The Big Nansen: The History of Ski Jumping in New Hampshire (Great North Woods) on the 603podcast

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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: www.redbull.co...
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.
Join me at the SnowBound Expo in Boston Nov 3-5, 2023. Use code DANEGANMEDIA at www.snowboundexpo.com for discounted tickets!
Thank you to our sponsors
Mad River Coffee Roasters, Campton, NH
Jean's Playhouse in the Heart of the White Mountains
Waterville Valley Resort, NH's Family Resort
Ski Fanatics, exit 28 off of Hwy 93
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
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