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