Skiing report for the weekend 4/5th December

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

More good news and a little bad news to report again - the story of my life!

The good news is that the road was opened up today and allowed about 60 people to enjoy some excellent snow. The main runs have been pisted and all is looking good. We are planning to open tomorrow and Sunday from 10am. We will only be allowing members this weekend - non members will be turned away. Please display your membership card as we will be running several checks throughout the day

The bad news is that the road is still treacherous with several cars, including 4X4s in ditches today. The road is very narrow and there are few passing places and in many places there is an accompanying ditch (which I found out to my cost on Wednesday). Please take care when driving and be extremely careful if pulling to one side to pass. Tomorrow I would suggest 4WD is preferable and even then with care. Only attempt in a 2WD with chains if you are a competent driver in snow. Most importantly put your chains on before turning up the hill. There is a layby a few hundred meters before the turn and this must be used to put chains on. Today people were obstructing the road to put chains on much to the annoyance of local traffic and others were reversing down the steep hill causing bedlam. Please be considerate to other skiers and local inhabitants.

Another worry today was a snowboarder who was pulling way out to the side of the towline despite being warned not to. This is potentially very dangerous as there is a risk of pulling the rope off the pulleys. As a boarder myself I know the tows can be difficult at times but try your hardest to stay in line. Persistent offenders unfortunately will be banned as we cannot take any risks.

Sorry to end on a negative note but a small number of people can ruin a day for everyone else so please think of others. Remember we are a small club run by a very small number of volunteers who put in 100's of hours to try and keep the place open. Don't make life any harder for us please.

Happy skiing

Steve