The Weardale Ski Club Ltd
Unfortunately on inspection this morning conditions were poor with strong winds, poor visibility and warm temperatures so a decision was made not to open. There is still much snow but also many bare patches so some more fresh snow is required. The weather forecasts are predicting some snow and colder temperatures over the next few days but it is unclear how much so please watch the reports.
Steve
Wednesday, 27 January 2010
Tuesday, 26 January 2010
Limited skiing wednesday 27th Jan
The Weardale Ski Club Ltd
Following an inspection today we are planning to open tomorrow (Wednesday) for skiing. There are some bare patches and some thin areas so the skiing may not be great and you will have to take care. There has been some light snow giving thin cover to some of the bare patches and large drifts in other areas. More snow is forecast this weekend along with falling temperatures so keep fingers crossed. There is a possibility that we may ski on Friday as well this week but please use the answerphone for details on Thursday evening if you are interested and I will report tomorrow night on Wednesdays conditions.
Tomorrow we hope to run the lifts from 10:30am. Please note if conditions are poor we may close early. We are still operating a members only policy with no day members until further notice.
Steve
Following an inspection today we are planning to open tomorrow (Wednesday) for skiing. There are some bare patches and some thin areas so the skiing may not be great and you will have to take care. There has been some light snow giving thin cover to some of the bare patches and large drifts in other areas. More snow is forecast this weekend along with falling temperatures so keep fingers crossed. There is a possibility that we may ski on Friday as well this week but please use the answerphone for details on Thursday evening if you are interested and I will report tomorrow night on Wednesdays conditions.
Tomorrow we hope to run the lifts from 10:30am. Please note if conditions are poor we may close early. We are still operating a members only policy with no day members until further notice.
Steve
Saturday, 23 January 2010
Snow Go
The Weardale Ski Club Ltd
Sadly looks like no skiing this weekend at Swinhope unless there is significant snowfall overnight. There is still a lot of snow on the fells but it is very patchy and in the interests of safety it was decided not to open today (Saturday). Snow has been forecast but at the time of writing no sign of it yet but if snow does fall overnight the answerphone (01388 527527) will be updated in the morning.
Yad Moss report a good days skiing today and they are planning to open tomorrow. They also report short queues today. If any WSC members do go over there remember to take your current membership cards to benefit from our reciprocal arrangement.
For those of you interested in other outdoor activities have you thought of joining Durham Mountain Sports - details of their club and forthcoming AGM below.
Steve
"Durham Mountain Sports is an outdoor club that brings together outdoor enthusiasts from the all over the North East. Membership is £15, running from January to December each year. Regular multi-sport activities (i.e climbing on Tuesday nights, mountain biking on 2 Sundays a month, canoeing, etc) are arranged by members (on the club forum - www.a5key.f2s.com/phpBB3/index.php ) with a number of weekend club huts meets every year.
For more info see:
www.durhammountainsports.org.uk/
Durham Mountain Sports Club AGM to the next Pub Night on Tuesday the 2nd Feb 2010 at the Tap & Spile, Framwellgate Moor, Durham. The pub night will start at 7.30pm, with the AGM will start at around 8.30pm.
Sadly looks like no skiing this weekend at Swinhope unless there is significant snowfall overnight. There is still a lot of snow on the fells but it is very patchy and in the interests of safety it was decided not to open today (Saturday). Snow has been forecast but at the time of writing no sign of it yet but if snow does fall overnight the answerphone (01388 527527) will be updated in the morning.
Yad Moss report a good days skiing today and they are planning to open tomorrow. They also report short queues today. If any WSC members do go over there remember to take your current membership cards to benefit from our reciprocal arrangement.
For those of you interested in other outdoor activities have you thought of joining Durham Mountain Sports - details of their club and forthcoming AGM below.
Steve
"Durham Mountain Sports is an outdoor club that brings together outdoor enthusiasts from the all over the North East. Membership is £15, running from January to December each year. Regular multi-sport activities (i.e climbing on Tuesday nights, mountain biking on 2 Sundays a month, canoeing, etc) are arranged by members (on the club forum - www.a5key.f2s.com/phpBB3/index.php ) with a number of weekend club huts meets every year.
For more info see:
www.durhammountainsports.org.uk/
Durham Mountain Sports Club AGM to the next Pub Night on Tuesday the 2nd Feb 2010 at the Tap & Spile, Framwellgate Moor, Durham. The pub night will start at 7.30pm, with the AGM will start at around 8.30pm.
Tuesday, 19 January 2010
Skiing Wednesday 20th Jan
The Weardale Ski Club Ltd
The snow may have gone where you live but there still seems plenty of it up on Swinhope Moor. When last viewed there were a few small bare areas developing but these were easy to avoid and there are still huge drifts lying around that we may be able to utilise with the Piste Basher. The gully is in the best condition for many years and Black Scar saw plenty of action at the weekend. We are planning to open for skiing tomorrow from about 10:30am. The road when last seen was clear tarmac but conditions can vary very quickly as we have already seen several times this year. If you are travelling in a 2WD car it is adviseable to carry chains with you in case conditions deteriorate and always remember that shovel if you need to dig in.
There may be some maintenance work tomorrow on the lifts which may result in a few short stoppages but these will be minimised. Please remember that we are still allowing only existing members and no day members are currently being allowed.
We are about to produce the WSC Newsletter and are looking for a few photos that show the ski area being used so if any of you have any nice photos you are prepared to let us use then please email them to me.
Steve
ps the shoulder is improving - thanks for all the support.
The snow may have gone where you live but there still seems plenty of it up on Swinhope Moor. When last viewed there were a few small bare areas developing but these were easy to avoid and there are still huge drifts lying around that we may be able to utilise with the Piste Basher. The gully is in the best condition for many years and Black Scar saw plenty of action at the weekend. We are planning to open for skiing tomorrow from about 10:30am. The road when last seen was clear tarmac but conditions can vary very quickly as we have already seen several times this year. If you are travelling in a 2WD car it is adviseable to carry chains with you in case conditions deteriorate and always remember that shovel if you need to dig in.
There may be some maintenance work tomorrow on the lifts which may result in a few short stoppages but these will be minimised. Please remember that we are still allowing only existing members and no day members are currently being allowed.
We are about to produce the WSC Newsletter and are looking for a few photos that show the ski area being used so if any of you have any nice photos you are prepared to let us use then please email them to me.
Steve
ps the shoulder is improving - thanks for all the support.
Sunday, 17 January 2010
snow report Sunday 17th
The Weardale Ski Club Ltd
Another great days skiing + boarding today with huge amnounts of snow remaining. There are one or two patches becoming a little thin but hopefully the pistebasher will be able to spread out some of the drifts to improve these areas. Everywhere is still open for skiing and all the streams are covered and the main gully is completely filled in and in places resembles a giant half-pipe. Temperatures today hovered around +2 and the snow is best described as Spring Like. It was heavy in places but where people had skied and the runs became pisted the conditions were superb. The sun threatened to come out all day and completely missed us whilst spending at least some time shining on every area around us!
We are not planning to open tomorrow at the moment but will hope to do so later in the week. Sadly it wont be with me as I disclocated my shoulder coming off a 15' drop in the gully. An agonising ski down to the hut, failed attempted reduction by a medic and a vet on a table in the hut followed by a trip to the carpark on the skidoo, and a trip to Durham Hospital has resulted in my shoulder being replaced - Morphine, diazepam, codeine + midazolam have had a fantastic effect to the extent I cannot remember it being out back in - I would highly recommend them (under medical supervision of course!). Thanks to everyone who helped me out - you were all great. Pity we left it too late for the Mountain Rescue who had been carrying out an exercise on the fells earlier on but had left by the time they were needed!
The road today was very icy but this had all but gone by our return journey and it was largely tarmac. This means that chains are not currently needed but please listen to the message on the answerphone when we next open as it can change overnight.
Also yet another article for you to read in the Time-on-line today - http://timestravel.typepad.com/
Steve
Another great days skiing + boarding today with huge amnounts of snow remaining. There are one or two patches becoming a little thin but hopefully the pistebasher will be able to spread out some of the drifts to improve these areas. Everywhere is still open for skiing and all the streams are covered and the main gully is completely filled in and in places resembles a giant half-pipe. Temperatures today hovered around +2 and the snow is best described as Spring Like. It was heavy in places but where people had skied and the runs became pisted the conditions were superb. The sun threatened to come out all day and completely missed us whilst spending at least some time shining on every area around us!
We are not planning to open tomorrow at the moment but will hope to do so later in the week. Sadly it wont be with me as I disclocated my shoulder coming off a 15' drop in the gully. An agonising ski down to the hut, failed attempted reduction by a medic and a vet on a table in the hut followed by a trip to the carpark on the skidoo, and a trip to Durham Hospital has resulted in my shoulder being replaced - Morphine, diazepam, codeine + midazolam have had a fantastic effect to the extent I cannot remember it being out back in - I would highly recommend them (under medical supervision of course!). Thanks to everyone who helped me out - you were all great. Pity we left it too late for the Mountain Rescue who had been carrying out an exercise on the fells earlier on but had left by the time they were needed!
The road today was very icy but this had all but gone by our return journey and it was largely tarmac. This means that chains are not currently needed but please listen to the message on the answerphone when we next open as it can change overnight.
Also yet another article for you to read in the Time-on-line today - http://timestravel.typepad.com/
Steve
Saturday, 16 January 2010
snow report Saturday 16th Jan
The Weardale Ski Club Ltd
Due to high winds and rain/sleet/snow the tows did not operate today but with better weather forecast for Sunday we are planning to open tomorrow from 10:30am. Please note we are now only open to members and are not accepting day members.
We are not sure of the condition of the road tomorrow which may need some clearing so please expect a few delays. 4WD or Chains will be essential.
Please ensure that you park as close as you safely can to the car in front at an agle and as close to the fence as you can get. If you need to park further down the hill you will need to dig in off the road so please pack a shovel.
If we are busy tomorrow we may try to limit the number of snowboarders using the lifts at the same time as if we get several in succession there is a risk of damage to the tows if they veer off too far to the side. The tows are not easy for snowboarders in some conditions so please try and alternate snowboarder + skier if this is a problem and please try and keep as close to the tow-line as possible. Please can I ask people to watch when they let go of their "button" and if it trips the wire please reconnect this and inform a lift operator who will restart the engine. On no account should anyone else start the engines.
Steve
Due to high winds and rain/sleet/snow the tows did not operate today but with better weather forecast for Sunday we are planning to open tomorrow from 10:30am. Please note we are now only open to members and are not accepting day members.
We are not sure of the condition of the road tomorrow which may need some clearing so please expect a few delays. 4WD or Chains will be essential.
Please ensure that you park as close as you safely can to the car in front at an agle and as close to the fence as you can get. If you need to park further down the hill you will need to dig in off the road so please pack a shovel.
If we are busy tomorrow we may try to limit the number of snowboarders using the lifts at the same time as if we get several in succession there is a risk of damage to the tows if they veer off too far to the side. The tows are not easy for snowboarders in some conditions so please try and alternate snowboarder + skier if this is a problem and please try and keep as close to the tow-line as possible. Please can I ask people to watch when they let go of their "button" and if it trips the wire please reconnect this and inform a lift operator who will restart the engine. On no account should anyone else start the engines.
Steve
Friday, 15 January 2010
Snow report friday 15th Jan - Day 24
The Weardale Ski Club Ltd
24 days skiing so far since the 19th December - how good is that for value? There was skiing today and still plenty of snow on Swinhope and the road has been opened again. Visibility today was rather poor and only F1 was running. The forecast is very poor tomorrow with rain + high winds and possibly some heavy snow so we are not planning to open on Saturday but with better weather forecast on Sunday hope to do so - details will be announced on the answerphone - 01388 527527 along with road conditions. Whilst the road has been opened today, with snow and wind forecast it is quite likely that it will block again or at least become difficult so 4WD or Chains will be essential as will a shovel. Please heed these warnings as a single car stuck can create a lot of hassle not to mention the potential risks.
Please also be careful where you put on + take off chains. In particular do not block any farm gates - we rely on the support of the local farmers who have been invaluable this season and whose patience has been tested already several times. The best place to put on + remove chains is at the layby before turning up the road to the slopes. This is accessed by turning down the back road at Daddry Shield. Please do not use the road through East + West Haswicks as this is very narrow and an inconvenience to the local population with whom we have a "gentlemans agreement".
Membership is now full to overflowing and I am afraid we have had to return some applications as we have passed our maximum capacity. I apologise to anyone who has been denied entrance to the club and it was hard to foresee this eventuality as we have not been anywhere near full in recent years. We will be sending out new appliation forms in the Autumn for next year and these will be processed on a first come first served basis but preference will be given to those who have attended work parties in the summer. Day Membership has also been closed due to current demand. If we reverse this decision later in the season I will announce it in my emails and also on the website. Membership cards - those who have recently joined will still be awaiting their membership cards - we are still waiting to receive these from the printers as we did not order enough this year - they will be posted as soon as they arrive. If you attend in the meantime please retain your receipts if you paid on the slopes. If you posted your application before the 10th January you will have been accepted and I suggest email Alison if you intend to ski and she will send a confirmatory email which can be used until your card arrives - ajlumb@hotmail.co.uk
Steve
24 days skiing so far since the 19th December - how good is that for value? There was skiing today and still plenty of snow on Swinhope and the road has been opened again. Visibility today was rather poor and only F1 was running. The forecast is very poor tomorrow with rain + high winds and possibly some heavy snow so we are not planning to open on Saturday but with better weather forecast on Sunday hope to do so - details will be announced on the answerphone - 01388 527527 along with road conditions. Whilst the road has been opened today, with snow and wind forecast it is quite likely that it will block again or at least become difficult so 4WD or Chains will be essential as will a shovel. Please heed these warnings as a single car stuck can create a lot of hassle not to mention the potential risks.
Please also be careful where you put on + take off chains. In particular do not block any farm gates - we rely on the support of the local farmers who have been invaluable this season and whose patience has been tested already several times. The best place to put on + remove chains is at the layby before turning up the road to the slopes. This is accessed by turning down the back road at Daddry Shield. Please do not use the road through East + West Haswicks as this is very narrow and an inconvenience to the local population with whom we have a "gentlemans agreement".
Membership is now full to overflowing and I am afraid we have had to return some applications as we have passed our maximum capacity. I apologise to anyone who has been denied entrance to the club and it was hard to foresee this eventuality as we have not been anywhere near full in recent years. We will be sending out new appliation forms in the Autumn for next year and these will be processed on a first come first served basis but preference will be given to those who have attended work parties in the summer. Day Membership has also been closed due to current demand. If we reverse this decision later in the season I will announce it in my emails and also on the website. Membership cards - those who have recently joined will still be awaiting their membership cards - we are still waiting to receive these from the printers as we did not order enough this year - they will be posted as soon as they arrive. If you attend in the meantime please retain your receipts if you paid on the slopes. If you posted your application before the 10th January you will have been accepted and I suggest email Alison if you intend to ski and she will send a confirmatory email which can be used until your card arrives - ajlumb@hotmail.co.uk
Steve
Wednesday, 13 January 2010
Too Much Snow
The Weardale Ski Club Ltd
Despite the gradual thaw over a lot of the country there is still loads of snow at Swinhope - too much in fact - and the road was impassable today. As a result we are not planning to open tomorrow (Thursday) and the forecast is not looking great for the next couple of days with wind and rain/sleet/snow. Hopefully we will get some skiing this weekend but keep a watch on the weather forecasts and also the answerphone + webcam.
Steve
Despite the gradual thaw over a lot of the country there is still loads of snow at Swinhope - too much in fact - and the road was impassable today. As a result we are not planning to open tomorrow (Thursday) and the forecast is not looking great for the next couple of days with wind and rain/sleet/snow. Hopefully we will get some skiing this weekend but keep a watch on the weather forecasts and also the answerphone + webcam.
Steve
Monday, 11 January 2010
Snow Report Monday 11th Jan
The Weardale Ski Club Ltd
We closed today due to the bad weather forecast but plan to open tomorrow and hope to have the lifts open by 10:30am. Many of you will know what the road was like on sunday after the wind filled it in with blown snow and I believe that wind is forecast tomorrow though not as strong and from a more southerley direction. However please note that if conditions do deteriorate we may have to close early and is at the discretion of the tow operators.
Membership cards - due to the hundreds of applications we have had over the last few days there will be a little delay in getting them all posted out, especially as we have run out of cards, but it is in hand.
The Road I am not sure what the road is currently like but after Sundays debacle 4WD and chains will be essential again. At the end of this email I have copied an email from Peter Gledhill with a few comments about how to drive in snow and about chains - their uses and limitations. To some of you this may be preaching to the converted but to some driving on snow and using chains is a new experience so hopefully may be helpful. The only comment I would add is that you should always leave a decent gap between you and the car in front, never stop on a slope as you may not get going - momentum is essential, and any changes of speed, direction etc should be slow and gentle and if possible do not use your brakes and use the gears to slow you.
Ski Sunday - we featured yesterday on Ski Sunday - brief but nice to have our 30 seconds of fame - it can be seen on BBC iPlayer (http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00pzp2d/Ski_Sunday_2010_10_01_2010/) and we feature at around the 34 minute mark! We also appeared in several papers including the Observer Escape Magazine, Newcastle Journal, Echo, Chronicle etc to mention just a few. Not surprisingly a few facts stated were wrong!
Ski Holiday Ann Clement has emailed to say that she has a place going on a ski holiday in Val d'Isere flying from Bristol on 24th Jan for 1 week, fully catered chalet - if interested phone Ann on 01388 819991.
Steve
Driving in snow
We closed today due to the bad weather forecast but plan to open tomorrow and hope to have the lifts open by 10:30am. Many of you will know what the road was like on sunday after the wind filled it in with blown snow and I believe that wind is forecast tomorrow though not as strong and from a more southerley direction. However please note that if conditions do deteriorate we may have to close early and is at the discretion of the tow operators.
Membership cards - due to the hundreds of applications we have had over the last few days there will be a little delay in getting them all posted out, especially as we have run out of cards, but it is in hand.
The Road I am not sure what the road is currently like but after Sundays debacle 4WD and chains will be essential again. At the end of this email I have copied an email from Peter Gledhill with a few comments about how to drive in snow and about chains - their uses and limitations. To some of you this may be preaching to the converted but to some driving on snow and using chains is a new experience so hopefully may be helpful. The only comment I would add is that you should always leave a decent gap between you and the car in front, never stop on a slope as you may not get going - momentum is essential, and any changes of speed, direction etc should be slow and gentle and if possible do not use your brakes and use the gears to slow you.
Ski Sunday - we featured yesterday on Ski Sunday - brief but nice to have our 30 seconds of fame - it can be seen on BBC iPlayer (http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00pzp2d/Ski_Sunday_2010_10_01_2010/) and we feature at around the 34 minute mark! We also appeared in several papers including the Observer Escape Magazine, Newcastle Journal, Echo, Chronicle etc to mention just a few. Not surprisingly a few facts stated were wrong!
Ski Holiday Ann Clement has emailed to say that she has a place going on a ski holiday in Val d'Isere flying from Bristol on 24th Jan for 1 week, fully catered chalet - if interested phone Ann on 01388 819991.
Steve
Driving in snow
I got your snow report with the part about the stuck vehicles and the snow chains. The red VW's original 'snow chains' weren't even snow chains. I loaned 2 of my heavy duty (very expensive) 4wd chains to the driver and it even shredded one of those. That's because of the width of the tyres and the resistance to forward movement in the snow.
I've done a hell of a lot of driving in the snow in Scotland and in the Alps and there is a clear lesson that takes us right back to fundamentals. The key thing for driving a 2wd in snow are narrow tyres, snow chains and ideally, light weight. If any of those golden rules is broken, 1 inch of snow and a gradient will stop you. I've got stuck twice this season in ditches at the side of the road and needed towing out. Both times were because somebody was coming the other way and there were no passing places. Shuttling people up the hill does not work for this reason in my opinion.
Snow chains are almost useless once you are stuck, to fit them, you really need to lay them flat before you get to the snow and drive onto them otherwise you will never get the tension even. Fitting them around the wheel on snow is not the best idea. Also, most chains need to be re-tensioned after driving an initial 100 metres or so. If you get stuck, you will throw a chain by giving the car lots of power. The technique is to shovel the snow away from ahead and behind each tyre and rock the vehicle backwards and forwards if possible to flatten more and more snow until you can build up enough momentum to clear the obstacle in front. Once you get going, keep going and go as fast as is safe. Momentum is the key.
Another point for people with 4wd is that unless you have manual differential locks, once you are stuck, you are really stuck. If you have a 'computerised' system such as I have, unless the computer can sense that the wheels are turning, it does not send power to the correct wheels and for example, Kia, Nissan, some Audi (not an exhaustive list), it simply powers one axle. The secret is to clear a space ahead and behind each wheel so that the vehicle can 'rock' by about one eighth of a wheel turn and the computer will then lock the appropriate diffs. However, if you are really stuck, you will need a tow. Any vehicle will do and it is best to tug sharply on the rope because it is the initial jerk that gets the 4wd computer thinking that all the wheels are now moving. Also, there is no substitute for shovelling. The whole underside of the car needs clearing usually because most 4wd vehicles are designed to plug through anything less than axle height.
I suspect you and the committee know all this already so I hope I don't sound patronizing, you may or may not want to put it on the web site or in your email sometime, it might prevent the same thing happening as yesterday. The farmer was magnificent and there was another car not related to the skiing (sightseeing!!) stuck in a 4 foot drift, but I still think the whole episode might have been avoided. It was a potentially very dangerous situation through no fault of most people there.
Sunday, 10 January 2010
Snow report from Sunday 10th Jan
The Weardale Ski Club Ltd
Another busy day on the slopes today with scores of people attending and enjoying some excellent snow despite a bitterley cold northeasterly wind. Unfortunately we had to close early around 2pm due to reports of drifting snow affecting the access road. Everyone seemed to take this news well and soon realised why we made the decision as the snow was very deep in places and it took 2 hours or more to get the cars off. I was pleased to see that the vast majority had 4WD or chains but have to report several more broken chains that caused problems. I suspect that these are the cheap chains bought from Halfords (or similar) which are really not suitable for these roads and conditions and are designed mainly to help people off their housing estates onto the main road (though I may be mistaken as I did not witness the casualties - I was stuck at the back clearing the fell!). I gather there was also a red van stuck with chains that were described to me as more like a hairnet and again these are not really designed for these conditions. Fortunately, and with great debt of thanks to Martin English who came to the rescue in his tractor and snowplough, everyone got off the slopes albeit rather later than expected.
Membership The club is now closed to new members and we are also no longer accepting day members, at least for the foreseeable future, and if we relax this rule I will email it out on one of these mailings. The club has always had an upper limit of 700 members and due to the huge demand we have exceeded that number hence the reason to close - the carpark, road and lifts simply cannot cope with any more and struggles at weekends with these numbers.
Skiing this week We are not opening tomorrow (Monday 11th) due to the road conditions, predicted snow overnight and strong winds again forecast tomorrow. We will try and open later in the week if conditions improve - please use the answerphone - 01388 527527.
Lost Property I have reports of a lost mobile phone and also some snow chains. If anyone has found these please let me know and I will contact the owners.
The Club This is run by a very small group of volunteers who have to man the kiosk, piste the runs, fix the breakages, try and organise the queues and any other problems that occur. Most of you have been very supportive and this is appreciated, and some have offered to help out. This is difficult for most of the jobs which require training for safety issues but if anyone is interested in joining us on a more formal basis then please contact me. Training can be offered to those who are keen to help out. You may find tow operators "jumping the queue" at times - this may be because they are off to fix something or simply so that they can get a couple of runs in if they are lucky enough to do so so please bear with them!
Ski Sunday and the Journal I gather we featured briefly on Ski Sunday today - hopefully it will be replayed so I can watch it. We also had a nice 2 page article in the Journal with some great photos from James Cummings. I believe we are also to feature in the Observer possibly this weekend or next - typical we get all this publicity when we least need it!
Steve
Another busy day on the slopes today with scores of people attending and enjoying some excellent snow despite a bitterley cold northeasterly wind. Unfortunately we had to close early around 2pm due to reports of drifting snow affecting the access road. Everyone seemed to take this news well and soon realised why we made the decision as the snow was very deep in places and it took 2 hours or more to get the cars off. I was pleased to see that the vast majority had 4WD or chains but have to report several more broken chains that caused problems. I suspect that these are the cheap chains bought from Halfords (or similar) which are really not suitable for these roads and conditions and are designed mainly to help people off their housing estates onto the main road (though I may be mistaken as I did not witness the casualties - I was stuck at the back clearing the fell!). I gather there was also a red van stuck with chains that were described to me as more like a hairnet and again these are not really designed for these conditions. Fortunately, and with great debt of thanks to Martin English who came to the rescue in his tractor and snowplough, everyone got off the slopes albeit rather later than expected.
Membership The club is now closed to new members and we are also no longer accepting day members, at least for the foreseeable future, and if we relax this rule I will email it out on one of these mailings. The club has always had an upper limit of 700 members and due to the huge demand we have exceeded that number hence the reason to close - the carpark, road and lifts simply cannot cope with any more and struggles at weekends with these numbers.
Skiing this week We are not opening tomorrow (Monday 11th) due to the road conditions, predicted snow overnight and strong winds again forecast tomorrow. We will try and open later in the week if conditions improve - please use the answerphone - 01388 527527.
Lost Property I have reports of a lost mobile phone and also some snow chains. If anyone has found these please let me know and I will contact the owners.
The Club This is run by a very small group of volunteers who have to man the kiosk, piste the runs, fix the breakages, try and organise the queues and any other problems that occur. Most of you have been very supportive and this is appreciated, and some have offered to help out. This is difficult for most of the jobs which require training for safety issues but if anyone is interested in joining us on a more formal basis then please contact me. Training can be offered to those who are keen to help out. You may find tow operators "jumping the queue" at times - this may be because they are off to fix something or simply so that they can get a couple of runs in if they are lucky enough to do so so please bear with them!
Ski Sunday and the Journal I gather we featured briefly on Ski Sunday today - hopefully it will be replayed so I can watch it. We also had a nice 2 page article in the Journal with some great photos from James Cummings. I believe we are also to feature in the Observer possibly this weekend or next - typical we get all this publicity when we least need it!
Steve
Saturday, 9 January 2010
Membership Full
The Weardale Ski Club Ltd
Following unprecedented demand and attendances we have now reached our maximum capacity for membership and are closed to New Applications for this season. The lifts and carparking can only cope with a certain number and for the first time in over 20 years we have reached that number leading to the closure to new members. We are very sorry to disappoint anybody who was hoping to join but have taken this step on the grounds of safety and to support the loyalty of existing members who have stuck with us through lean and plentiful years. Our membership season starts on 1st September so to avoid disappointment next year I suggest apply early. We are also closing to Day Members for the foreseeable future.
The Snow - This is superb currently with snow all over allowing virtually unlimited skiing. Please can I advise people that if they venture out of the area marked on the Piste Map that they do so at their own risk. If you do venture out further afield please arrive back before lifts close otherwise if a tow operator finds a car left in the car park he may well call out the mountain rescue assuming that someone is lost or stranded out on the hills.
The Road - This is still very tricky with new ruts forming and snow and ice. It needs to be taken very carefully even with 4WD and if 2WD cars attempt it they will need chains and good driving skills to avoid getting grounded.
The Parking - I am told this was better today and we have coned off the fell gate entrance and the corner near the stile to prevent cars parking there. In previous weeks there has been some terrible parking and the gate has been blocked on at least 2 occasions by cars - we have taken the number plates of badly parked cars but it is too long to include here but the following 2 cars have been found obstructing the emergency access gate - G11HEW and PX07WNT - if these are your car registrations please please please dont do it again. No gate anywhere should be obstructed as the farmer does use them all.
Skiing Tomorrow is from about 10:30am. It is anticipated to be very busy so please share lifts if at all possible.
New Members Will new members please try to adhere to advice given out by officials who are only trying to help the place run smoothly and hopefully get a little skiing in themselves. We are all volunteers and there are very few of us so at times we may appear a little stressed and overstretched - a smile and a thank you goes a long way. You are all welcome to use the lodge for packed lunches etc but please remember to take away all your rubbish - the binmen do not visit us unfortunately and any rubbish left has to be carried away by those people trying to give you a days skiing! Please note also that the toilets are very basic and with the huge demand and pressures of numbers should really only be used as a last resort - once visited I suspect you will knpw what I mean. They also have to be emptied by one of the officials which is not the most highly sought after posts on the WSC Board!!!
Starting the lifts - there have been a few instances of skiers/boarders restarting the lifts without the knowledge that it is safe to do so. Please do not restart the lift unless you are a registered tow operator and even then only when you have been informed that it is safe to do so.
Steve
Following unprecedented demand and attendances we have now reached our maximum capacity for membership and are closed to New Applications for this season. The lifts and carparking can only cope with a certain number and for the first time in over 20 years we have reached that number leading to the closure to new members. We are very sorry to disappoint anybody who was hoping to join but have taken this step on the grounds of safety and to support the loyalty of existing members who have stuck with us through lean and plentiful years. Our membership season starts on 1st September so to avoid disappointment next year I suggest apply early. We are also closing to Day Members for the foreseeable future.
The Snow - This is superb currently with snow all over allowing virtually unlimited skiing. Please can I advise people that if they venture out of the area marked on the Piste Map that they do so at their own risk. If you do venture out further afield please arrive back before lifts close otherwise if a tow operator finds a car left in the car park he may well call out the mountain rescue assuming that someone is lost or stranded out on the hills.
The Road - This is still very tricky with new ruts forming and snow and ice. It needs to be taken very carefully even with 4WD and if 2WD cars attempt it they will need chains and good driving skills to avoid getting grounded.
The Parking - I am told this was better today and we have coned off the fell gate entrance and the corner near the stile to prevent cars parking there. In previous weeks there has been some terrible parking and the gate has been blocked on at least 2 occasions by cars - we have taken the number plates of badly parked cars but it is too long to include here but the following 2 cars have been found obstructing the emergency access gate - G11HEW and PX07WNT - if these are your car registrations please please please dont do it again. No gate anywhere should be obstructed as the farmer does use them all.
Skiing Tomorrow is from about 10:30am. It is anticipated to be very busy so please share lifts if at all possible.
New Members Will new members please try to adhere to advice given out by officials who are only trying to help the place run smoothly and hopefully get a little skiing in themselves. We are all volunteers and there are very few of us so at times we may appear a little stressed and overstretched - a smile and a thank you goes a long way. You are all welcome to use the lodge for packed lunches etc but please remember to take away all your rubbish - the binmen do not visit us unfortunately and any rubbish left has to be carried away by those people trying to give you a days skiing! Please note also that the toilets are very basic and with the huge demand and pressures of numbers should really only be used as a last resort - once visited I suspect you will knpw what I mean. They also have to be emptied by one of the officials which is not the most highly sought after posts on the WSC Board!!!
Starting the lifts - there have been a few instances of skiers/boarders restarting the lifts without the knowledge that it is safe to do so. Please do not restart the lift unless you are a registered tow operator and even then only when you have been informed that it is safe to do so.
Steve
Friday, 8 January 2010
Snow report from Friday 8th January
The Weardale Ski Club Ltd
The unbelieveable conditions have continued and set to last a while yet. Today was our 20th day open out of the last 22 days - we only missed Christmas Eve and Day. Reports from the last 3 days have run out of superlatives to describe conditions with blue skies and fresh powder everywhere. The fantastic run of snow has dramatically renewed interest in our club to the point that we are almost full and it is very likely that we will be closed to new applicants after this weekend. Today has been very busy and it is likely that this weekend will be our busiest by far and we run the risk of becoming overwhelmed - especially the carparking which is limited at the best of time - so please try and share cars as much as possible. For those parking and walking can I suggest parking in Westgate rather than the layby which is used for putting on chains and also for locals parking. From Westgate you can cross the footbridge and up the short hill to the crossroads from where it is about 2 miles straight ahead. Hopefully cars with spaces will offer people lifts.
Parking. Without wanting to be repetitive please please please park sensibly. The main site to park is along the fence on the left side of the road - here park at a 45 degree angle close to the next car and front up to the fence and NOT parallel to the fence which takes up 2-3 places. There is some limited parking above the stile and also at the side of the road but here you will need to dig in off the road and make sure that you do not obstruct the road at all. Most importantly DO NOT BLOCK ANY GATES - we have had several incidences of cars blocking farmers gates and also the fell gate at the carpark which is the only access to the fell for emergency vehicles.
The Road. This is still tricky as evidenced by a large 4WD having to be towed out of a ditch again today by our friendly farmer who we do not want to annoy!!!. 4WD or Chains are essential still.
We plan to open tomorrow from about 10 am and hopefully the same again on Sunday.
Steve
The unbelieveable conditions have continued and set to last a while yet. Today was our 20th day open out of the last 22 days - we only missed Christmas Eve and Day. Reports from the last 3 days have run out of superlatives to describe conditions with blue skies and fresh powder everywhere. The fantastic run of snow has dramatically renewed interest in our club to the point that we are almost full and it is very likely that we will be closed to new applicants after this weekend. Today has been very busy and it is likely that this weekend will be our busiest by far and we run the risk of becoming overwhelmed - especially the carparking which is limited at the best of time - so please try and share cars as much as possible. For those parking and walking can I suggest parking in Westgate rather than the layby which is used for putting on chains and also for locals parking. From Westgate you can cross the footbridge and up the short hill to the crossroads from where it is about 2 miles straight ahead. Hopefully cars with spaces will offer people lifts.
Parking. Without wanting to be repetitive please please please park sensibly. The main site to park is along the fence on the left side of the road - here park at a 45 degree angle close to the next car and front up to the fence and NOT parallel to the fence which takes up 2-3 places. There is some limited parking above the stile and also at the side of the road but here you will need to dig in off the road and make sure that you do not obstruct the road at all. Most importantly DO NOT BLOCK ANY GATES - we have had several incidences of cars blocking farmers gates and also the fell gate at the carpark which is the only access to the fell for emergency vehicles.
The Road. This is still tricky as evidenced by a large 4WD having to be towed out of a ditch again today by our friendly farmer who we do not want to annoy!!!. 4WD or Chains are essential still.
We plan to open tomorrow from about 10 am and hopefully the same again on Sunday.
Steve
Wednesday, 6 January 2010
Snow report from Wednesday 6th January
The Weardale Ski Club Ltd
Skiers + boarders today had the best of both worlds today with fantastic snow after nearly a foot of fresh powder and blue skies and sunshine - or so I am informed as some of us have a real job! Everywhere is skiable at the moment and all the gullies are filled with drifts. There are acres of off piste terrain but please note that only the pisted areas have been cleared of rocks and hidden dangers can lurk when off piste so you do so at your own peril. If you are new to the area it is advisable to venture off piste in a group and not on your own and preferably with someone who knows the area.
We are planning to open tomorrow - check the answerphone for details - 01388 527527.
Please note that due to the large numbers of people turning up in recent weeks we are reverting to only allowing members at weekends so as not to disadvantage those members who have supported us over the years through good and bad seasons. We will accept fully completed application forms on the slopes this weekend only (as long as the form is completed with SAE and correct fee) - after that only postal applications will be accepted. Will members please display their membership cards, especially at busy times.
Please note also that the access road is still very difficult with a mixture of icy patches, deep snow and the rutted area so 4WD or chains will be essential for the foreseeable future (chains and a shovel should always be packed even in better conditions as they can change on the day as we have seen already this season!).
Parking is likely to be at a premium this weekend so please share lifts if possible to minimise the number of cars and please park at a 45 degree angle to the fence on the left - we are still getting some people parking parallel to it and taking up the space of 2 or 3 cars. Also try and get as close as you safely can to the next car. If there are no places left in the carpark then dig in off road ensuring that you are not encroaching onto the road.
Finally Kevin Moore has posted a video of the conditions from recently which you are welcome to watch - the link is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqcJfirSAmk - there are also other videos of WSC on youtube if you search.
Steve
Skiers + boarders today had the best of both worlds today with fantastic snow after nearly a foot of fresh powder and blue skies and sunshine - or so I am informed as some of us have a real job! Everywhere is skiable at the moment and all the gullies are filled with drifts. There are acres of off piste terrain but please note that only the pisted areas have been cleared of rocks and hidden dangers can lurk when off piste so you do so at your own peril. If you are new to the area it is advisable to venture off piste in a group and not on your own and preferably with someone who knows the area.
We are planning to open tomorrow - check the answerphone for details - 01388 527527.
Please note that due to the large numbers of people turning up in recent weeks we are reverting to only allowing members at weekends so as not to disadvantage those members who have supported us over the years through good and bad seasons. We will accept fully completed application forms on the slopes this weekend only (as long as the form is completed with SAE and correct fee) - after that only postal applications will be accepted. Will members please display their membership cards, especially at busy times.
Please note also that the access road is still very difficult with a mixture of icy patches, deep snow and the rutted area so 4WD or chains will be essential for the foreseeable future (chains and a shovel should always be packed even in better conditions as they can change on the day as we have seen already this season!).
Parking is likely to be at a premium this weekend so please share lifts if possible to minimise the number of cars and please park at a 45 degree angle to the fence on the left - we are still getting some people parking parallel to it and taking up the space of 2 or 3 cars. Also try and get as close as you safely can to the next car. If there are no places left in the carpark then dig in off road ensuring that you are not encroaching onto the road.
Finally Kevin Moore has posted a video of the conditions from recently which you are welcome to watch - the link is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqcJfirSAmk - there are also other videos of WSC on youtube if you search.
Steve
Snow report Tuesday 5th Jan
The Weardale Ski Club Ltd
Another great days skiing today with superb snow cover and several inches of fresh powder. Pity the weather didn't live up to expectations as it was bitterley cold and overcast all day with rather poor light. Temperatures are set to remain very low and we have had a couple of inches or more of snow tonight so there is plenty of snow to last this weekend and beyond. We hope to open every day this week and tomorrow (Wednesday) will run from about 10:30am. We generally start to shut down at 3pm and the last lift is at 3:15pm or thereabouts but does depend on the weather. The Tow Operators on the day have the discretion to close early if weather conditions deteriorate or for other reasons so it is adviseable not to turn up too late in the day! The road has improved somewhat, especially the rutted area, but with fresh snow falling and hard packed snow on the road 4WD or chains are still essential. We had a big 4WD having to be towed out of a ditch today by the local farmer so the road still needs to be respected.
Please remember that at weekends we are open to Members only. We will accept membership applications if fully completed (+ payment + SAE) on the slopes this weekend but after that only postal applications (which can be processed in a warm kitchen and not in freezing conditions on the slopes!!). We will welcome day members on weekdays still.
Can I remind people to display their membership card when skiing which makes it easier for us to know who is a member - you all look the same in skisuits!
James Cummings has taken some great shots from last weekend which can be viewed on the following link -http://www.flickr.com/photos/jamescummingspics/sets/72157623138824620/ Feel free to look at the photos but you will need his permission to use them commercially.
Steve
Another great days skiing today with superb snow cover and several inches of fresh powder. Pity the weather didn't live up to expectations as it was bitterley cold and overcast all day with rather poor light. Temperatures are set to remain very low and we have had a couple of inches or more of snow tonight so there is plenty of snow to last this weekend and beyond. We hope to open every day this week and tomorrow (Wednesday) will run from about 10:30am. We generally start to shut down at 3pm and the last lift is at 3:15pm or thereabouts but does depend on the weather. The Tow Operators on the day have the discretion to close early if weather conditions deteriorate or for other reasons so it is adviseable not to turn up too late in the day! The road has improved somewhat, especially the rutted area, but with fresh snow falling and hard packed snow on the road 4WD or chains are still essential. We had a big 4WD having to be towed out of a ditch today by the local farmer so the road still needs to be respected.
Please remember that at weekends we are open to Members only. We will accept membership applications if fully completed (+ payment + SAE) on the slopes this weekend but after that only postal applications (which can be processed in a warm kitchen and not in freezing conditions on the slopes!!). We will welcome day members on weekdays still.
Can I remind people to display their membership card when skiing which makes it easier for us to know who is a member - you all look the same in skisuits!
James Cummings has taken some great shots from last weekend which can be viewed on the following link -http://www.flickr.com/photos/jamescummingspics/sets/72157623138824620/ Feel free to look at the photos but you will need his permission to use them commercially.
Steve
Weardale Ski Club Blog
The intension of this blog is to be a collection of all the snow reports sent out.
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