Phone: 303.945.2490 Fax: 866.592.6911 Email: [email protected]
3001 Brighton Blvd Suite 623 Denver, CO 80216
Learn more about what First Descents is doing to ensure the safety and health of our community
First Descents is excited to offer our first ever skiing program, geared specifically towards beginners! Crested Butte Mountain offers some of the most gorgeous skiing in Colorado all while keeping its quaint ski-town vibe. Experience epic views of these jagged mountains and feet of fresh snow. The Elk Mountain Range…
The Rogue River starts its journey at Crater Lake and winds its way through 215 miles of Oregonian wilderness. The warm water, friendly rapids, and lush scenery make it the perfect kayaking playland for both beginners and experts alike. The Rogue is the perfect place to paddle your first strokes!…
Experience the hidden gem of southeastern climbing in the Ozark Mountains! You'll be staying at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch, a 350-acre dude ranch that holds some of the nation's finest sandstone rock and is home to 300+ rock climbing routes. There's something for everyone in the ruggedly beautiful Ozarks! There will…
Over 7,000 ft above sea level, Donner Pass is an incredible setting for your First Descents adventure. We’ll be climbing in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, surrounded by beautiful alpine lakes and granite domes. Our home base will be a beautiful lodge just minutes away from this historic climbing destination. Registration…
Just two hours north of NYC lies the Gunks, home to some of the world’s most renowned climbs in the Northeast. Spend the weekend with Alpine Endeavors, climbing high above the tree line to take in the incredible fall colors and relaxing at the lodge. This is the perfect opportunity…
What other serious health conditions does FD focus on?
With a vision to become the global leader in adventure-based healing, First Descents (FD) is excited to explore program expansion for other serious conditions that disproportionately impact young adults. This will be done intentionally and will not detract from the continued expansion of cancer programs. Currently, FD offers programs for young adults impacted by Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and will continue to explore other serious health conditions over the course of time.
What does this mean for cancer programs?
FD will continue to expand programs for young adults impacted by cancer. We aim to reach more adults year over year by expanding programs, building community and prescribing adventure. By strengthening medical center partnerships, implementing a robust recruitment strategy, and investing in local adventure communities, FD’s oncology programs will continue to thrive.
First Descents knows cancer. How will FD be able to care for participants with MS?
FD relies on smart and caring healthcare professionals to advise its program design and implementation. For MS programs in particular, FD has enrolled the support of program and medical leaders from the National MS Society, CanDo MS, along with other leaders in the MS community to advise on MS program design, medical screenings, and participant recruitment. FD recognizes there are special adaptive considerations for people coping with MS, including temperature fluctuations, fatigue, and mobility restrictions, and takes a similar approach in ensuring its staff has the necessary tools available to deliver a meaningful and safe First Descents experience for everyone.
How can I attend a FD MS program?
Thank you for your interest in First Descents’ programs for young adults coping with MS. You can learn about our MS programs through our Programs Finder. Currently, we offer Week-Long and Multi-Day programs for the MS community exclusively. MS community members are also welcome to attend Single-Day and Monthly Meetups through their FDTribs. Please note that oncology and MS community members are welcome to join Single-Day and Monthly Meetups and they will participate in those activities together. If you have any questions please email [email protected] and we will get right back to you.
Can MS participants join Local Adventure Communities?
MS participants are welcome to join any MS-specific Multi-Day programs being offered through their FDTrib, as well as any Single-Day or Monthly Meetup.
How many FD Week-Long programs am I eligible for?
Everyone regardless of their diagnosis is eligible for one FD Week-Long program. If you happen to have a dual diagnosis of cancer and MS, you have the option to attend one Week-Long program and can choose from either MS or Oncology Week-Long programs located on our Programs Finder. If you have any questions, please email [email protected]
I have more questions.
Please leave a message on our contact page at firstdescents.org/contact-us/ and the appropriate FD staffer will respond back in a timely manner. Or please reach out to [email protected] and a member of our programs team will get back to you.