Snow report tuesday 2nd March - EXQUISITE

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

I start the email with an apology. I am sorry for those of you who could not make it today as you missed what can only be described as an exquisite day at Swinhope. 2 or 3 inches of fresh and unforecast powder fell overnight to give superb conditions with fluffy light powder over an excellent firm base. The sun shone continuously from 10am until 5:15pm when we closed the last tow and with no wind at all conditions were as close to alpine as I have known. As further proof of how good the weather was not only did my wife Alison turn up but also Mike's wife Eileen - both I am sure won't mind being described as fair weather skiers! Queues were non existant, there were no stoppages or breakdowns and the only problem I encountered was finding a place on the sundeck to eat my lunch! Managed a total of 5400 meters of ascent and descent today according to my altimeter which ranks with a good day in the Alps.

Tomorrow (Wednesday) - we plan to open from 10am. The F1 pistes have been groomed to European standards tonight and those who make it up tomorrow can thank Wayne for that. We are open to Day Members midweek and thanks to all those who came today with completed forms - it makes our life so much easier.

The road Having put on the answerphone that the road was clear there was an unpredicted fall of snow overnight which made the road tricky and necessitated 4WD or chains in the morning. By afternoon it had cleared but this just shows how variable the road conditions can be so always come prepared. Someone will always offer you a lift if you cannot get up the road but please park with consideration for others at the bottom and don't block any gates or entrances. Hopefully tomorrow the road will be clear but the above serves as a warning.

Parking - there is limited parking at the car park so please try and park at an angle close to other cars or dig in well off the road. Please Please do not obstruct the gate which is our only access to the fell for emergencies. We have placed cones there to ward people off but still didnt stop someone trying to park there today. The same goes for other gates.

Steve