, increase awareness about Can Do MS’s work, and maintain a strong connection to the skiing world. Participants enjoy the camaraderie, relaxing atmosphere and fun prizes. But most importantly, they race to make a difference in the lives of people with MS.

Remember*Celebrate Jimmie Heuga’s Can Do Spirit