Join us on this episode of the 603podcast for an exclusive journey into the exhilarating world of mogul and freestyle skiing, featuring insights from the dynamic duo, Nick and Suzi Preston, who together founded the Freestyle America training program and coached at Waterville Valley for decades.

Leading up to the FIS World Cup at Waterville Valley, a premier event on the East Coast, this episode prepares listeners with an overview of the lead competitors to watch, like athletes Olivia Giaccio, Jaelin Kauf, and Tess Johnson. Listen as Dan Egan digs into the legacy of freestyle skiing at Waterville Valley and its profound impact on the sport's history. From pioneers to Olympic champions like Hannah Kearney, the episode shares stories of dedication, innovation, and inspiration. Explore the advancements in training techniques, including the revolutionary use of airbags, and celebrate New Hampshire's role in nurturing world-class athletes.

Waterville Valley Resort proudly welcomes the return of the Freestyle World Cup on January 24-25th, 2025! As the birthplace of freestyle skiing, Waterville Valley Resort will host the world’s most talented freestyle mogul skiers for a second time as they complete for gold. The 2025 World Cup will take place on Lower Bobby's Run, a beloved double-black diamond run spanning 246 meters long with a pitch of 28 degrees. This eastern-facing course is perfect for mogul-style events, especially considering the expansive viewing area towards the bottom of the run.

This prestigious event marks Waterville's second time hosting a Freestyle World Cup event, you won’t want to miss out on the competition of a lifetime!

Buy your tickets here

Don't miss the 2025 Toyota Waterville Freestyle Cup- January 24 & 25, 2025
The best freestyle skiers in the world return to the Home of Freestyle Skiing, Waterville Valley Resort, for a second year to compete in freestyle moguls and dual moguls competitions. Experience an event like no other in the heart of the White Mountains! Buy tickets here.

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

Imagine suddenly losing your sight at the age of 22 and how you'd adapt to a world turned upside down. That's the incredible story of Randy Pierce, a blind mountaineer and marathon runner, who joins Dan Egan on the 603podcast to share his transformative journey from isolation to conquering mountains. With the loyal companionship of his guide dog, Quinn, Randy's experiences redefine what's possible, illustrating the trust and teamwork needed for such remarkable feats.

Throughout our conversation, Randy opens up about personal loss, the mental fortitude required to face life's curveballs, and the importance of community support. He reveals how his childhood love for adventure was reignited, leading to extraordinary achievements despite his blindness. We also explore the liberating experience of winter hiking in New Hampshire, the unique dynamics of working with a guide dog, and the parallels between his adventures and life's unexpected twists, such as his inclusion in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The episode delves into how setting goals and embracing the journey—no matter how unplanned—can turn challenges into opportunities for growth. Randy's insights on bridging divides, building trust within communities, and the power of small acts of kindness underscore the significance of unity and support. As he plans for future marathons and expands his work with Future Insight, Randy encourages us all to focus forward, illustrating that even when life doesn't go as expected, each step can lead to unforeseen rewards and personal transformation.'

Check out Future In Sight, an organization that has provided essential services & support for more than 100 years to children, adults, & elderly living in New Hampshire who are blind and visually impaired.

Don't miss the 2025 Toyota Waterville Freestyle Cup- January 24 & 25, 2025
The best freestyle skiers in the world return to the Home of Freestyle Skiing, Waterville Valley Resort, for a second year to compete in freestyle moguls and dual moguls competitions. Experience an event like no other in the heart of the White Mountains! Buy tickets here.

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/

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/

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

Neil Lavesque: New Hampshire Presidential Primary

Region: South Central / Merrimack region

Neil Lavesque is the Executive Director of the New Hampshire Institute of Politics

Neil Lavesque is a lifelong New Hampshire resident with a deep seated passion and career for its local politics. As the executive director of the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College, Lavesque’s work lies in political engagement and access. In this episode of the 603 podcast, Lavesque touts New Hampshire’s unique role in the primary presidential election and the state’s commitment to local political involvement.

“When you have ownership in any kind of process, whether it be your workplace or in your small town, you feel that you want to participate. And that's why people participate here.”

New Hampshire’s primary presidential election will always be the first held in the nation. This gives the small Granite State, which only has four electoral votes, a lot of power to sway the presidential election. In being first, New Hampshire can indicate a candidate's popularity and either be the success or demise of their campaign. Listen to Lavesque as he breaks down the special political atmosphere of New Hampshire calling it “the state’s sport”, and its historic importance in deciding the nation’s leaders.

Want to get more involved with New Hampshire politics?

• Learn more about current events, speaker series, polling and more at New Hampshire Institute of Politics
• Tune in to New Hampshire Live, a podcast series covering all things political in the Granite State hosted by the executive director Neil Lavesque and former WMUR anchor Josh McElveen.
• Register to Vote! Register to Vote | New Hampshire Secretary of State

Learn more about the history of New Hampshire’s Presidential Primary with the New Hampshire Historical Society as they celebrate 200 years in 2023 at nhhistory.

Don't miss the 2025 Toyota Waterville Freestyle Cup- January 24 & 25, 2025
The best freestyle skiers in the world return to the Home of Freestyle Skiing, Waterville Valley Resort, for a second year to compete in freestyle moguls and dual moguls competitions. Experience an event like no other in the heart of the White Mountains! Buy tickets here.

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/

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/

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