New England Healing Sports Association (NEHSA) is a non-profit based at Mount Sunapee Resort committed to offering year-round outdoor activities to individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities. Over time, NEHSA has evolved from its initial focus on supporting veterans with physical disabilities to providing comprehensive assistance to anyone seeking their services (e.g. persons recovered from polio or strokes, individuals with cerebral palsy, spina bifida, multiple sclerosis, paraplegia and quadriplegia, visual and/or deaf, and persons with developmental disabilities) 

In this episode of the 603podcast, Dan Egan had an engaging conversation with Carly Bascom, the Executive Director of NEHSA, discussing the non-profit's efforts to provide specialized support and accessibility for their community and their exploration of expanding future offerings so participants can access a range of new experiences in exciting places.

Currently, Carly and her team, comprised of both paid staff and volunteers, organize a wide range of activities throughout the year, including skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and recently, hiking. The organization thrives on the dedication of its volunteers, who play a crucial role in its operations and continuously encourage community members to participate.

Funding for NEHSA primarily comes from grants and fundraising efforts, which also serve to raise awareness about the organization's programs. During their conversation, Dan and Carly emphasized the importance of providing participants with opportunities to develop skills and confidence. Carly highlighted that for some, the ultimate goal is for participants to graduate from the program and enjoy outdoor activities with their families.

Carly expressed her passion for the mountains and shared the significance of offering a diverse range of adaptive sports opportunities facilitated by trained volunteers, always ensuring that fun is at the top of mind. NEHSA prides itself on its inclusive approach, welcoming individuals of all ages and abilities, whether they are veterans, hospital patients, or students, to experience the wonders of the outdoors.

Looking ahead, Carly mentioned that NEHSA is constantly exploring new experiences and sports to offer the community. However, she emphasized that this endeavor relies heavily on the support of volunteers and funding. Anyone interested in contributing their time, athletic skills, or financial support is encouraged to reach out to NEHSA.

For more information about NEHSA and ways to get involved, please visit www.nehsa.org.

Mixed & Mastered by Logan Watts

Mad River Coffee is located at Exit 28 off Highway 93 in Campton, NH. You'll find a  inviting atmosphere where community is shared over a cup of fresh roasted coffee and homemade pastries at a fair price.  Mad River Coffee is where your adventure starts.

Jean’s Playhouse in Lincoln, NH is the premier arts center presents plays, musicals,  comedians, cover bands, films. Visit https://jeansplayhouse.com/

Recorded at Studio Lab in Derry NH
Produced by: Sammy Blair
Written and Directed by: Dan Egan
Hosted by: Dan Egan

Sponsored by:
Mad River Coffee Roasters, Waterville Valley Resort, Jean's Playhouse and Ski Fanatics 

For more information about the 603podcast visit 603podcast.com

The Balsams: Les Otten on the History and Revival of an Iconic New Hampshire Resort

Name: Les Otten

Region: Dixville Notch, Great Northwoods Region

Les Otten is the former CEO of The American Skiing Company with a lifelong career and passion for the New England ski industry. In 1971, Otten’s professional trajectory began as a lift mechanic where he worked his way through the ranks and began a fruitful career in ski area ownership and philanthropy. He has an eye for opportunity and a commitment to quality which has led him to his present day venture in northern New Hampshire.

In 2014, Otten embarked on reopening and reviving The Balsams, a year-round destination in Dixville Notch, New Hampshire. His efforts are pointed towards preserving the history and community of this unique location while creating a recreational hub of accessibility and inclusion. The views aren’t too bad either.

“The community wants to see mountains developed intelligently and doesn't want a giant or an over-expansion,” says Otten.

In this episode of the 603podcast, Otten delves into his trials and triumphs in business and the culmination of his learned process of bringing back The Balsams. His vision plans to revive this rural region and share The Balsams’ unique New England charm with everyone who wishes to experience it.

Why should people visit The Balsams?

There are extensive options of year-round activities for everyone on the 11,000 acres of wilderness. “We can all sleep in the same space, we can all eat in the same restaurants, but we can all go off in our different directions during the day," says Otten, "all without ever leaving the property."

Fun facts about the Balsams

• Largest ski resort on the East Coast

• Access to the US/Canadian 1,000-mile snowmobile “Superhighway”

• Donald Ross designed 18-hole Golf Course

• Mountain lakes for boating, swimming, and fishing

• Miles of maintained trails for biking, hiking, and designated recreational vehicles

• Fitness Center and Balsam Baths Nordic Spa

• Aerial Adventure Park

• Performing Arts Center and festivals

• Marketplace filled with unique local vendors 

For more information, plans, and updates on The Balsams visit https://thebalsamsresort.com/ and tune in to the full episode with Les Otten on the 603podcast.   

Produced by: Sammy Blair
Mixed & Mastered by Logan Watts
Written and Directed by: Dan Egan
Hosted by: Dan Egan

Sponsored by:
Mad River Coffee Roasters, Waterville Valley Resort, Jean's Playhouse and Ski Fanatics 

For more information about the 603podcast visit 603podcast.com

For more information about the 603podcast visit 603podcast.com

The Big Nansen Ski Jump

Region: Berlin, The Great North Woods

The Nansen Ski Club was founded in 1872 and is one of the oldest ski clubs in the United States. The club is named after Fridtjof Nansen, a Norwegian explorer, scientist, and humanitarian. Between 1936-1938, the Big Nansen was the world’s tallest ski jump and was the site of the first ever ski jumping Olympic trials in 1938 and the FIS World Championships in 1939 which attracted more than 25,000 spectators who traveled to the Great North Woods navigating small windy backroads and snow trains. More than 87 radio stations broadcasted the event live. The jump eventually hosted four U.S. National Ski Jumping Championships, a North American Championship, Eastern Championships, and numerous international competitions before holding its last event in March of 1985.

In 2017, former World Champion ski jumper Sarah Hendrickson, who has family in Plymouth, NH, decided to join the effort to revive the Big Nansen. She convinced her sponsor, Red Bull Energy Drink, to re-deck the jump for one “Last Leap.” On the morning of March 4th, 2017, Hendrickson launched off of the Big Nansen, symbolizing the beginning of a new era for the jump. Even now, with restorative efforts, enthusiasts say the jump is one of the scariest they’ve ever experienced—it sways with the wind!

Read more about Hendrickson’s jump

In this episode of the 603podcast, Dan Egan sits down with guest Scott Halvorson to discuss the history and culture of the Big Nansen Ski Jump. Scott Halvorson is a member and the treasurer of the Friends of the Nansen Ski Jump Committee. He is also the grandson of Alf Halvorson, who oversaw construction of the jump back in 1937-38. 

Tune in for more on the Big Nansen and ski jumping in New Hampshire. 

Mad River Coffee is located at Exit 28 off Highway 93 in Campton, NH. You'll find a  inviting atmosphere where community is shared over a cup of fresh roasted coffee and homemade pastries at a fair price.  Mad River Coffee is where your adventure starts.

Jean’s Playhouse in Lincoln, NH is the premier arts center presents plays, musicals,  comedians, cover bands, films. Visit https://jeansplayhouse.com/

Waterville Valley is New Hampshire’s Family Resort.   Ranked the #1 ski resort in the East by Condé Nast Traveler, Waterville offers year-round activities and events, including 265 acres of alpine skiing, lift-serviced mountain biking, disc golf, cross-country skiing, food festivals, live outdoor concerts, and more! All kids under 5 ski free, when you purchase an Adult Plus Pass at Waterville.com 

Recorded at Studio Lab in Derry NH
Produced by: Sammy Blair
Written and Directed by: Dan Egan
Hosted by: Dan Egan

Sponsored by:
Mad River Coffee Roasters, Waterville Valley Resort, Jean's Playhouse and Ski Fanatics 

For more information about the 603podcast visit 603podcast.com

Dave Cropper is a born and bred New Hampshire beach bum. As owner of Cinnamon Rainbows Surf Co., in North Hampton, NH—which he has owned since he was 19, Cropper is a local expert on NH surf history and culture. In this episode of the 603podcast, Cropper shares with Dan Egan how the sport of surfing has exploded with the availability and affordability of wetsuits, boards, and the accessibility of surf forecasting and live wave cams.

Folks come from far and wide to experience NH’s mild winters, consistent surf, and relatively warmer days. When there is a good swell, folks gather from across the Northeast, sometimes all the way from Montreal. The surf culture in New Hampton is also multigenerational. You can often find folks of all ages out on the water. North Hampton has a year-round surf community, and Cropper attests that there is “nothing like the good days at home.” Much like skiers in New England, surfers in New Hampshire appreciate a special day on the water because perfect conditions are infrequent but amazing when they come.

In this episode, Cropper shares the trialing story of his building catching on fire, the closing of his shop, immense community support in saving the store, and what the future holds for the surf shop. “The only certain thing is uncertainty,” says Cropper. After the first summer of COVID, surfing boomed in the granite state, as well as local interest in paddleboarding. Since then, there has been a strong enthusiasm from surf veterans and new surfers alike on the New Hampton shore and in the Cinnamon Rainbows store.

“A wave comes from thousands of miles away, and you’re meeting it as it washes on the beach,” says Cropper.

Cropper shares with Dan some of his favorite parts of his surf community and also some tips for those just getting started in the sport.

Why should people surf in North Hampton?

North Hampton beaches boast sandy bottoms, point breaks, accessible parking along highway 1A, and an incredible community at the beach. One thing Cropper loves about the North Hampton surf scene, is that people are always willing to help. People will offer tips, mentorship, and education, and recognize their responsibility to pass on the knowledge of those who showed them the ways of the waves.

What are some tips for learning how to surf?

1. Take a lesson- learning to surf with an experienced surfer will help you identify hazards, make smarter decisions, and learn the fundamentals of what to do and where to be.
2. Pick the right day- ask your local shop and do your research. Will the waves be appropriate to learn? Will the weather be comfortable?
3. Choose the right board size- Ask a shop owner for help. You want a board big enough to catch a ride and small enough to maneuver with your skills.

Check out Ralph’s Pic of the Week for updates, blogs, photos, wave cam footage and more on the North Hampton surf culture.
For more information on New Hampshire surf culture and Cinnamon Rainbows Surf C

Mad River Coffee is located at Exit 28 off Highway 93 in Campton, NH. You'll find a  inviting atmosphere where community is shared over a cup of fresh roasted coffee and homemade pastries at a fair price.  Mad River Coffee is where your adventure starts.

Jean’s Playhouse in Lincoln, NH is the premier arts center presents plays, musicals,  comedians, cover bands, films. Visit https://jeansplayhouse.com/

Recorded at Studio Lab in Derry NH
Produced by: Sammy Blair
Written and Directed by: Dan Egan
Hosted by: Dan Egan

Sponsored by:
Mad River Coffee Roasters, Waterville Valley Resort, Jean's Playhouse and Ski Fanatics 

For more information about the 603podcast visit 603podcast.com

Highland Bike Park was once known as Highland Ski Area which operated between 1968-1995 before closing due to mountain debts and dysfunction. In 2003, when the opportunity to buy the defunct ski resort coincided with the sale of his family’s fiber optic business, owner and founder Mark Hayes purchased the mountain. In an effort to preserve the place’s history and community, he  created Highland Bike Park–same mountain, same name, new purpose. At the risk of sounding too bold, Hayes set out to create “America’s Bike Park,” and for a long while it was the only exclusively biking lift-accessed area in the country. 

Hayes grew up mountain biking in the 1990s and after seeing Whistler Moutnain’s bike park in British Columbia, he realized we needed something similar in the US. What set Whistler’s bike park apart from other mountain bike systems was their intentionally engineered trails, with machine built berms, drops, and features to create “flow.” This design and execution took capital investment, design, and skilled labor to create. Hayes was prepared to support and invest in a project of this scale at Highland.

What is Highland Bike Park’s Model?

• Mountain Bike Park: Highland is the only 100% bike-dedicated, lift-access mountain bike park on the East Coast. They offer the longest riding season in the Northeast. There are no other “things” at the park. It is 100% mountain bike related 
• Camps & Programs: Highland offers overnight camps and programs for adults and kids. Mark describes the park as a place for anyone to come get better and take their riding to the next level.
• Trail Building Business- Highland Trails is transforming ski resorts worldwide to year-round operation through bike park construction. Mark's brand is leading the mountain bike industry in the development of learn to ride programs, trail design, construction, and maintenance services. By growing the s

Mad River Coffee is located at Exit 28 off Highway 93 in Campton, NH. You'll find a  inviting atmosphere where community is shared over a cup of fresh roasted coffee and homemade pastries at a fair price.  Mad River Coffee is where your adventure starts.

Jean’s Playhouse in Lincoln, NH is the premier arts center presents plays, musicals,  comedians, cover bands, films. Visit https://jeansplayhouse.com/

Waterville Valley is New Hampshire’s Family Resort.   Ranked the #1 ski resort in the East by Condé Nast Traveler, Waterville offers year-round activities and events, including 265 acres of alpine skiing, lift-serviced mountain biking, disc golf, cross-country skiing, food festivals, live outdoor concerts, and more! All kids under 5 ski free, when you purchase an Adult Plus Pass at Waterville.com 

Ski Fanatics is the ski shop of the white mountains. Located in Campton, NH, the small, family owned business keeps the community supplied with everything you could need for year-round fun. Whether you ski, snowboard, snowshoe, hike, kayak, canoe, stand up paddle board, or camp, stop by Ski Fanatics this season for expert advice, professional gear fitting, or rentals to keep you playing outside.  https://www.skifanatics.net/

Recorded at Studio Lab in Derry NH
Produced by: Sammy Blair
Written and Directed by: Dan Egan
Hosted by: Dan Egan

Sponsored by:
Mad River Coffee Roasters, Waterville Valley Resort, Jean's Playhouse and Ski Fanatics 

For more information about the 603podcast visit 603podcast.com

Ty Gagne, CEO of New Hampshire Public Risk Management Exchange (Primex), and author of the books Where You’ll Find Me: Risk, Decisions, and the Last Climb of Kate Matrosova and The Last Traverse: Tragedy and Resilience in the Winter Whites, visited Dan Egan to record 603podcast’s first episode on what it means to adventure in New Hampshire, specifically in the infamously challenging White Mountains. Gagne got his first taste of the Whites in grade school on class trips to mountains like Chocorua and Moosilauke. 

In this episode, Gagne digs into some of the most memorable and tragic fatalities in the White Mountains and how risk management and decision making are key elements to our experiences in the outdoors. Gagne has spent hundreds of hours speaking with First Responders and the communities affected by these incidents to create a story through a relatively objective lens. In this episode, Gagne reflects on his own adventures in the Whites and shares his professional perspective on risk in the outdoors, what it means to be experienced in the backcountry, how to create safe group environments in the mountains, and more.

(Visit your public library or local independant bookstore for copies of Gagne's books!

Mad River Coffee is located at Exit 28 off Highway 93 in Campton, NH. You'll find a  inviting atmosphere where community is shared over a cup of fresh roasted coffee and homemade pastries at a fair price.  Mad River Coffee is where your adventure starts.

Jean’s Playhouse in Lincoln, NH is the premier arts center presents plays, musicals,  comedians, cover bands, films. Visit https://jeansplayhouse.com/

Waterville Valley is New Hampshire’s Family Resort.   Ranked the #1 ski resort in the East by Condé Nast Traveler, Waterville offers year-round activities and events, including 265 acres of alpine skiing, lift-serviced mountain biking, disc golf, cross-country skiing, food festivals, live outdoor concerts, and more! All kids under 5 ski free, when you purchase an Adult Plus Pass at Waterville.com 

Ski Fanatics is the ski shop of the white mountains. Located in Campton, NH, the small, family owned business keeps the community supplied with everything you could need for year-round fun. Whether you ski, snowboard, snowshoe, hike, kayak, canoe, stand up paddle board, or camp, stop by Ski Fanatics this season for expert advice, professional gear fitting, or rentals to keep you playing outside.  https://www.skifanatics.net/

Recorded at Studio Lab in Derry NH
Produced by: Sammy Blair
Written and Directed by: Dan Egan
Hosted by: Dan Egan

Sponsored by:
Mad River Coffee Roasters, Waterville Valley Resort, Jean's Playhouse and Ski Fanatics 

For more information about the 603podcast visit 603podcast.com