The Weardale Ski Club Ltd
Surprisingly the tows ran today and about 20 people enjoyed dubious conditions. I am told that F1 runs were very bare but F2 skiable. Skiing closed early as the snow softened and disappeared and skiing closed early about 2pm. Sadly for us the temperaure is set to rise to 10-12 degrees tomorrow which will wreck any chance of further skiing until the cold weather returns but 8 days in December is an excellent start to the season.
A member has lost a pair of skins from his skis recently. It was thought they were last seen hanging up in the lodge but they were not there at the weekend. If anyone hs taken them or knows where they are can you please contact me.
On behalf of Weardale Ski Club can I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and hope to see you on the slopes as soon as possible.
Steve
Tuesday, 20 December 2011
Saturday, 17 December 2011
Snow Update from Saturday 17th December
The Weardale Ski Club Ltd
The skiing today was very enjoyable. The gullies were filled with powder snow making some excellent runs in great snow. The M1 was also very good with several good routes down from the top of F2. Some of the lower pisted runs had a thin covering but were perfectly skiable and nicely pisted. Later in the day the snow froze making these runs even better. The guys have done a great job pisting the slopes and all is looking good for tomorrow. The road is a bit icy in places with some snow so 4X4, snow tyres or chains will be necessary tomorrow and please pack a shovel. The forecast is for a thaw next week so make the most while it is here.
Tows will run from 10am tomorrrow (Sunday 18th)
Steve
The skiing today was very enjoyable. The gullies were filled with powder snow making some excellent runs in great snow. The M1 was also very good with several good routes down from the top of F2. Some of the lower pisted runs had a thin covering but were perfectly skiable and nicely pisted. Later in the day the snow froze making these runs even better. The guys have done a great job pisting the slopes and all is looking good for tomorrow. The road is a bit icy in places with some snow so 4X4, snow tyres or chains will be necessary tomorrow and please pack a shovel. The forecast is for a thaw next week so make the most while it is here.
Tows will run from 10am tomorrrow (Sunday 18th)
Steve
Thursday, 15 December 2011
Snow update Thursday 15th December
The Weardale Ski Club Ltd
There was skiing today at Swinhope but conditions were not great. Apparently the tow lines have great compacted snow and the gullies are full of snow with some great skiing but the main runs have thin cover with bare patches. It was possible to ski from the top of F2 to the bottom of F1 but you had to chose your route well.
We are not planning to open on friday but hopefully will do so at the weekend if we get a top up of snow.
If anyone is after some cheap skis for use at Swinhope, Weardale House outdoor centre have about 60 sets of skis, boots etc for sale. See the message below. Please contact Simon directly and not me for further details.
Steve
There was skiing today at Swinhope but conditions were not great. Apparently the tow lines have great compacted snow and the gullies are full of snow with some great skiing but the main runs have thin cover with bare patches. It was possible to ski from the top of F2 to the bottom of F1 but you had to chose your route well.
We are not planning to open on friday but hopefully will do so at the weekend if we get a top up of snow.
If anyone is after some cheap skis for use at Swinhope, Weardale House outdoor centre have about 60 sets of skis, boots etc for sale. See the message below. Please contact Simon directly and not me for further details.
Steve
I have around 60 sets of older child to adult sizes. Many are unused, the remainder are barely used.
I also have a whole raft of well used children's equipment that I'm looking to sell.
To give you an idea, I'm looking for £75 for a set of skis, boots, bindings and poles. The majority are Rossignol. My thought was that your members might be interested in a cheap set of skis to use in more marginal conditions to preserve their best equipment, or that you may have some beginners looking to get started.
The equipment is all at Weardale House in Ireshopeburn.
P.S. The reason for the sale? We simply aren't using them and I urgently need to purchase other equipment such as wetsuits, ropes and so on.
Steve Pugh
Business and Marketing Manager
YMCA Weardale House
01388 537479
07802 236036
www.weardalehouse.co.ukWednesday, 14 December 2011
Skiing Thursday
The Weardale Ski Club Ltd
There has been snow falling overnight and also today so we are planning to open for skiing tomorrow (Thursday). Nobody has been up the road to check conditions on the road or the slopes so I cannot give any idea of what it will be like. However there has been a reasonable cover, forecast is for it to remain cold and tomorrows weather looks promising.
We plan to open from about 10am tomorrow.
Day visitors will be welcome tomorrow but if possible please print off a day membership form from the website (www.skiweardale.com) and complete it before travelling and bring the correct money (it makes life easier for the tow operators). Because we don't know what the road is like please bring chains and remember to pack that shovel in your boot. Also please drive straight into the parking space at a 45 degree angle to the fence as close as possible. Do not attempt to reverse into the space.
There has been snow falling overnight and also today so we are planning to open for skiing tomorrow (Thursday). Nobody has been up the road to check conditions on the road or the slopes so I cannot give any idea of what it will be like. However there has been a reasonable cover, forecast is for it to remain cold and tomorrows weather looks promising.
We plan to open from about 10am tomorrow.
Day visitors will be welcome tomorrow but if possible please print off a day membership form from the website (www.skiweardale.com) and complete it before travelling and bring the correct money (it makes life easier for the tow operators). Because we don't know what the road is like please bring chains and remember to pack that shovel in your boot. Also please drive straight into the parking space at a 45 degree angle to the fence as close as possible. Do not attempt to reverse into the space.
Saturday, 10 December 2011
Skiing Sunday 11th December
The Weardale Ski Club Ltd
We had a good day skiing today though the snow did deteriorate as they day went on and by end of play there were quite a few bare patches but a good base and the towlines are now very well compacted. If we get the predicted snow overnight then conditions could be good but if we get no snow then it won't be worth opening on Sunday. Best advice is to look at the webcam at 830am or ring the answerphone in the morning for the latest advice. The road was ok today though some icy patches at the top which were a bit tricky. Having watched the following link about the value of winter tyres I suspect it would be a good investment for many of you who don't already have them - http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/products/total_tyre_guide/259444/summer_continental_contisportcontact_3.html
Living North have written an article on skiing in Weardale in their January edition which is out now and has 5 pages about us and the other ski clubs in the North of England including some great photos from James Cummings and others. It will grace any coffee table and you can proudly show all your frends what Weardale Ski Club is like. Sadly today was a more typical Weardale skiing day but you don't have to tell them that!
The owner of the Guess watch has been found much to his relief as it was a pressie from his wife!! A pair of goggles was lost today by Lyn, so if anyone has found them please let me know.
Not sure why my writing went blue??
Steve
We had a good day skiing today though the snow did deteriorate as they day went on and by end of play there were quite a few bare patches but a good base and the towlines are now very well compacted. If we get the predicted snow overnight then conditions could be good but if we get no snow then it won't be worth opening on Sunday. Best advice is to look at the webcam at 830am or ring the answerphone in the morning for the latest advice. The road was ok today though some icy patches at the top which were a bit tricky. Having watched the following link about the value of winter tyres I suspect it would be a good investment for many of you who don't already have them - http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/products/total_tyre_guide/259444/summer_continental_contisportcontact_3.html
Living North have written an article on skiing in Weardale in their January edition which is out now and has 5 pages about us and the other ski clubs in the North of England including some great photos from James Cummings and others. It will grace any coffee table and you can proudly show all your frends what Weardale Ski Club is like. Sadly today was a more typical Weardale skiing day but you don't have to tell them that!
The owner of the Guess watch has been found much to his relief as it was a pressie from his wife!! A pair of goggles was lost today by Lyn, so if anyone has found them please let me know.
Not sure why my writing went blue??
Steve
Friday, 9 December 2011
Skiing Saturday 10th December
The Weardale Ski Club Ltd
There has been a light fall if snow tonight which will hopefully freshen up the slopes so we plan to open tomorrow from 10am. I cannot guarantee the quality of the snow and will update tomorrow evening once we see what it is like. I am also unsure what the road is like as there may be significant ice so drive with care.
If you need new skis/snowboards/bindings etc Nevisport are offering 20% off hardware (not entirely sure what this covers) but if interested give them a call
Steve
There has been a light fall if snow tonight which will hopefully freshen up the slopes so we plan to open tomorrow from 10am. I cannot guarantee the quality of the snow and will update tomorrow evening once we see what it is like. I am also unsure what the road is like as there may be significant ice so drive with care.
If you need new skis/snowboards/bindings etc Nevisport are offering 20% off hardware (not entirely sure what this covers) but if interested give them a call
Steve
Wednesday, 7 December 2011
Skiing update Wednesday 7th December
The Weardale Ski Club Ltd
Winter has certainly arrived and we have just enjoyed our 3rd day skiing of the season. Snow has also fallen in the Scottish resorts and at long last in Europe as well which hopefully means Christmas will be OK in the Alps for those travelling abroad. For those who plan to stay in this country we will see what we can do for you!
When it started to rain last night in Stanhope, combined with the winds and milder temperatures I was expecting much of the snow to have gone today so I was pleasantly surprised when I arrived this morning to find good snow cover. The winds were a bit strong so we could only run F1 but in total managed to stay open for about 4 hours and got some good skiing with about 10 or 11 people there. Some people were seen arriving at 2:15pm when we were shutting down and turned back when they saw the lifts had stopped. This time of year it gets dark so early that we have to start clearing the slopes at 3pm at the latest so please dont arrive late and expect us to remain open.
Sadly tomorrow is forecast very strong gale force winds and a brief thaw which means the tows will not be running. It is then predicted to get colder again with snow showers so the prospects are reasonable for the weekend but watch these emails or ring the answerphone before travelling.
Living North has written an article on WSC and the other Northern England ski clubs which is due to come out at the end of the week (January edition) - I havent seen a copy yet but hopefully it will give us some publicity and a good write up - why not go out and buy a copy.
Steve
Winter has certainly arrived and we have just enjoyed our 3rd day skiing of the season. Snow has also fallen in the Scottish resorts and at long last in Europe as well which hopefully means Christmas will be OK in the Alps for those travelling abroad. For those who plan to stay in this country we will see what we can do for you!
When it started to rain last night in Stanhope, combined with the winds and milder temperatures I was expecting much of the snow to have gone today so I was pleasantly surprised when I arrived this morning to find good snow cover. The winds were a bit strong so we could only run F1 but in total managed to stay open for about 4 hours and got some good skiing with about 10 or 11 people there. Some people were seen arriving at 2:15pm when we were shutting down and turned back when they saw the lifts had stopped. This time of year it gets dark so early that we have to start clearing the slopes at 3pm at the latest so please dont arrive late and expect us to remain open.
Sadly tomorrow is forecast very strong gale force winds and a brief thaw which means the tows will not be running. It is then predicted to get colder again with snow showers so the prospects are reasonable for the weekend but watch these emails or ring the answerphone before travelling.
Living North has written an article on WSC and the other Northern England ski clubs which is due to come out at the end of the week (January edition) - I havent seen a copy yet but hopefully it will give us some publicity and a good write up - why not go out and buy a copy.
Steve
Tuesday, 6 December 2011
Skiing Wednesday 7th December
The Weardale Ski Club Ltd
Several members attended today and skied until about 3pm and say that conditions were better than expected. There is good cover with plenty of snow although not a great base yet. There is the chance of more snow overnight but even without we are planning to open on Wednesday from 10am. Please note that due to it getting dark early we are unlikely to ski much beyond 3pm as we have to clear the fell before darkness falls! The road today was icy but not much snow. Obviously things may change overnight but it should be OK tomorrow with care.
Membership is now full but we do allow day members on weekdays and the reciprocal arrangement with Yad Moss is still in operation (1/2 price day fees) but you must bring along your membership cards.
Steve
Several members attended today and skied until about 3pm and say that conditions were better than expected. There is good cover with plenty of snow although not a great base yet. There is the chance of more snow overnight but even without we are planning to open on Wednesday from 10am. Please note that due to it getting dark early we are unlikely to ski much beyond 3pm as we have to clear the fell before darkness falls! The road today was icy but not much snow. Obviously things may change overnight but it should be OK tomorrow with care.
Membership is now full but we do allow day members on weekdays and the reciprocal arrangement with Yad Moss is still in operation (1/2 price day fees) but you must bring along your membership cards.
Steve
Monday, 5 December 2011
Skiing Tuesday 6th December
The Weardale Ski Club Ltd
A decision has been made to open up for skiing tomorrow but there is no guarantee what the snow is like and at the moment no information on what road conditions are like. In other words be prepared for good/bad snow, good/bad weather and good/bad road conditions! Hope that helps!
Tows should be operating from 10am
Closing time will depend on conditions. Hopefully we will ski on Wednesday as well but I will update tomorrow night.
Steve
A decision has been made to open up for skiing tomorrow but there is no guarantee what the snow is like and at the moment no information on what road conditions are like. In other words be prepared for good/bad snow, good/bad weather and good/bad road conditions! Hope that helps!
Tows should be operating from 10am
Closing time will depend on conditions. Hopefully we will ski on Wednesday as well but I will update tomorrow night.
Steve
Sunday, 4 December 2011
Snow update
Well at last the snow has arrived and the season has begun. There has been a few inches on the fell tops today and a few intrepid kiteboarders went up to Swinhope and found more snow than expected and ran the lifts for an hour or two. The snow was wet and patchy and the base is not yet frozen so it was not safe to open for general use but the forecast is looking good with more snow predicted over the next couple of days and temperatures remaining low before a thaw in a week or so. Attached is a photo sent to me from today and condtions can also be viewed on the webcam but please note that the photo dated 6th December was actually taken on the 3rd before the snow. Subsequent photos have the correct date on but you will have to look at "previous photos" to see todays and probably tomorrow as well.
Because the cover is thin and wet and the base not hard enough yet we are not planning to open on Monday but there is a possibility that we may open later in the week and the answerphone will be updated when conditions improve sufficiently (01388 527527).
Helmets seem to be being used by more and more skiers and boarders and if you want to try a basic helmet that won't break the bank Decathlon are selling some for @ £20 - I cannot vouch for them but below is a link to their site. I believe Aldi also had some pretty cheap helmets in recently.
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/ad-i-jet-p-id_8155941.html
Finally I am pleased to say that membership is now 4 short of closing so by the end of this week we will be full for the year. Thanks to all those who have joined, both new members and longstanding members who have supported us for years. Lets hope you get great value for you membership fee this year. 2 days skiing and it has paid for itself. Remember however that the snow doesn't generally last long when it arrives so make the most of it when it does and get your kit prepared in advance. I have to repeat the age old reminder about snow chains or snow tyres if conditions require them and the need to pack a shovel and dig in at an angle to the fence and not to block any gates, especially the one by the car parking. I know many of you will have heard the same message for years but for those newer members it is very important for all our safety and enjoyment.
Happy skiing
Steve
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