The Weardale Ski Club Ltd
Good news and bad news. Good news is that there is now loads and loads of snow on F2 which has been a bit bare these last few days and the weather is due to stay cold long into the weekend with falling winds and better conditions. The bad news is that we have another electrical problem with F1 which fortunately occured at the end of todays skiing but means that we are not sure if we will be able to get the lifts operating tomorrow. As the forecast is for heavy snow and strong winds we have decided not to open tomorrow and I will let everyone know whether we get the problems sorted out. It is looking good for the weekend though!
Today 40 or 50 people enjoyed our 4th day of the season and the conditions have improved a lot. The road however has remained difficult and the strong winds and drifting snow have not helped but hopefully again this will improve by the weekend.
Don't forget this weekend "Take a Hike", the outdoor shop in Stanhope, is offereing WSC members an excellent 20% discount on goods on production of a valid membership card - why not call in on your way up and see what they have to offer?
Steve
Tuesday, 30 November 2010
Monday, 29 November 2010
snow report Monday 29th November
The Weardale Ski Club Ltd
Further fresh snow improved conditions today and approximately 40 people enjoyed our 3rd day of the season so far. There has been heavy snow tonight but also strong winds are forecast tomorrow so a decision whether to open or not will be made in the morning. The answerphone will be updated before 9am tomorrow. If not tomorrow, hopefully we will be opening on Wednesday. Please note that the road is tricky and 4WD or chains are currently essential (or sometimes both). Don't forget the shovel either.
We have had a few incidents recently on the roads involving local residents. In one incident somebody was involved in a minor accident with the house at the very bottom of the road to the slopes at the foot of the very steep bank. In another incident a female resident was driven off the road by a skier not taking enough care and ended up in a ditch and the local farmer's wife was nearly driven off the road on Sunday by a silver estate. Fortunately nobody has been injured in any of these but please can I ask everyone to drive with the utmost care and respect the local population who travel these roads daily.
Steve
Further fresh snow improved conditions today and approximately 40 people enjoyed our 3rd day of the season so far. There has been heavy snow tonight but also strong winds are forecast tomorrow so a decision whether to open or not will be made in the morning. The answerphone will be updated before 9am tomorrow. If not tomorrow, hopefully we will be opening on Wednesday. Please note that the road is tricky and 4WD or chains are currently essential (or sometimes both). Don't forget the shovel either.
We have had a few incidents recently on the roads involving local residents. In one incident somebody was involved in a minor accident with the house at the very bottom of the road to the slopes at the foot of the very steep bank. In another incident a female resident was driven off the road by a skier not taking enough care and ended up in a ditch and the local farmer's wife was nearly driven off the road on Sunday by a silver estate. Fortunately nobody has been injured in any of these but please can I ask everyone to drive with the utmost care and respect the local population who travel these roads daily.
Steve
Sunday, 28 November 2010
snow report Sunday 28th November
The Weardale Ski Club Ltd
Well what a great start to the season with 2 days so far in November and more snow and cold weather forecast. The reason for this cold weather I am told is that the gulf stream is way down south at the moment - long may it stay in there!
Today we had 100 or so members enjoying some excellent weather and reasonable cover of snow on the lower slopes. There was little extra snow overnight, it all seems to be falling near the east coast and Northumberland, but the whole of the F1 area was skiable and surprisingly good. Cover was thin and without more snow probably not good enough to open tomorrow but as we left it started snowing heavily so the omens are good and we plan to open tomorrow (Monday) at 10am but please check the answerphone before travelling in case things change. 4WD or Chains will be needed. We will be accepting day members through the week but please approach a tow operator before skiing to pay the day fee, and members please show your tickets.
Parking is tight when we are busy and I am pleased to comment on how good the parking was today apart from one irresponsible person who blocked the emergency gate (despite a big notice on it). Fortunately they were found and moved it before the local farmer came and towed the car away. The gate is the only access for the the local farmer and more importantly for the emergency services should anyone need evacuating from the slopes - remember it could be you! At busy times (usually weekends) please try and car share if possible - WSC features on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=49959985138) and people often use this for sharing lifts and a member has started a new thread on snowheads.com for car sharing etc (http://snowheads.com/ski-forum/viewtopic.php?t=69673).
F2 cover was thin today and the new route (nicknamed the M1) is quite rocky so we have closed it off until we either get enough snow cover or a chance to remove some of the rocks and level it out a bit. With a bit more snow the rest of the F2 area will be skiable.
Steve
Well what a great start to the season with 2 days so far in November and more snow and cold weather forecast. The reason for this cold weather I am told is that the gulf stream is way down south at the moment - long may it stay in there!
Today we had 100 or so members enjoying some excellent weather and reasonable cover of snow on the lower slopes. There was little extra snow overnight, it all seems to be falling near the east coast and Northumberland, but the whole of the F1 area was skiable and surprisingly good. Cover was thin and without more snow probably not good enough to open tomorrow but as we left it started snowing heavily so the omens are good and we plan to open tomorrow (Monday) at 10am but please check the answerphone before travelling in case things change. 4WD or Chains will be needed. We will be accepting day members through the week but please approach a tow operator before skiing to pay the day fee, and members please show your tickets.
Parking is tight when we are busy and I am pleased to comment on how good the parking was today apart from one irresponsible person who blocked the emergency gate (despite a big notice on it). Fortunately they were found and moved it before the local farmer came and towed the car away. The gate is the only access for the the local farmer and more importantly for the emergency services should anyone need evacuating from the slopes - remember it could be you! At busy times (usually weekends) please try and car share if possible - WSC features on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=49959985138) and people often use this for sharing lifts and a member has started a new thread on snowheads.com for car sharing etc (http://snowheads.com/ski-forum/viewtopic.php?t=69673).
F2 cover was thin today and the new route (nicknamed the M1) is quite rocky so we have closed it off until we either get enough snow cover or a chance to remove some of the rocks and level it out a bit. With a bit more snow the rest of the F2 area will be skiable.
Steve
Saturday, 27 November 2010
Skiing Sunday 28th November
The Weardale Ski Club Ltd
Reasonably heavy overnight snow meant that we could open for our first day skiing today and about 40 people duly turned up to Swinhope and enjoyed good snow and excellent weather. The snow was rather "sticky" initially (unless that is because I hadn't waxed my skis) but got better as the day progressed. We only ran F1 today as the snow was thinner at the top but if the forecast overnight snow arrives tonight then hopefully we will get both lifts open tomorrow. The road conditions were a bit tricky today and if it freezes overnight might be difficult in the morning. 4WD or chains will be needed and remember to put a shovel in your boot. We are planning to open from 10am but please check the answerphone for further updates before travelling - 01388 527527.
Please note that tomorrow is for members only so please bring along your cards and show them to a tow operator before skiing.
We hope to open for skiing some days next week if weather permits and on these days we will open to day members. I will try and give advance notice of when we are going to open but the answerphone will be kept up to date as conditions can change quite quickly.
Finally thanks to Michael Chilcott who came to the rescue when my alarm wouldn't switch off nor my car start. It could have been a long cold walk down to Westgate. Thanks Michael, I owe you one.
Steve
Reasonably heavy overnight snow meant that we could open for our first day skiing today and about 40 people duly turned up to Swinhope and enjoyed good snow and excellent weather. The snow was rather "sticky" initially (unless that is because I hadn't waxed my skis) but got better as the day progressed. We only ran F1 today as the snow was thinner at the top but if the forecast overnight snow arrives tonight then hopefully we will get both lifts open tomorrow. The road conditions were a bit tricky today and if it freezes overnight might be difficult in the morning. 4WD or chains will be needed and remember to put a shovel in your boot. We are planning to open from 10am but please check the answerphone for further updates before travelling - 01388 527527.
Please note that tomorrow is for members only so please bring along your cards and show them to a tow operator before skiing.
We hope to open for skiing some days next week if weather permits and on these days we will open to day members. I will try and give advance notice of when we are going to open but the answerphone will be kept up to date as conditions can change quite quickly.
Finally thanks to Michael Chilcott who came to the rescue when my alarm wouldn't switch off nor my car start. It could have been a long cold walk down to Westgate. Thanks Michael, I owe you one.
Steve
Thursday, 25 November 2010
snow report
The Weardale Ski Club Ltd
The snow has fallen mainly along the east coast today but later this afternoon we had 2 or 3 inches in Stanhope raising the possibility of skiing tomorrow (Friday) and the weekend. I won't be able to update the emails for a couple of days so please watch the weather forecasts and if it looks good ring the answerphone (01388 527527). Don't forget you can view the webcam which is updated at @ 9am every morning on http://www.skiweardale.com/
If you do travel up this weekend please remember always to pack a shovel and park responsibly leaving enough room for others. 4WD or Chains may be necessary so check the answerphone before travelling. The weather conditions can change very quickly so any information on the answerphone is only for guidance and I suggest you always err on the cautious side. Chains nowadays are pretty cheap and can make all the difference, even for some 4WD cars.
Happy skiing
Steve
The snow has fallen mainly along the east coast today but later this afternoon we had 2 or 3 inches in Stanhope raising the possibility of skiing tomorrow (Friday) and the weekend. I won't be able to update the emails for a couple of days so please watch the weather forecasts and if it looks good ring the answerphone (01388 527527). Don't forget you can view the webcam which is updated at @ 9am every morning on http://www.skiweardale.com/
If you do travel up this weekend please remember always to pack a shovel and park responsibly leaving enough room for others. 4WD or Chains may be necessary so check the answerphone before travelling. The weather conditions can change very quickly so any information on the answerphone is only for guidance and I suggest you always err on the cautious side. Chains nowadays are pretty cheap and can make all the difference, even for some 4WD cars.
Happy skiing
Steve
Wednesday, 24 November 2010
snow report
The Weardale Ski Club Ltd
Welcome back to the first snow report of the new season. You cannot have missed the headline news stories about the forecast snow which indeed is falling lightly in Weardale as I write this report. Currently there is not enough snow to open but it is forecast to continue snowing for several more days making the prospect of opening in the next few days very real. Sadly I am away this weekend so after tomorrow night I will (probably) not be able to update this report so suggest keep a close watch on the weather reports and if it looks promising then ring the Weardale Ski Club Answerphone 01388 527527. In fact it is always a good idea to ring the answerphone before travelling as conditions can change quickly, and please pay attention to any information given about road conditions, parking etc.
At our recent Board meeting we formally agreed to return to the policy of opening up to Day Members only on weekdays when we are open and leaving weekends only for WSC members. We have taken this decision to ensure that members are not disadvantaged at the busy times, especially in view of the limited parking, but feel that we can accept day members during the quieter weekdays. Please note that the cost for Day Members is £20 for adults (aged over 18), £10 for intermediates (aged over 10), and £5 for juniors (Under 10). If possible can Day Members download the Day Membership form from the website (www.skiweardale.com), complete the details and present it to a Tow Operator BEFORE skiing with the correct payment. These forms can be downloaded at any time (hopefully will be on the site in the next day or 2) and kept at home in anticipation.
Discount weekends - We have 2 Superb discount weekends coming up. Nevisport (Newcastle) are holding a 20% discount weekend on 27/28th November and are offering WSC members 20% off most full price items on production of a valid WSC membership card. If you cannot make it to the shop but are interested then if you contact the shop directly and preselect your items then they will endeavour to honour the discount as long as it is before the end of the weekend. Take a Hike - is a fairly new outdoor shop on Stanhope , Front Street which most of you will pass on route to the slopes. They are also offering a 20% discount on all full priced goods on the weekend 4/5th December again on production of a valid WSC card. Arnie who runs the shop is keen to provide any items that there is a demand for so please pay him a visit and if he doesnt have what you want tell him and he may be able to add it to his stock.
Please try and support both these businesses who themselves have been very supportive of Weardale Ski Club and whilst you are visiting Take a Hike why not pop across the road to Weardale Travel and book your ski holiday with one of their superb offers.
Wanted a pair of size 12 ski boots are wanted by a member so if anybody has any of these monsters lying around and are interested in selling them then please contact me and I will forward to the person seeking them.
Steve
Welcome back to the first snow report of the new season. You cannot have missed the headline news stories about the forecast snow which indeed is falling lightly in Weardale as I write this report. Currently there is not enough snow to open but it is forecast to continue snowing for several more days making the prospect of opening in the next few days very real. Sadly I am away this weekend so after tomorrow night I will (probably) not be able to update this report so suggest keep a close watch on the weather reports and if it looks promising then ring the Weardale Ski Club Answerphone 01388 527527. In fact it is always a good idea to ring the answerphone before travelling as conditions can change quickly, and please pay attention to any information given about road conditions, parking etc.
At our recent Board meeting we formally agreed to return to the policy of opening up to Day Members only on weekdays when we are open and leaving weekends only for WSC members. We have taken this decision to ensure that members are not disadvantaged at the busy times, especially in view of the limited parking, but feel that we can accept day members during the quieter weekdays. Please note that the cost for Day Members is £20 for adults (aged over 18), £10 for intermediates (aged over 10), and £5 for juniors (Under 10). If possible can Day Members download the Day Membership form from the website (www.skiweardale.com), complete the details and present it to a Tow Operator BEFORE skiing with the correct payment. These forms can be downloaded at any time (hopefully will be on the site in the next day or 2) and kept at home in anticipation.
Discount weekends - We have 2 Superb discount weekends coming up. Nevisport (Newcastle) are holding a 20% discount weekend on 27/28th November and are offering WSC members 20% off most full price items on production of a valid WSC membership card. If you cannot make it to the shop but are interested then if you contact the shop directly and preselect your items then they will endeavour to honour the discount as long as it is before the end of the weekend. Take a Hike - is a fairly new outdoor shop on Stanhope , Front Street which most of you will pass on route to the slopes. They are also offering a 20% discount on all full priced goods on the weekend 4/5th December again on production of a valid WSC card. Arnie who runs the shop is keen to provide any items that there is a demand for so please pay him a visit and if he doesnt have what you want tell him and he may be able to add it to his stock.
Please try and support both these businesses who themselves have been very supportive of Weardale Ski Club and whilst you are visiting Take a Hike why not pop across the road to Weardale Travel and book your ski holiday with one of their superb offers.
Wanted a pair of size 12 ski boots are wanted by a member so if anybody has any of these monsters lying around and are interested in selling them then please contact me and I will forward to the person seeking them.
Steve
Friday, 12 November 2010
Nevisport Discount Weekend
The Weardale Ski Club Ltd
Nevisport in Newcastle are offering a special discount weekend on Saturday/Sunday 27/28th November. They are offering WSC members 20% discount on the RRP of all their products on production of a valid WSC card. In one single day this means you can recoup your entire families WSC membership and more, yet again demonstrating the fantastic value we offer our members! Peter at Nevisport has always been very supportive towards WSC through thick and thin so please support him in return and get a bargain at the same time. Don't forget your cards though! A brochure is being sent out to all members and if you cannot make it into Newcastle that weekend Peter will make special arrangements if ordered through him at the Newcastle shop.
AGM Monday 15th November at the Honest Lawyer, Croxdale, Durham DH1 3SP starting at 8pm. All welcome, we'd love to see some new faces.
Membership As predicted there has been massive interest this year and we had to close membership at the end of October and have already gone over the numbers we had planned to allow. Sorry to anyone who has missed out this year but there were ample warnings.
Steve
Nevisport in Newcastle are offering a special discount weekend on Saturday/Sunday 27/28th November. They are offering WSC members 20% discount on the RRP of all their products on production of a valid WSC card. In one single day this means you can recoup your entire families WSC membership and more, yet again demonstrating the fantastic value we offer our members! Peter at Nevisport has always been very supportive towards WSC through thick and thin so please support him in return and get a bargain at the same time. Don't forget your cards though! A brochure is being sent out to all members and if you cannot make it into Newcastle that weekend Peter will make special arrangements if ordered through him at the Newcastle shop.
AGM Monday 15th November at the Honest Lawyer, Croxdale, Durham DH1 3SP starting at 8pm. All welcome, we'd love to see some new faces.
Membership As predicted there has been massive interest this year and we had to close membership at the end of October and have already gone over the numbers we had planned to allow. Sorry to anyone who has missed out this year but there were ample warnings.
Steve
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