Note: This episode was recorded in later spring of 2025.

On this episode of the 603podcast, Charlotte MacDonald talks with host Dan Egan and opens a window into the work of the Mount Washington Avalanche Center, where life-saving forecasts are crafted in pre-dawn darkness and tested daily against the mountain's unpredictable temperament. Rising at 4:30am to analyze weather data, MacDonald collaborates with fellow forecasters to publish early a.m. advisories that backcountry enthusiasts depend on before heading into avalanche terrain.

The White Mountains present unique forecasting challenges with wind-driven snowpacks that transform hourly. "In some ways it's easy to get into our terrain," MacDonald explains, "but it's also challenging." Unlike static snowpacks in other regions, Mount Washington's snow constantly shifts with hurricane-force winds that alternately stabilize and destabilize slopes. This dynamic environment requires forecasters to develop intimate knowledge of how wind, temperature, and precipitation interact across the mountain's complex terrain.

MacDonald's journey from recreational skier with little avalanche knowledge to professional forecaster offers a compelling narrative about the importance of education and mentorship. Today, she's pioneering mentorship programs to help others develop crucial safety skills, emphasizing that education shouldn't end with a basic avalanche course.

The increasing popularity of backcountry skiing has transformed the forecaster's role beyond simply predicting avalanche conditions. As more adventurers explore remote terrain year-round, MacDonald and her colleagues balance forecasting duties with search and rescue responsibilities, community education, and cultivating a culture of information sharing. Her simple request? Send photos and observations from your adventures—they provide vital data that might save lives.

Whether you're an experienced backcountry traveler or simply curious about how avalanche professionals protect mountain communities, this conversation offers rare insight into the elements behind every forecast.

To learn more about the Mount Washington Avalanche Center, visit https://www.mountwashingtonavalanchecenter.org/ where you can find information on upcoming workshops, news, and the MWAC App for easy access to avalanche information and observations on-the-go.

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Dan Egan sits down with author and travel writer Dawn Barclay to explore how she transforms New England’s most gripping true crime stories into planned road trips. Dawn’s new series, Vacations Can Be Murder, maps cases across New Hampshire and the region with exacting research, stories, and a surprising amount of care for the living.

Dawn explains the difference in crime patterns from Maine to Massachusetts, and what gives New Hampshire’s cases their distinct voice. From the Smuttynose to James Colbert murders, she traces how landscapes shape stories—and how stories, in turn, shape travel.

If you’re curious about dark tourism done right, you’ll find practical insights here: respectful itineraries, further reading to deepen context, and victim resources embedded throughout.

Press play to rethink true crime through the lens of place and history on this spooky Halloween episode of the 603podcast.

More on the Vacations Can Be Murder can be found here. Stay up to date on all of Dawn Barclay's work on her site.

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Ever wonder what it takes to build a thriving local business that becomes woven into the fabric of a community? Dave Levin's journey from basement coffee roaster to creating a New Hampshire landmark at Exit 28 offers a story in entrepreneurial grit, community building, and staying true to your vision.

When David first started roasting coffee in his basement in 2004, he had no idea his small wholesale operation would transform into Mad River Coffee Roasters—now a beloved gathering space with dozens of employees and a reputation that draws visitors from across New England. His approach was refreshingly straightforward: create delicious coffee, be open consistently, and foster genuine community connections.

What makes this story particularly compelling is how Dave transformed challenges into opportunities. When industry professionals warned him that without high foot traffic, he'd need to roast his own coffee to survive, he embraced manufacturing his product—eliminating middlemen and creating signature blends that remain community favorites two decades later. When competition moved in across the street, he focused on what made his business special rather than worrying about competitors. When lines formed at the counter, he taught staff to see it as part of the experience rather than a problem to solve frantically.

The success of Mad River Coffee Roasters reveals something profound about business and community: authenticity resonates. The cozy atmosphere consistently ranks as their most praised feature in reviews, followed by friendly staff—and of course amazing coffee and food. It's a reminder that while product quality matters, the experience and feeling you create are just as important.

Ready to discover the full story behind one of New Hampshire's most cherished local businesses? Listen now to learn how coffee became the catalyst for creating a space where locals, second homeowners, and tourists all find common ground in the heart of the Granite State.

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Join Dan Egan on the 603podcast as he interviews author and historian Kim Varney Chandler, who takes us through the history of New Hampshire's covered bridges, and her new book covering all the details of the state's beloved architecture.

Chandler reveals the practical reason these bridges were covered and explains why communities have invested so heavily in preserving these structures, with some restoration projects exceeding $1.6 million.

Did you know the state once had over 400 covered bridges, with 58 authentic structures remaining today? Perhaps most remarkable is that of the seven historic covered railroad bridges left worldwide, five stand in the Granite State. Learn how Clark's Trading Post acquired and meticulously reconstructed the world's only remaining active covered railroad bridge.

We explore the threats these bridges face, from arson (the leading cause of bridge loss) to oversized vehicles, and the recent legislation increasing fines from $62 to at least $1,000 for damaging the historic treasures. This episode also touches on the unexpected connections to American history, including Underground Railroad activity around the Durgan Bridge in Sandwich.

Whether you're a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates New Hampshire's unique landscape, Chandler's stories will forever change how you see these iconic structures. Discover why these bridges matter, who built them, and why communities fight so passionately to preserve them for future generations.

Find Kim's book and more about her speaking events and covered bridges in New Hampshire at https://coveredbridgesnh.com/

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Join Dan Egan on the 603podcast as he interviews Founder of SIX03 Endurance, Tom Hooper. Hooper takes us through the remarkable evolution of a New Hampshire statewide running group with hundreds of members, nine major events, and pub runs in cities throughout the Granite State.

"Nobody likes doing things alone," Hooper explains, revealing how the social connections formed through SIX03 extend far beyond the trail. These tight-knit "pods" of runners transform from workout partners into lifelong friends.

The episode dives deep into the psychological aspects of ultramarathon running, where Hooper shares insights from his experience in 100-mile races: "You go through every emotion, every feeling, everything," he says, describing the mental strategies needed to push through "when your sugar gets low and you go into some really dark spots." His approach to breaking down seemingly impossible distances—"10 miles 10 times, not a problem"—offers valuable perspective for anyone facing daunting challenges.

The technical, unforgiving terrain of New Hampshire's White Mountains creates a distinctive running culture that differs dramatically from the "dusty, buttery horse trails" out west. This challenging landscape has forged local athletes who compete at national and world championships, with Hooper himself working as staff for USA Track and Field at international competitions.

Whether you're an experienced ultrarunner or just "trail curious," this conversation illuminates how community transforms individual efforts into something more meaningful. SIX03 Endurance continues to evolve, with plans for live streaming events and the prestigious 2025 US National Championship coming to Mount Sunapee. Join us for an inspiring look at how shared challenges create unbreakable bonds on and off the trail.

Registration is open for all SIX03 trail races this season.

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Hannah Kearney's gold medal-winning run at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics wasn't just a display of athletic brilliance—it was the culmination of a journey marked by failure, resilience, and transformation. As the New Hampshire local tells host Dan Egan, her path to Olympic glory started in the most humble circumstances: skiing Jay Peak's challenging glades while living in a house with no electricity or running water.

The mogul skiing legend reveals how her early exposure to freestyle came through ballet skiing at the Dartmouth Skiway—a discipline requiring intricate pole flips and choreographed routines performed to music. Under the mentorship of Nick and Suszi Preston at Waterville Valley, Kearney developed not just as an athlete but as a person. "They were so much more than ski coaches," she reflects, describing how their belief in her potential and unwavering dedication created a family-like environment that nurtured champions.

Particularly fascinating is Kearney's candid discussion of her 2006 Olympic disappointment, where poor preparation and overwhelming pressure led to early elimination. This failure, combined with a subsequent injury, became the catalyst for her complete reinvention as an athlete—incorporating serious strength training, meticulous preparation, and a newfound gratitude for her sport. When she stood atop the course in Vancouver four years later amid wind and rain, these experiences gave her the edge needed to claim gold.

Today, Kearney continues contributing to the sport she loves as a development officer for the US Ski and Snowboard Foundation, NBC commentator, and strength coach. Her iconic pigtail braids—originally a practical solution for securing her helmet—have become a symbol emulated by young skiers worldwide. As she prepares for induction into the US Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame, Kearney's story reminds us that sometimes our greatest setbacks contain the seeds of our future success.

Listen to the full episode to hear more on Hannah Kearney.

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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

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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.

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