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