The Chaos offer this weekend

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

Just a reminder that this weekend Sally + Den from The Chaos, Darlington, are offering Weardale Ski club members some great discounts both on new 2014 stock and up to 60% off on certain items as well as good deals on ski and board servicing, hot waxing etc. As you will have noticed they have also sponsored the club this year (look at the back of your WSC membership card) and are very keen to support the club in any way they can, so why don't you call in and see what they have to offer. They are open both Saturday 7th + Sunday 8th December. See attached flyer for details.

Snow has fallen today in Weardale - not enough for skiing yet but a promising sign. The WSC webcam photo was taken from earlier today but the webcam at Lanehead shows good cover - http://www.durham.gov.uk/pages/weatherstationdetails.aspx?station=13

Steve

More great discounts for WSC members

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

Further to my last email I have another great discount to offer all members, this time from Hangar18 Off Road Running. This is a local company run by one of our members. As its name suggests they mainly cater for fell runners and other off road runners but some of their kit can be used in mountaineering/Skiing etc. They are offering 20% discount on all online purchases from their site http://www.h18orr.com/ - see attached flyer for discount code. I can particularly recommend the down jacket and gilet which are great and pack down to very small indeed. They are also about to produce H18 ski jacket and pants for both skiing and boarding - more details to follow.

Dont' forget our sponsors, The Chaos,  are putting on special discount weekend for us on the weekend 7/8th December where they are offering 15% discount on all 2014 stock and up to 60% discount on some items. See attached flyer.

Also Snow + Rock, Gateshead have a special evening event on Wed 4th December between 7-9pm - again see attached flyer.

Finally a reminder that the latest Warren Miller film is showing at Durham Gala on Tuesday 3 December at 8pm - hope to see some of you there.

Steve

Correction to last nights email

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

In my email last night I attached a flyer from Snow + Rock stating that their discount night was on Wednesday 3 December. Fortunately Colin McMurray was on the ball and spotted the deliberate mistake. Snow + Rock have apologised and confirm that the date is Wednesday 4th December. They have sent me a new flyer but I haven't attached it as quite a few emails bounced last night due to the size of the attachments so some of you may be receiving this for the first time. If you need the attachments please email me and I will send them individually to you.

The email below is the same as last night but date corrected.

Steve

We had a good AGM which was well attended by 70-80 members who were treated to a very enjoyable talk on Volcano skiing in Chile by Peter Craggs and Traversing Greenland By Stu Gallagher - thanks to both of them and thanks to all who attended.

Being a member of WSC not only provides fantastic value for money but also being a member entitles you to many great discounts and below are a few offers that have been presented to us.

Our sponsors. Sally + Den from The Chaos in Darlington already offer members 10% discount on items in the shop and online as well as great deals on ski and board servicing and also hot wax and edging for only £10. They are now organising a special event on the weekend 7/8 December in their shop where they are offering WSC members 15% discount on 2014 stock with other items up to 60% off RRP. Not only that but the Sunday event is exclusive for WSC members and also provides a great opportunity for you to meet Sally and Den (+ Michael their latest addition to staff). Please see the attached flyer which has more details. I will send out discount codes later to members and please remember to take your WSC membership cards with you on the day.

In addition North Face are offering a 30% discount to WSC members this weekend - see attached flyer which you will need to print off and take into the store.

Also coming soon is the great Warren Miller film - Warren Miller Entertainment brings you its highly-anticipated 64th ski and snowboard film: Ticket to Ride. This year's movie takes fans on a journey to some of the world's most exotic destinations, including Switzerland's Jungfrau, Montana's Big Sky country, Iceland's Troll Peninsula and beyond. With goodies for every ticket holder and a prize draw every night, it's the perfect excuse to get together with your skiing buddies and get stoked for the season ahead! For tickets and details of the UK Ticket to Ride tour, visit http://www.warrenmiller.co.uk/ Locally the film is showing at Penrith on 29 November 7:30 (Rheged) and Durham Gale on 3 December 8pm - I already have tickets for Durham so hope to see a few of you on the night.

Finally also on Wednesday 4 December Snow + Rock in Gateshead are having a special evening event for local ski clubs - again please read the attached flyer for more details if you are interested.

Wow - all that before we even get skiing!!

1st day skiing

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

We had the final formal work party of the year today which was very successful and we got all the essential jobs completed - thanks to all who attended. It was quite a surprise to get there and find a couple of inches of fresh but wet snow and it snowed on + off all day. Only one member had the foresight to bring his skis so Terry gets the honour of first run of the season down F2.

The webcam is now up and running - thanks to Anto + Kevin for sorting that out.

AGM is on monday at 8pm at the Honest Lawyer, Croxdale, Durham. All members welcome and promises to be a very interesting talk and slide show/video afterwards.

Finally time to think about ski servicing. Snow + Rock have a special offer on this weekend (you still have Sunday to go) -Free ski and board waxing all weekend and £75 off if you trade in your old skis and boards for a new "set up". Don't forget either that The Chaos in Darlington, who have sponsored us this year, also have great value offers on ski and board servicing.

Steve

AGM, Work Party and general update

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

Hi everyone,

A big welcome to all our new members. Membership has fill faster this year than ever before to my knowedge and we closed well before the end of October. I hope you are all looking forward to a bumper season this year and lets hope all the long range forecasts are correct for once! We have had a dusting of snow over the lsat couple of days at Swinhope and certainly the temperatures have dropped significantly. Scotland has had significant falls of snow already.

Our AGM is being held on Monday 11 November at the Honest Lawyer, Croxdale, Durham starting at 8pm. All members are welcome to attend. Hopefully the AGM will not last too long and will be followed by a slide presentation by Peter Craggs and Bruce Robinson on "Skiing volcanoes in Chile" followed by a brief slide show by that perennial adventurer, Stu Gallagher, on his trip to Greenland and a 5 minute presentation by Kevin Moore on Canada.

Work Party - the final (hopefully) work party of the year is being held on Saturday 9 November rather later than usual. The delay is because we have had to replace the gearbox on F1 tow which Mike and Steve finally managed to get done a few days ago with some specialist help. We now need to fit all the hangers and service the lifts as well as a few other jobs before we are finally ready to open for the season. There is a lot of snow fencing needing to be completed/repaired/tidied up as well, so the more people we get the better so please try and attend if possible. We will be meeting at 10am at the carpark. If you can spare a few hours and can handle  hammer then why not join us? If anyone needs a lift from Durham Steve Luard has kindly offered to help out - email him at weardalescnews@gmail.com Steve is also planning to produce the WSC formal newsletter in the next couple of months so if anyone has any interesting articles or reports to put in please email him at that address - it is usually a struggle to get enough material to fill it so any article vaguely related to skiing/boarding or other snow sports would be gratefully received.

Finally, an engineering student from Loughborough University, Matt Goodley, is doing a project on ski and snowboard security and wonders if anyone can spare 30 seconds to complete a survey - I have done it and literally that is all it takes. If you are interested here is the link - http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/VXZFW6L

See you at the AGM

Steve

Big email extra!

Sorry the top bit was missed off for some reasonThe Weardale Ski club Ltd

Hi everyone,
sorry for such a big email but there is a lot to say.
Firstly membership is nearly full - we only have 80 places left before we close - an unprecedented demand - I am sure we will be full before the end of October so if you have not yet joined I would recommend doing so ASAP.

Secondly we have 2 urgent work parties - the first is this saturday where we have to get the new ladders and safety cages fastened onto the pylons on F2 so we need quite a few strong practical people. The next work party is probably going to be a weekday either Friday 18 or Mon 21 October though it is possible we may do it that weekend - sorry to be so vague but we are having to change the gearbox on F1 and are dependent on someone from one of the Scottish resorts coming down to help us. Again we need 5 or 6 able bodied people - no particular skills are needed.

AGM - this years AGM is being held on Monday 11 Novemeber at 7:30pm at the Honest Lawyer in Durham. You are all welcome. We are keen to have another slide show/talk etc like last year which proved very popular so if anyone has any ideas or has a presentation they are prepared to give that is relevant then please let me know.

Grant application - we have applied for a grant to get some equipment to help with snow fencing (deisel post hammer, augur etc) and the decision whether we get it depends on the number of votes we get. Voting takes place between 10am and 2pm in Wolsingham on Saturday 2 November and any member of the public can turn up and vote so if you are in and around the area then please try and pop in and vote for us. I will send an email out a few days before with more precise details

Finally there is a new electronic ski magazine being launched which may be of interst to some of you - you can see it on http://www.theskitrade.com/ski-trade-magazine/ and can sign up to receive it free if you want.

Big email!

AGM - this years AGM is being held on Monday 11 November at 7:30pm at the Honest Lawyer in Durham. You are all welcome. We are keen to have another slide show/talk etc like last year which proved very popular so if anyone has any ideas or has a presentation they are prepared to give that is relevant then please let me know.

Grant application - we have applied for a grant to get some equipment to help with snow fencing (deisel post hammer, augur etc) and the decision whether we get it depends on the number of votes we get. Voting takes place between 10am and 2pm in Wolsingham on Saturday 2 November and any member of the public can turn up and vote so if you are in and around the area then please try and pop in and vote for us. I will send an email out a few days before with more precise details

Finally there is a new electronic ski magazine being launched which may be of interst to some of you - you can see it on http://www.theskitrade.com/ski-trade-magazine/ and can sign up to receive it free if you want.

Steve

Work party 29 September and skiandsnowboard offer

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

We had a successful work party last Sunday and got some of the jobs done including a significant amount of snow fencing repairs and new fencing, painting the return station and some work on the pistebasher amongst other jobs. Thanks for all who attended. We have another work party this Sunday 29 September for all of you who were unable to attend last weekend! If you can spare a few hours please try and attend as many hands make light work or so they say. Meet at the car park at 10am.

The Ski and Snowbaord show in Manchester is on again between 25-27 October this year and WSC members can get a 40% discount by using the code CLUB640 and mentioning that you are a WSC members. For further information - http://www.skiandsnowboard.co.uk/manchester

Finally memberships are rolling in fast and furious and we are now over half full and from 1 October open to new members as well as renewals. Membership cards are being posted out over the next few days so don't worry if you haven't received them yet.

Steve

Work party Sunday 22 September

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

Just a quick reminder that we are holding a work party this Sunday and have lots of work needing to be done before we are ready to open for the season. Work planned includes repairing, replacing and erecting new snow fencing, painting the ski lift return station, some work on the pistebasher tracks and the flail mower and possibly alterations to the roof of the small garage amongs other things. If you have specific skills that is great but as you can see there are plenty of jobs for all levels of ability so more importantly we need people to attend and help out. Work parties start @ 10am - meeting at the carpark.

Renewals are coming in thick and fast and we have nearly 300 already. We do close membership at 750 so do not delay renewal too long or you may be disappointed. From 1st October we open membership to new members so I anticipate a rapid influx then. Current members have until 31st October to renew membership and benefit from the discount but after that date will have to pay the late fee if we have not closed membership by then.

Hopefully see many of you on Sunday

Steve

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

There have been a few delays getting the sport-Ident website see up with the discount code for existing members to renew but this should be resolved in the next couple of days. Sport-Ident will send out an email to the main contact in the next couple of days with the discount code on. Current members also have longer to renew than in my last email when I said that you had until the end of September to renew after which the late fee becomes payable. It is in fact the end of October when this becomes payable but guaranteed renewal runs out at the end of September when we open to new members. I apologize for any confusion which was caused by my haste to get away on holiday! If it makes you feel any better the temperature is 34 in Corfu and the Sea is gorgeous.

Steve

Work parties, membership renewal etc

Hi everyone,
I hope you have had (and are still having) a great summer. With the imminent return to school of children and the darkening nights thoughts are slowly turning back to skiing. Membership renewals open again on September 1st and like in recent years we are allowing existing members a month to renew and will guarantee them places up until the 1st October when it becomes a free for all and we open to non members on a first come first served basis. We offer a discount to all current members if they renew within September but after 1st October this is withdrawn and anyone joining then has to pay the same as new members. As all membership is now through Sportident there will be no exceptions to this so please ensure that you renew before 1st October - there is a direct link from the website which will open on 1st September. Please note that there will be a delay this year of 2-3 weeks sending out membership cards for those eager ones who join early, due to other committments.
Can I take this opportunity to welcome our new sponsors Sally & Den at The Chaos ( Darlington) who have kindly provided the cards and are also planning to offer some promotional events to WSC members with significant discounts. They also offer an excellent and very cheap ski and board servicing deal. (More details about the Chaos at  later date). Thanks to all those others who expressed an interest in sponsoring us.

Work Parties - we have 2 planned on the last 2 Sundays in September (22 + 29th) both starting at 10am. We have a huge amount of work to be done before we can open and need as much support and help from you as possible. The jobs involve semi-skilled work on the engines, nmachinery etc and non skilled work on ditches, fence repairs, painting etc

Long Range Forecast - These are notoriously difficult in the UK but the UKweatherforecast site -http://www.ukweatherforecast.co.uk/category/long-range-weather/ - is predicting a colder than average January and February this season which looks promising. December is thought to be a bit milder but more variable. We shall see but if it follows the last few years patterns we might be in for another cracker!

Steve

Work party Sunday 23 June

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

Hi Everyone

 The second Ski Club work party is on this Sunday (23^rd).

 We will be practicing pylon rescue techniques so, if you are a lift operator or wish to become one, then it is important that you know how to operate the new working at height equipment. There are also lots of other routine jobs which require constant attention, such as, fencing and painting and some vehicle maintenance etc.

 The Club relies on volunteer help so please try to attend at least one work party per year if you can. It would be helpful to have some idea of how many people plan to attend the work party so please can you drop me an email if you intend to join us?

 We will be meeting as usual in the car park at around 10 am

 Hope to see you there.

 Mike (Field Officer)

WSC work parties

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

We had a very successful work party last Saturday with glorious weather and managed to get plenty of work done. There were only 9 of us there but it is quality not quantity and the quality of helpers was excellent. Thanks to all those who turned up.
The next work party is being held on Sunday 23 June at 10am so I look forward to seeing the remaining 741 members there on the day!!

Although we do like quality we do also need quantity for some of the manual jobs like fencing, stone removal, ditching etc so please come along and join in th fun.

One of the activities we are planning at the next work party is a demonstration of how to rescue somebody from the pylons using our new rescue kit and test dummy! We spent a bit of time practising with the equipment last weekend and think we have sorted out how to use it safely and feel confident we can now show others how to use it. For those hoping to learn how to become tow operators we will also be running a training session for this

Steve

Work parties

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

A quick reminder that the work party is on this Saturday 8 June but the one planned for Wednesday 12 June has been cancelled. The following work party will be Sunday 23 June. All work parties start at 10am but feel free to turn up any time or for half a day if that is all you can manage. At least the weather looks good for this one and the fell should be fairly dry.

Steve

First summer work party Saturday 8 June

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

I know it doesn't feel like summer yet but the first of the WSC summer work parties is planned next weekend (Saturday 8 June) starting at 10am. You are all welcome to attend and skills are not necessary as there will be jobs for all to do from repairing snow fencing to removing and servicing the hangars. Please try and attend at least one work party if possible as we do need as many hands as possible to make sure the slopes are ready for yet another fantastic season next year.

This coming work party we are hoping to train up a few people to become tow operators and will also be addressing how to safely climb the pylons and practice rescue procedures for people injured at heights. If you are interested in becoming a tow operator please try and attend but please note this inolves more then just being able to start and stop the tows. You will need to be trained how to deal with basic breakdowns, how to remove and replace hangars etc. Once trained you will assist one of the experienced tow operators until confident enough to operate unsupervised. If you feel that you might be able to volunteer as a tow operator, in particular we are keen for people available on weekdays, then please email me. It would be nice to have some idea of how many people plan to attend the work party so please can you drop me an email if you intend to join us? There will be more work parties in June (Currently we have Wednesday 12 and Sunday 23 pencilled in and I will confirm these later on).

Also don't forget that the North Face 30% sale is on this weekend - if you are wanting to buy anything from their shop you will need to print off the attached voucher and take along. Please mention WSC if you do make use of this offer.

Steve

2 offers to WSC members

A very successful "End of season bash" was held at the Black Bull in Frosterley attended by about 40 WSC members. Thanks to Will and his staff for some excellent pizzas and real ale.

Firstly there is an offer to train with Britains No 1 slalom skier and Britains 1st ever Europa cup slalom champion at Silksworth on 31 May. Places are limited and there is not much time so if interested please contact them ASAP.


Secondly North Face have offered all members (and their friends and family) 30% discount over 3 days (30 may to 2 June) at vsarious stores, including theor Newcastle store. Details attached but remember you must print off the voucher (or be able to display it on your phone). You can print off as many vouchers as you want.

Finally the season of work parties is nearly upon us - in the next few days I will be sending out dates and details and it would be nice to see some of you attend. They are generally good fun and there is something for people of all abilities to do.

End of season bash

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

We are still on for tomorrow evening at the Black Bull in Frosterley for the WSC "End of season bash". If you are new to the club what better way of getting to meet other members.The wood fired pizza oven will be lit and hopefully we will have a working projector showing off our fantastic season so if you have any good photos or videos please bring them along on CD roms or memory sticks.

Please feel free just to call in for a pint and to say hello but if you are wanting pizza then try and let Will know in advance though I am sure he can cope with a few extras - blackbullfrosterley@gmail.com

There is no set time tomorrow so any time after 7pm will be OK

Steve

End of season bash

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

     No sign of summer yet but I think it is pretty certain the season is now over though one of our field officers was up there the other day and the gully is still skiable with long sections of unbroken snow!

     What better way to celebrate a fantastic season than joining us next Saturday 18 May at the Black Bull in Frosterley for our end of season bash. Will has promised to get the wood burning stove fired up to offer fresh home made pizzas along with their usual great selection of real ales. To give them an idea of numbers can you please email Will at blackbullfrosterley@gmail.com

     We are hoping to set up some way of displaying photos and videos of the season during the evening so please bring along your memory cards or whatever storage device you have and hopefully we can review the fantastic season.

Hopefully see a lot of you there next weekend.

Steve

End of season fling

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

A great day to finish off the season was enjoyed by 40 or 50 members. We opened early with mild intermittently sunny weather and soft spring like snow that was rather heavy. It did however improve as the day went on and as more people skied over it. All the easterly top runs were still intact and the gullies and Black Scar still superb but the lower runs were getting a bit bare except the excellent run just west of F1 tow line which still has 2 foot of snow on it.

Sadly the forecast warmer weather, rain and strong winds means that we will not be opening tomorrow and that is very likely to mark the end of a superb season with nearl 40 skiing days, a lot of them exceptionally good ones. I would like to thank all the tow operators who have worked extremely hard this season and the small number of members who have helped out with odd jobs throughout the season. It does take a huge effort to keep WSC running and with seasons like this it puts quite a strain on both our old machinery and also our old tow operators! I will be sending out email reminders later in the year about work parties and these are a great chance for those of you who have enjoyed this season to put a little back into the club. We are also hoping to train up a few more tow operators, especially those who may be free on some weekdays. If you are interested we will offer training at one or more of the work parties, however becoming a tow operator involves more than just stopping and starting the tows. Ideally you need to know how to deal with minor breakdowns, replacing hangars etc but this training will be offered alongside a more experienced tow operator.

Finally there is an "end of season bash" being organised at the Black Bull pub in Frosterley on Saturday 18 May to which all are invited. This is informal but Will, one of the snowboarders who runs the pub, will be firing up the wood burning pizza oven and there will be special treats for all who attend. Details on facebook but if you do not have access to this I will send out a reminder nearer the time. Some idea of numbers would be useful so could you either let me or Will know if you intend to come.

Steve

Final fling

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

Despite the impending warm weather the snow has so far survived and it is looking good for tomorrow (Saturday) so we are planning to open the tows from about 9:30am. We will only be open to members so will not be accepting day members. The forecast is for rain and warmer weather later so things may get a bit heavy by afternoon so do not turn up late as there may be an early finish. This is quite possibly our last day of a fantastic season so make the most of it.  Bikinis welcome!

Steve

Snow update Thurs 11 April

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

Could this be the end of the season? Unfortunately we have no available tow operators for tomorrow but there remains the possibility of one last ski on Saturday before warmer wetter weather arrives on Sunday. Will update this mesage and the answerphone tomorrow night.

Steve

Snow report Wed 10 April

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

Another superb day today with lovely weather and fantastic snow still remaining. Although some of the lower runs are developing grassy patches which are easily negotiable, the run just east of F1 towline is perfect and all the upper runs are complete. The gully , Black scar and the runs to the east are still in great condition. With the warmer weather and the amount of snow there is a small avalanche risk at the top of the gully and top of Black scar so take care - must be one of the few avalanche risks ever at an English resort!

Due to a shortage of Tow Operators we will not be opening on Thursday but may possibly do so on Friday and the weekend if the conditions are suitable.

Found - A grey Jig Saw beanie has been found on the slopes - I currently have it if the owner wants to contact me.

Bruce Wilkinson has put a great video on You-tube of skiing Black scar which can be viewed on the WSC facebook site or on this link - http://youtu.be/1GZL7bkj6Po

Keep sending in the videos + photos please. Another great photo is from Robert Richardson of a snowboarder jumping over a car on the road just above the car park. This can be seen on the facebook site. The feat was reproduced by Will Davis today and hopefully I will get footage of that linked in the next day or so

Steve

Snow report Tues 9 April

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

Yet another day skiing in the Pennines today though conditions not quite as good as they were at the weekend being a little more overcast with a brisk cold wind. Tomorrow is forecast to be lighter winds with some brighter spells but also some clouds and wintry showers - ie it could do anything and probably will! The snow is still holding up with a few bare patches developing but not limiting the skiing and the higher runs have virtually 100% cover.

We are planning to open tomorrow from 10am but expect to close early around 2pm so don't turn up late. We will accept day members. The road is clear but you need to bring a shovel in case you need to dig in to park.

Steve

Ski Sunday report

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

Yet another superb day to report on with great snow and glorious weather with no wind which made reaching the gully a delight. All the runs are still open and only on some of the lower runs are there a few bare patches developing. The Gully and Black Scar are in pristine condition condition, the new run out to the far east (now named the China run) will match any run in the Alps with wide piste and fantastic snow. Kevin has worked wonders with the pistebasher and has pisted the run between the fences down F2 and created a great run which links in nicely with the run to the west of F1 which again is pristine. He has taken a video from yesterday which can be seen here which also shows the main gully - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKE4dpbQFZE

Daniel Hibell has also taken some footage from today - http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCLPxZ1sBckL4uqq2QtdHEyiDOy8CI4UM&feature=view_all

Hopefully we will get some skiing in this week but are not planning to open tomorrow (Monday). There is a possibility of skiing Tuesday or Wednesday and suggest you keep listening to the answerphone for updates.

Steve

Sunday skiing

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

Topless skiing must be a first for Weardale, pity they were male! The weather was glorious today and the snow fantastic still and was enjoyed by about 100 members with no queues. In the afternoon it became a bit spring-like but a frost overnight should restore it for tomorrow. All the runs are still open and apart from a few small easily negotiated grassy patches everywhere is still skiable. The forecast for tomorrow is for cloud, so you wont need the sun creams like today. We are planning to open again from 10am, members only again.

Steve

Skiing this weekend

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

The snow just doesnt want to go and remains virtually unchanged for this weekend which means we will be skiing both Saturday and Sunday. Both days we intend to open at 10am but check the answerphone before travelling in case conditions change. The road is tarmac all the way up so no need for chains etc but remember the shovel as you may still need to dig in.

Weekends are reserved for members only - we do not allow any day members so please do not travel up only to be disappointed. If you want to ski weekends next season you will need to join. Membership opens for current members on 1st September and for new members on 1st October. I anticipate membership filling up pretty quickly next season so do not procrastinate!

Steve

Snow update Thurs 4 April

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

Another great day was enjoyed by 60-80 people today and the snow remains excellent with only a few small bare patches developing. The main areas like the gullies and the pisted runs still have loads of snow and it is looking good for the weekend. The tow operators are having a well deserved rest tomorrow so we will not be opening on Friday but are all set for Saturday.  Details and timings will be put on the answerphone on Fiday evening.

Today was our 32nd day skiing this season - 3 more days and it works out at £1 a day - not bad value I think you will agree?

Steve

Snow update Wednesday 3 April

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

What a  wonderful day again, perhaps the best of the season, the snow still remains excellent, the sun has shone all day and we skied until last lift closed at 19:30 with still enough light for perhaps a few more runs! There were about 100 people there today some who only arrived after work at 17:30 and still managed to get a couple of hours in. One keen member drove up from Kent, skied the morning at Yad Moss then came over to Swinhope for the afternoon and evening. Another member from Whitehaven has made the return journey for the last couple of days and thoroughly enjoyed herself even though when last seen she was sitting at the top of F2 rubbing her sore feet! She did smile for the photo though.

We are planning to open tomorrow (Thursday) from about 9:30am. I am not sure what time we will be skiing until but I doubt it will be anything like tonight and more likely 5'ish.

Enjoy it while it lasts - warmer wetter weather seems to be nearing.

Steve

Great video footage

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

I have just been sent this great footage of boarding in the Weardale Alps. Might be a reminder for those of you who have been up. For those who haven't made it, sorry, read it and weep.

Thanks to Neil for sending it - footage from Saturday 30 March
https://vimeo.com/63128030

Steve

Midnight skiing

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

Perhaps not midnight but we are planning to stay open tomorrow (Wednesday) until around 7pm and open from around 1pm. We do reserve the right to close a little earlier if conditions dictate but the snow-forecast.com prediction is for a beautiful sunny day so we will aim for 7pm. Today about 100 people enjoyed continuing excellent conditions in what is turning out to be an epic season. Reliable sources (some bloke on the slopes!) tell me that next winter is set to be even colder as the gulf stream is weakening. I think we may have an early run on membership next year!

Steve

ps a pair of childrens gloves were left if anyone has lost them? Let me know if they are yours.

Delayed skiing Tuesday

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd
 
Skiing tomorrow (Tuesday) will not start until 11am so please do not arrive too early - have a well deserved lie-in!
 
Steve

April fools day skiing

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

Yet another glorious day skiing today on Swinhope. The sun came out late on in the day and there was a cool easterly breeze but the snow remains in excellent shape and every run is still open. There were about 100 people there, no queues and the road is tarmac all the way up.  We are planning to open on Tuesday from 10am and are also opening on Wednesday. We will accept day members on weekdays.To celebrate the start of BST we are considering opening later on Wednesday, perhaps at 1pm and staying open until 7pm but I will update this message tomorrow night - possibly a chance for you to come home from work and catch an hour or two on the slopes?

I have had loads of feedback from members and guests who have enjoyed spectacular skiing and boarding and 99% has been positive. I have had one complaint that one of the runs was not pisted and the toilets were messy (ladies not gents!). Can I take this opportunity to thank all those who have commented, to thank those who have helped out when not asked to (shovelling snow onto any bare patches, helping organise the lift queues etc) and to to remind everyone that the club is run by a very small band of volunteers, all who have fulltime day jobs, work their socks off in the summer and during the winter season. Rather than complain about a bit of mess why not volunteer to help tidy it up, after all we quite like to get some skiing in as well! Work parties will be advertised in the summer for anyone who wants to put a little back into this great club!

Found - a multitool was found on the slopes at the weekend - if anyone has lost one then contact me.

Lost mobile - one of the committee lost his mobile in the car park and someone kindly picked it up and put it on his rear window - he would like to pass his thanks on to whoever did this.

Steve

Snow update Sunday 31 March

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

1st April tomorrow and still going strong (though the tow operators are beginning to show signs of strain!). The snow seems to be lasting really well and another fantastic day skiing today. The quality and quantity of snow is remarkable for this time of year. We skied until 6pm tonight and perhaps could have gone on for an hour or so more but everyone had packed up and gone home for their easter eggs!

We are planning to open tomorrow (Easter Monday) and will open at 10am. We will accept day members and as usual please print off the form from the website and complete it before you set off. The road is tarmac all the way (except for a few BIG potholes!) but parking may be tight so you may have to dig in further down the road so please ensure you bring a shovel and if needed dig in well off the road (after first checking for ditches).

Lost rucksac - there was an orange ultra22 sac left in the lodge. I have left it hanging up but if the owner wants it bringing down please let me know.

Orange tow rope - David Richardson left one near the stile - if anyone has found it please let me know.

James Cummings has posted some photos on Flickr from Friday if you want to have a look -

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jamescummingspics/sets/72157633120584888/

Lets hope this Jet Stream stays in the south for a few more weeks and who knows could be skiing in May?

Steve

Another epic day in the Weardale Alps

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

I am rapidly running out of superlatives to describe conditions at Swinhope. In the log diary yesterday conditions were described as mint, well today was double mint with choc chips! About 150 members (it is very hard judge as everyone spreads out over the hillside) enjoyed alpine conditons today, (especially the afternoon when I arrived!) with no wind (sorry kiters) and lots of sunny spells. Once again the snow was superb and the gullies, Black scar, the newly pisted runs to the east and the powder bowl to the west were immaculate.In between were the usual pisted runs which looked as good as any you will see in Europe (well done to the pistebasher drivers). I have never seen the main gully filled like this and Black scar so skiable without a rock in sight.

A slalom course was set up on F2 above the clubhouse which as timed and provided great sport reminiscent of the days when we used to hold the Weardale Olympics. If I can read the timers writing correctly in 3rd place was Ben Martin in a time of 33.09, 2nd place was John Pocklington 32.53 and the winner was Wellington Oak in a time of 31.50. Congratulations to Wellington (He is an army ski instructer after all!). I won't mention my time having fallen at the 5th gate!

Onto the next few days. We are planning to open again tomorrow (Sunday) from 10am and again this will be a members only day. We are also opening on Monday, again from 10am and will accept day members then. Not sure yet about Tuesday + Wednesday but certainly hopeful for one or both. Once again can I thank day members for printing off the forms in advance which makes life a lot easier for us. I would also like to comment on the parking which has been great the last few days with people digging well in off the road - a big thanks as it does make life a lot easier.

Finally lost gloves - Peter Burrows has contacted me to say he has lost some black Marmot mitts which he left on his roof when driving off today. He heard a car horn hooting and now knows why!! If you have found them can you please let me know and I will pass the word to Peter.

Steve

Snow report Easter Friday

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

Another brilliant day today with approximately 300 people there and again a ski-anywhere day. The winds had dropped which was better for the skiers but wasn't so good for the kite-boarders though they seemed to enjoy it especially later on when it picked up a bit. The gully once again was superb and black scar was superb with a short but very steep section in great snow - Weardales "black run".

Parking was at a premium due to so many people being there but all seemed to go well and everyone dug in well off the road extending half a mile or more down the hill and before the bridge! One word of warning when digging in off the road - check the ground you are driving onto before driving onto it! It may sound silly but the ditches are all filled with snow and it is hard to tell what is solid groud and what is ditch as one Discovery driver "discovered" - fortunately he had been helped out by the time I got back down.
 

We are planning to open tomorrow from 10am but please remember that weekends are for members only so we will not be accepting any day members on either Saturday or Sunday. Please remember to bring your passes and try and have them visible. We will run a series of checks through the day so I apologise if you are stopped several times to show your pass.

On a separate note one of our members, Paul, has left his skis by the stile. If anyone has picked them up or moved them please will you let me know. I also have a pair of white earphones that were left outside the lodge on the picnic table.

Finally, collecting day fees was chaotic as usual. I took a full membership from one person - please can you contact me with your details to save me trawling through all the paperwork? We will not be taking any memberships on the slopes this weekend - all memberships must be done on line via the website.

Steve

Snow heaven

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

A fantastic days skiing today with great snow everywhere and one of those days where you can ski literally anywhere with all the gullies filled and excellent wide pisted areas and loads of powder off piste. There were even significant periods of sunshine today which made up for the cold easterly winds. The kiteboarders were in great form today, shunning the road and kiting up from Westgate and producing some impressive aerobatic manouevres - I am sure some videos will find there way onto facebook and youtube in the next few days. The main gully was the best I have seen for years with big cornices and completely filled and skiable all the way down. The road was passable but still at risk if there is significant fresh snow. By the end of the day we were back to 90% tarmac bt that can change overnight so be prepared and ensure snow tyres or chains. The parking is very limited and also very deep snow so unless you get there early and find one of todays parking places you will have to dig in which can take time so make sure you have at least one decent shovel. Ensure that you dig in far enough off the road so you are not obstructing it and front in at an angle as close to the fence as possible. Don't worry about getting stuck,there will be plenty of people to help you get out atthe end of the day.

We are planning to open tomorrow (Thursday) from 10am and are also hoping to open Friday to Monday if the weather stays as it. We will accept day members on Thursday, Friday and Monday but Saturday and Sunday will be members only. Day members please print off the day membership form from the website and hand it to a Tow Operator before skiing - they will be pretty obvious with day glow orange jackets on saying Tow Operator!

Tomorrow we also have Channel 4 coming up to do some filming so if you see a camera pointing at you remember to smile!

Steve

Snow update Tuesday 26 March

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

We are still not sure whether we can open tomorrow. The wind is forecast to drop a bit but there are further snow flurries forecast. The road has been ploughed leaving a very narrow route up which potentially will blow in if there is much wind or snow. There are drifts 6-7 foot deep which have been ploughed through but no turning points or passing places so if you meet another car it is a very long way to reverse. Someone is planning to go up in the morning and assess the road and will update the answerphone as soon as we know but it won't be before 10am. If we do open it will only be accessible to 4WD or 2WD with chains and you will need plenty of shovels to dig in as the parking is likely to be very restricted. Please do not try and to get up the road until the answerphone has been updated as one stuck car could be stuck for a very long time!

The cold weaher is due to last all over Easter so we are definitely hoping to open Friday and over the weekend if possible and this will give us more time to clear the route up.

Steve

Snow update Mon 25 March

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

The winds have persisted and there are still concerns about the road blocking so we are not planning to open on Tuesday but will reconsider as the week progresses and update as soon as conditions beome favourable.

Steve

Snow update Sunday 24 March

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

     It was a wise decision not to open today as it would have been mayhem on the road. John Carrick has done an excellent jobs digging out the road all the way up but the strong winds just blew a lot of it back in causing large drifts (one of which I got stuck in with my 4WD). There are strong easterly winds forecast all week but they drop a little on Tuesday and beyond so we hope to open on Tuesday 26 March and probably later in the week as well. It is looking promising for the Easter weekend and hopefully we will get several days then as well which will be a bonus. The answerphone will be updated regularly with our decisions once we see what conditions are like. Yad Moss had planned to open today but suffered the same fate with roads blocked so no skiing htere either.

      On the fell there is loads of snow and 2 board members were up today and pisted a lot of the runs. They report all the gullies filled with massive cornices on Black scar leading to one of the first avalanche warnings at WSC for many years! All the runs are covered and with temperatures set to remain low all week things are looking promising.

      For your information Nevisport in Newcastle is closing down and has a sale on currently with 25% off stock. Nevisport have sponsored our membership cards for many years and have been very supportive towards us, in the past sponsoring events like the Weardale Olympics etc - a shame to see them close.

Steve

Snow update Saturday 23 March

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

The good news is that we have stacks of beautiful fresh powder snow and it is set to last for some time. The bad news is that the road has completely filled in and the snow plough only managed to get about 100m past Glenwhelt Farm and couldn't get any further due to the drifts of over 6 foot in places attached are a couple of photos just above Glenwhelt (the farm at the bottom of the long hill up to where it levels off). I have spoken to the snowplough driver and they will try again once the winds drop but it will need to be dug out and if the wind persists it is pointless as it will just fill in again. We are therefore not planning to open on Sunday or Monday but hopefully by Tuesday + Wednesday when the wind is predicted to start easing we may open. If things change in the meantime we will update the answerphone and this email. We may try and walk in tomorrow to get some pisting done as there must be huge drifts behind some of the snow fencing.

Frustrating I know but out of our hands. Yad Moss are hoping to open tomorrow from 10:30 if the roads are open.Currently however I believe all the roads from Weardale to Teesdale are closed so you will have to go the long way round.

When we do finally open can I send a message out to all snowboarders about the tows. Being a snowboarder myself (currently reformed and back on skis) I appreciate that our tows are difficult to master on a board but it is very important to try and keep to the tow line and not veer out too far to the side. There is a real risk of pulling the rope of the runners, especially if there are several boarders in quick succession, so please try and stay as close to the tow line as possible. We will do our best to flatten the towline to make it easier. If the rope does come off it is a big inconvenience at best but at worst is potentially dangerous.

Steve

Snow update Friday 22 March

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

Due to forecast of strong winds and drifting snow we are not planning to open the lifts tomorrow (Saturday 23) but will reassess the situation tomorrow. If the winds are lighter than expected there is a remote possibility we will open tomorrow and if so will update the answerphone. We will try and open on Sunday if the weather forecast improves but the winds seem set to remain so even Sunday may not be possible. I will update this and the facebook site tomorrow.

Although we have had some snow in Stanhope today there has been little although I believe there has been more further up the dale. However a shortage of snow is not an issue as there is still a huge amount up there, we just need some decent weather to enjoy it. In case you are not aware there are a few issues with strong winds. Not only are they unpleasant but there is a potential risk of the tow rope coming off the running wheels which is at best an inconvenience but at worst a danger. There is also significant risk of drifting snow blocking the road when there is so much snow about - even when the road has been plough it can blow in and block easily.

Fingers crossed for Sunday.

Steve

Snow update Thursday 21 March

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

An absolutely superb day was had by about 60 members today in alpine conditions with wall to wall powder, no wind and blue skies. The type of day you only get once a year and guess who was working, propping up the NHS, whilst you lot were out enjoying it - not that I feel bitter or miffed at all. For those of you who missed today Graham Tibbot has uploded a brief video on the unofficial WSC facebook site which is well worth looking at - thanks Graham for rubbing it in!

Tomorrow is forecast up to a foot or more of new snow but also increasing winds so skiing unfortunately is not planned for Friday and as high winds look set to persist into Saturday it is unlikely we will ski then but if things change then I will send out a new email and the answerphone will be update. I am hoping that if the winds die off by Sunday we may open then but will know nearer the time. There is currently a mountain full of snow there and with much more predicted we should get a few more good days in over the next week or so.

Steve

Snow update Wed 20 March

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

Sorry for the late email but I gather a report has already been sent out to some of you about skiing tomorrow but not others so I apologise for any duplication. The forecast is very good for tomorrow with sunshine and stacks of snow so we are planning to open on Thursday from 10am. It may be busy so please park as sensibly as possible at an angle to the fence on the left. Not sure what the road will be like but take all usual precautions and make sure you pack a shovel. Day members welcome if you print off a form from the website and take it along with you with the correct fee and hand in to a tow operator before skiing.

Have a great day

Steve

Snow update Tuesday 19 March

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

A good days skiing was had today with very good snow and deep powder all over F2. The gullies were all filled and everywhere was skiable. The only issue was visibilty which was poor though ironically it did improve a little as we packed up around 3pm. The snow in the morning was light but got a bit heavier mid afternoon but again by the time we were leaving was drying up a bit and getting faster again. Steve G spent most of the day pisting and got at least 6 runs prepared for the rest of the week.  "Keeno of the day award" must go to Richard Dobson who cycled up on his mountain bike with blades strapped on and boots hanging over the frame!

Due to a poor forecast tomorrow we are NOT planning to open on Wednesday but hope to do so on Thursday if the predicted improvement in the weather occurs. Please however check the answerphone regularly as things may change. Yad Moss are planning to open tomorrow from 10:30 if you were planning a day out - remember to take your WSC cards. Day members will be welcome on Thursday.

Steve

Snow update Mon 18 March

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

We did ski today and there is plenty of snow but today it was very wet and weather conditions today were not good. There are mixed reports for tomorrow so we intend to open (from 10am) but may close early (1pm'ish)  if conditions are not favourable and aim to do a lot of pisting to prepare the slopes for Wednesday and Thursday when conditions are predicted to be better. There were some problems today getting the lifts de-iced and running and we pass on our apologies to the air who turned up when F1 was not running and left without skiing. It won't help to tell you F1 was fixed shortly after! There were also issues with F2 I believe but we should hopefully resolve that tomorrow.

In summary, turn up tomorrow if you wish but please do not turn up late as we may close early depending on conditions. Wednesday and Thursday do look better bets!

Steve

ps - thanks to those who commented on my last email. Plans for a chairlift are fictional only and not a realistic plan though I did get an email from Gearge Proud, one of our earlier members, who tells me that in the early days of WSC one committee member drew up plans for a chairlift from the village of Westgate all the way to the slopes. Now that really would solve all the issues concerning the road up and the parking! Needless to say the plans never got beyond the planning stage so don't get too excited.

Snow update Sun 17 March - late season snow

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

There has been some snow this weekend but up until know not really enough to ski on. However that seems to have changed and it is now snowing quite heavily with more forecast. We are therefore planning to open tomorrow (Monday 18 March) from about 10am and also plan to open Tuedsay and Wednesday at least if conditions remain favourable. The answerphone will be update daily which the latest news so please check before travelling. We are open to day visitors through the week but please print off the day membership form from the website and bring it with you. Please hand this in to a tow operator before skiing. There have been a few people recently trying to get away without paying so we will be doing extra checks. To make it easier to spot members it would help if you can display your membership card visibly

A few people have commented we should get a chairlift at Swinhope - below is a link sent to me by Mrs Charlie Scott-King. Watch the video and perhaps it will give you one of the many reasons we don't have one! Mind you some of those onesy ski suits could make a come back!!

Steve

http://www.messynessychic.com/2010/12/20/how-to-look-cool-skiing/

Snow update Tuesday 12 March

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

A good day skiing was had by about 20 people today but by the end of the day it was getting a bit thin and we have decided not to open the tows tomorrow. I believe Yad Moss are intending to open from 10:30am so if you are keen take your WSC membership card over the hill and say hello to our neighbours!

Steve

Snow update Monday 11 March

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

There has been further fresh snow today and temperatures are already sub-zero in Stanhope so we are planning to open the lifts tomorrow, Tuesday 12 March, from about 10am. We are not sure what conditions will be like although the webcam looks to have improved from the weekend when conditions were poor. There is a northerly wind forecast which is not usually pleasant for skiing at Swinhope and if conditions are not great we may close early so do not turn up late (ie get there before 12:00) as we may close early. Day members are welcome - usual rules apply. I will update this message tomorrow night to see whether we can ski Wednesday.
The road was quite snowy + icy on Sunday and with the wind  blowing may be tricky in places so come prepared and ensure you put on your chains before starting if they are needed. 4wd / winter tyres should be ok.

Steve

Snow update Sunday 10 March

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

We did ski today but the snow was disappointing and we only ran F1. We are not planning to open on Monday but Tuesday and Wednesday remain possibilities if we get fresh snow and I will keep you posted via email, Facebook and the answerphone.

Steve

Snow update Saturday 9 March

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

There has been about 3" of fresh snow today and more is forecast tonight. In Stanhope the snow has been wet and has not lasted but further up the valley I am told it is still lying and there is more forecast overnight. Hopefully we will run tomorrow but expect to close early (between 1-2pm). We plan to open tomorrow from 10am but please check the webcam and answerphone before leaving. If conditions are looking unfavourable I will try and alter the answerphone message by 0830 - please note the new number 01388 317767e

Steve

WSC NEW ANSWERPHONE NUMBER

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

Just as you thought winter was over snow is forecast this weekend and into next week. It is not clear yet whether there will be enough to ski on but we will keep you posted. However please note that the old answerphone which was causing a few problems has now been replaced with a new answering service. Unfortunatley we were unable to keep out old phone number so the new number is 01388 317767. The old answerphone will now direct caller to this new number. I believe this service is either free or local rates rather than premium rate (though have not had this confirmed yet !).
I doubt very much we will be skiing on Saturday but if the forecast snow arrives there is a possibility for Sunday just in time for Mothers Day!!! What better present for your Mother/Wife?

Steve

Cheap ski trip

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

Sorry no snow to report but if anyone is interested in a fairly cheap holiday to Les Arcs then Roman Ivanec has emailed me with the offer below. Please note that is nothing to do with WSC so please don't reply to me but directly to Roman. No sign of any snow this week so make the most of the warmer temperatures. The following week we seem to be getting back to sub zero temperatures so perhaps we will get some more snow??

Steve

Steve, can you send an invitation to the club's members as I have an option on a cheap trip to les Arcs flying from Manchester and on a self catering basis.If 4 are in the party the cost will be £227 each plus ski carriage if desired at £35

Any takers contact Roman at roman.ivanec@ntlworld.com I need a response asap to book it as it is so close  to the date

Snow report Sunday 24 Feb

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

A good day was had by about 150 people today. There was less snow than expected but both F1 + F2 were skiable and the smaller gullies proved very popular. The weather improved in the afternoon with better light and visibility and improved snow though it got pretty thin at the bottom of F1 by the end of the day (= "think mud"). Although there is a good base I doubt we will be skiing again until we get a further fall of snow. Winner of our keenest skier(s) of the day must go to the Ansell family who drove up from Essex for a day skiing and drove back again tonight - hope the roads were not too bad with all the holiday traffic. Sorry we couldn't give you better conditions but probably an accurate taste of a typical day skiing in Weardale.

There were a few beginner snowboarders today who really struggled with the tows, which admittedly were not easy today, but if you have never used a tow before it would make sense to go to a dry ski slope and practice on one of their tows first. Our tow is not bad for skiers but for boarders it is a bit harder though it does get easier with practice!

Steve

Skiing Sunday 24th Feb

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

There has been fairly heavy snow falling most of Saturday with the possibility of more snow tonight so we are planning to open on Sunday from 10am. The webcam has shown significant snow remaining all week with bare patches and hopefully this snow will have filled in the gaps. Both tow lines have remained intact meaning both F1 and F2 should be skiable tomorrow. I am not sure what the road is like but anticipate in not being too bad but as usual take care and come prepared for the worst.

Sally, from The Chaos in Darlington has contacted me to promote her ski and snowboard shop and offer members of WSC a 10% discount on production of a valid membership card. They currently have some good sale offers on and are selling off some of their 2013 stock at a 25% discount. They also offer a very reasonably priced ski and snowboard service and hat wax and edging. Details below.

Happy skiing

Steve

56 Bondgate
Darlington
Co Durham
DL3 7JJ
01325 486868
www.thechaos.co.uk

The Chaos has been in Darlington since 2002, we are a rider owned store. Sally is a skier
who also rides snowboard, Den and Michael are both snowboarders.
We offer a full range to meet your snowboard requirements, Boards, Bindings, Boots and
all outerwear, technical clothing and protection. Our range includes items from brands
such as Burton, Ride, K2, Forum, RED, Anon, Dragon, Analog, DC and Special Blend.
We also offer Ski and Snowboard servicing and for £10 we are offering members a hot
wax and edging service.
Members are offered a 10% discount on items in the store and online (some sale items
may not be included) please contact us for more details.
We invite all Weardale ski club members to pop into the store to meet us and to view our
2013 season stock - we presently have a 25% reduction on all 2013 snow stock. If there is
anything you are looking for please do not hesitate to ask, if we can get it we will - Sally
takes it as a personal challenge to track down any requests we get.
New for 2013 is our Ladies section of snowboard clothing it is an area we would love to
grow, so let us know what you would like us to stock. For 2014, we are looking to include,
if possible, ski hardware.
Our aim will be to invite all members to a preview of the 2014 stock as it arrives in
September - more information will follow.
We look forward to meeting you, soon.
Sally, Den & Michael

Not opening Thursday

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

Despite heavy snow today it has now turned to rain and forecast to get much milder tomorrow so a decision has been made not to open up. Sadly the temperature over the next few days suggests the snow is going to disappear pretty quickly. Sorry to disappoint.

Steve

Snow report Tuesday 12 Feb

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

Another good day was had today with about 30 skiers + boarders enjoying good cover and reasonable weather. All that looks to change with heavy snow and strong winds forecast tomorrow with significant risk of drifting so we are not planning to open on Wednesday. There is a possibility that we may open up on Thursday if conditions are suitable - the Answerphone will be udated it this is the case. Sadly warmer temperatures are predicted for the end of the week so the snow is likely to go fast.

Steve

Skiing Tuesday 12 Feb

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

We have found 2 tow operators so will be opening up on Tuesday from 10am. Day members are welcome but please download a day membership form and hand it in to a tow operator with the correct day fee and have a great day. The access road was clear today so should be OK tomorrow but always pack a shovel just in case.

Steve

Snow update Mon 11 Feb

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

A good day skiing was had by about 30 people today. Fresh snow spruced up the runs and both F1 and F2 had good cover. It was nice to see members coming up from York, Harrogate and Sheffield and pleased you all enjoyed it. They even got the rope tow operating for part of the day today opening the area out even more and giving a choice of 3 lifts - soon we will be competing with "Les Trois Vallees"! Thanks to those who helped set up the rope tow.

Not sure yet whether we will be opening on Tuesday - it all depends on whether we can get tow operators -but if we can the answerphone will be updated later tonight - 01388 527527

Steve

Snow Update Sun 10 Feb

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

There has been some fresh snow in Weardale today and more is forecast this evening so we are planning to open up tomorrow (Monday 11 Feb) from 10am. I am not sure what conditions will be like but by all accounts the gullies were good fun on F2 on Friday and Saturday and they should be OK. Cover may be thin on F1 depending on how much snow we get tonight. We are open to day members tomorrow but please print off the day membership form from the website as usual and bring it along with the correct day fee and hand it in to a tow operator before skiing.

Steve

Snow update Sat 9 Feb

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

Several skiers turned up today and enjoyed skiing on the upper slopes and the gullies, which I am told were good fun. The towlines were covered but F1 was fairly bare so no skiing was done lower down. There is snow forecast tomorrow which hopefully will freshen the slopes for next week but it is unlikely we will be skiing tomorrow unless there is significant snow overnight. If that is the case we will update the answerphone at 8:30 tomorrow.

Steve

Snow Update Friday 8 Feb

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

3 Tow operators attended today to do some pisting and flatten the tow lines which had significant drifting on them. Conditions were better than expected with some fresh snow cover but also some bare or thin patches on F1. F2 had better cover with the M1 having a good base and the gullies well filled with cornices and big drifts. Skiing is likely tomorrow but it is probably only going to be suitable for experienced skiers and we think the cover on F1 may wear thin pretty quickly. If you are a beginner or only tend to ski the lower slopes tomorrow is probably not a good day for you. Boarders should have fun in the gullies. More snow is forecast on Sunday + Monday so is looking good for next week

Please ring the answerphone (01388 527527) tomorrow before setting off to avoid disappointment. Members only tomorrow so please bring your membership cards and show them to an operator.

Yad Moss are opening tomorrow and have similar, perhaps slightly better cover, and members of WSC can ski there at a discounted rate of £10 on production of a membership card but they are not taking day members. Raise is also open but again do not accept day members.

Will update Saturday night about conditions and whether we open on Sunday

Steve

snow update 6 Feb

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

A small group of skiers braved a bitterley cold northerly wind today and had 3 hours of skiing at Swinhope. Conditions were pretty poor so you didn't miss much. There was plenty of drifted snow especially along the tow lines and on the M1 but the pistes had most of the snow blown off them but were still skiable in true "Weardale style" - who says you cannot ski on grass? There are no plans to open before the weekend but if we get some pisting done and there is even a small amount of fresh snow we may get some skiing in this weekend. The forecast for the next week or two is to remain very cold with the possibiity of more snow. So far we have had 11 days this season which is not bad for the beginning of February.

Steve

Snow update 5 Feb

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

    Well there's gratitude for you. I go on holiday for a week and leave you with absolutely fantastic snow conditions and when I return all gone! I hope those of you who made it on the Saturday had a truly good time as I hear conditions were perfect. Sadly the fickle nature of our weather system meant that most of it had gone by the next day leaving only a few thin runs which were not very well joined up but still enjoyed by a few optimists who turned up just in case we skied.

    There has been snow today but this evening most of it seem to have melted. More is forecast overnight but it remains to be seen whether it arrives or not. It is currently looking very unlikely that we will ski tomorrow (Wednesday 6 Feb) but if you wake up and see snow when you open the curtains then try the answerphone after 8:30am for the latest information.

    I have been informed tonight of the sad news of the death of a former WSC Chairman, Ramsay Dryden, who many of you will remember. Ramsay has been ill for a while and I am sure you will all join me in passing on our condolences to all his family. Ramsay was very involved with the club in the 1980's and 1990's and his brother Richard informs me that he still wears his bright Blue and Red ski suit!

Steve

snow update 24 Jan

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

The snow apparently was great today and a lot faster than yesterday. Not quite as many people turned up but it was still very busy with someone driving up from Oxford and others from further afield as well - hows that for enthusiasm - hope you all enjoyed it would love some feedback from anyone who travelled that far. Whilst on the subject of travelling that far, when we recently applied for a grant to help with the purchase of the pistebasher we had to try and demonstrate that our ski club not only brings visitors into the area but also encourages use of local B+Bs etc. If anyone has travelled up for the purpose of skiing and stayed locally (Weardale or Teesdale) can you please drop me an email for our figures?

Although the snow is still very good we are getting very thin on tow operators and also the forecast for tomorrow is poor with strong winds and snow so we are NOT planning to open on Friday but hope to open on Saturday. I will be away for a week from tomorrow so no more emails until I return so please use the answerphone (01388 527527).

Steve

ps the parking was great today - thanks to everyone!

skiing report 23 Jan

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

Approximately 250 people attended today and enjoyed the snow. I haven't heard first hand what conditions were like but there are plans to open up again tomorrow (Thursday) from 10am. The last mile of the road is still difficult and 4wd or chains will be essential. Do not attempt the road without either or you may just end up stuck and causing problems.

Can the idiot who blocked the fell gate please not park there again as this is the only access for emergency services if we have a seriously injured skier - remember it could be you. If the emergency services need to access the fell and a car is blocking the entrance it will be removed and and quite likely be damaged in the process but more seriously for others it could delay access to an injured skier. Please please please park sensibly and DO NOT BLOCK ANY ENTRANCES. I apologise to the 249 sensible skiers for sounding off like this and I do realise that sometimes there are not enough spaces to park but if that is the case you will simply have to drive back down the road, dig in somewhere safe and walk back. I am not just in a bad mood because I had to work today and tomorrow honestly!

Again we welcome day members tomorrow and once again can any day member please print off and complete the form from the website and bring it along with the correct payment.

Enjoy

Steve

Imortant message for skiers Wednesday 23 Jan

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

I have just been informed that the snow plough will be coming through late morning on Wednesday and will plough the top car park so PLEASE DO NOT PARK THERE until he has been and ploughed it. Please park in the lower car park and you will need to make sure you have left enough space for the snow plough to get through otherwise I am informed he will tow the offending car out! The plough will be travelling from Teesdale across to Weardale so has no option but to get through.

Mike has spent the day pisting the slopes and reports masses of snow on some runs. The M1 has 2 feet of compacted snow on now so no rocks showing through and the runs down F1 are said to be great especially the run immediately west of the F1 tow which had over 2 meters of snow on it!. Please take your cameras and if you get any good photos that you are happy for the Weardale Gazette to use then please can you send me a copy?

Steve

snow report 22 Jan

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

A fell and road inspection has taken place today and Mike has also pisted the runs and reports great conditions. The road has been ploughed but I am told that the last mile or so is comprised of packed snow so chains or 4WD will be essential tomorrow. Although the road has been ploughed the car parking area has not been ploughed so you will need to take a shovel and dig in to park. Please park facing forwards as close to the fence as you can get at a 45 degree angle and ensure you do not block the road. We are planning to open tomorrow (Wednesday) from 10am. Day members are welcome but please print off the day membership form from the skiweardale.com website and bring it along with the correct payment. Please find a tow operator (in  bright dayglow jackets) and pay before skiing. There will be checks on tickets throughout the day so keep hold of your receipt. Members can make this process easier by displaying their membership cards - we have a supply of plastic arm bands to hold them if needed - just ask one of the tow operators if you want one.

Sharing cars tomorrow may be a good idea, especially if you don't have chains or don't know how to use them. Hitching from the bottom of the road is generally very easy and most skiers will offer you a lift if they have space. Another option is to use our facebook site for lift sharing (or twitter). Stuart Marlow from Whitley Bay is hoping to attend tomorrow and is keen to get a lift with someone (either from Whitley Bay or Daddry Shield) so if you can offer him a lif his email address is - stuart.marlow@btinternet.com

If you want to see what conditions are like take a look at todays webcam photo from F2 taken at 13:11. Unfortunately the other camera would not behave and take a picture.

Steve

snow report 21 Jan

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

Finally we have won the snow lottery. We have had heavy snow all day today in Weardale with about 12 inches in Stanhope. More snow is forecast tonight before drying up a bit. There have also been strong winds so there will be a lot of drifting snow and the access road is likely to be impassable for Tuesday so at this moment we are not planning to run tomorrow. If we can get acess to the slopes we may try and piste some of the snow for Wednseday when we are planning to open from 10am. However please check the answerphone before travelling as conditons can alter very quickly.

Due to the drifting snow it is quite likely that you will have to dig in to park so please ensure that you have a good shovel at least in your boot and if possible try and share lifts.

Happy skiing

Steve

snow report 20 Jan

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

Another great day was had today with approximately 100 skiers and boarders turning up and enjoying some extra snow to freshen up the runs. The extra snow meant that the M1 was skiable though still a bit rocky and we managed to piste more of F2 and over towards the gully to give more variety. It was certainly easier skiing today than yesterday. I am pleased to report the parking was excellent - thanks to all. The rules we have in place have been developed over the 49 year history of WSC and are not just arbitary. Reversing into a space can hold up cars on the hill who may then not be able to get traction to start going again and this can have a knock on effect. Also the road is usually clearer after a days skiing making it easier to do all the manouvering then at a time when others are usually around to help if you get stuck. One car getting stuck early in the day can be very frustrating for all those behind.

Anyway enough of that and onto the skiing. We are expecting heavy snow tomorrow and lighter snow on Tuesday. We will not be opening on Monday this week, Tuesday is a remote possibility but Wednesday is a near certainty and promises to be excellent.

Kevin has uploaded another video onto Youtube from todays skiing if you want to have a look and see what it was like - link below:-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNMoBQsbpPk&feature=youtu.be

Those of you who read the Guardian may have seen read this report below from the Saturday edition which talks about all the ski clubs in England, the ain photo coming from F1 just below our club house  Here is a link to the online version:-


http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2013/jan/19/skiing-snowbaording-england-pennines-lake-district#

Steve

Fwd: snow update 19 Jan

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Steve Lumb <steve.lumb@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, Jan 19, 2013 at 8:30 PM
Subject: snow update 19 Jan
To: Ski Weardale <skiweardale@googlemail.com>


The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

I am pleased to report another good days skiing today. We missed most of the heavy snow that fell down the east coats but got enough to freshen the runs and about 150 people turned up and had a great day. Again the snow cover was thin but skied very well and was helped by the fact that we managed to piste some of F2 which made that a lot easier to ski on. If you want to have a look at what conditions were like then Kevin has added a short video to his Youtube account which can be seen at this link - http://youtu.be/czpMTGGL4MU
If anyone has any good photos from this week, Anita, from the Weardale Gazette is looking for some for an article - please send me any you think she may be able to use.

We are planning to open again tomorrow (Sunday) from 10am but may close a little early if the snow gets too thin - I don't think any is forecast overnight but there is heavy snow forecast early next week so we may be skiing Tuesday/Wednesday with luck.

The Road - the trip up to WSC is part of the adventure and the road has claimed many victims over the years. Today a Freelander got stuck in a ditch when he tried to pull over to allow someone to pass. Fortunately he was pulled out and Mark passes his thanks on to those who helped him.This is a not uncommon scenario and it is often the larger 4wd vehicles that pull over to allow another car past. The road is very narrow and has few passing points and the ditch is often hidden by snow so it is always sensible to reverse one of the cars until you find a gate or farm entrance where you are guaranteed solid ground. Even the local farmers wife, who knows the road as well as anyone, ended up with her quad bike in the ditch last year (with me on the back) much to her husbands amusement, purely because there was so much snow we could not see where the road was.

The parking - Sorry to harp on about this every year but the parking space is very limited, even though we extended the parking last year. There are a few rules to parking that you should have all received when you joined which should be followed by everyone please. Firstly park at an angle to the fence as close as possible to avoid blocking the road. DO NOT REVERSE in as this can cause chaos, especially if cars behind you have to stop and then can have great difficulty getting going again. Do not worry about getting stuck, we will not leave you there and there is always someone that will help you get out if you have problems. Secondly park close together to maximise the use of the limited space. Thirdly do not block the fell entrance gate as this is the emergency vehicles only way onto the fell, and for that matter do not block any other gates as the farmer needs access to them all. Finally please ensure you are prepared for the worst and have snow or winter tyres on as a minimum, snow chains can be bought for as little as £19 from Lidl I am told and always remember the shovel and a few old blankets. Unfortunately one person failed to park sensibly today and created a lot of hassle by blocking the road. This meant that several members could not get past and had to take long diversions and one car tried to squeeze past and ended up in a ditch and causing quite a bit of damage to his car. Attached is a photo of the offending car and there is a marker post showing the edge of the road. I am told there was plenty of space behind the car to reverse further. I don't know whose car it was but please try and be more thoughtful in future.

Finally - Reynolds outdoor have some good offers on for some ski equipment at very good prices - attached is a spreadsheet of skis and boots they have for sale - if interested please contact them directly.

Steve

snow update 18 Jan

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

Sadly the heavy snow seems to have missed us so far with only a light covering so far in Weardale but with the possibility of more later tonight. It may be enough to freshen up the runs and the ground is certainly hard enough but if the extra snow is very thin then it may well get worn quite quickly. We are planning to open tomorow, Saturday,  at 10am so if you are intending to come up do not leave it too late as we may close early. Please remember that weekends are for members only so please do not turn up and hope to be allowed to ski as a day members. We will be running regular checks on membership cards so if you can display your cards on the outside of your jacket that would make life a lot easier for the tow operators and stop you having to fumble around for them!
Hopefully the road wont be too bad but always be prepared. It might be worth checking the webcam in the morning before travelling once it updates at about 8:30am.

Steve

WSC on Sky TV

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

Hope you are all set for the heavy downfall of snow that the weathermen have been going on about for days - I do hope it is not another red herring like we have had so many times before. If it does arrive then conditions could be good for the weekend. To wet your appetites Sky TV dropped in on Wednesday and took some footage of WSC and interviewed a few of us - it can be watched on http://tyneandwear.sky.com/news/article/53076

A pair of dearly loved ski poles were lost on Tuesday by Lyn - blue and silver with black grips and no straps. She left them by the car park - if anyone found them please can you let me know. They are 30 years old but close to her heart I am told!

Steve

snow update 15 Jan

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

     A good days skiing was had by about 40 members today. There was no fresh snow but temperatures down to -7 or 8 last night ensured the snow stayed and the pistes were a lot firmer and faster than yesterday. F2 ran for an hour or so but the snow conditions high up were challenging to say the least so most people remained on F1 all day which was great and ran non stop from 10am until 3pm. The weather held out and although it was cold there was little wind and plenty of sun. By the end of the day the runs were getting a little bare and also icy but will be ideal as soon as they are topped up with an inch or two of the fresh stuff. We are not planning to open on Thursday but if the predicted snow falls on Friday it is looking good for the weekend. We had a few day visitors today who seemed to enjoy themselves but please remember that weekend skiing is reserved for members only. In the past we have had to turn away day visitors who turn up at weekends and it is difficult to do after usually quite a long journey but being able to ski at weekends is one of the main benefits of being a member. We will be checking all ski passes this weekend. We do have about 50 memberships still unfilled but expect those to disappear pretty quickly over the next few days.

     For a taster of what conditions have been like I will try and post a few photos on the WSC Facebook page and you should also be able to see some footage taken by a Sky TV reporter from Tyne-Tees on the internet including an interview with a few of us. There was also an interview on Radio Newcastle tonight just before 5pm which may be accessible on the internet - all good publicity for us. I haven't managed to find either yet though!

Hopefully see some of you this weekend.

Steve

snow update 15 jan

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

About 50 people enjoyed a day skiing on Swinhope Moor today and enjoyed good weather though the snow was not as good as expected. F1 was ski-able but F2 was fairly thin with a lot of stones showing through on the M1 run. The temperatures however have plummeted and are below -3 in Stanhope and forecast to fall much lower overnight which should make the runs faster than today and hopefully will improve conditions. We are planning to open tomorrow Wednesday 16 January from 10am but may close early depending on conditions. This time of year we do tend to start shutting down around 3pm so that we can clear the fell before darkness falls, tomorrow may well be earlier so do not turn up at 2pm!

One member today took his dog onto the fells with him which is against the agreement we have with the landowners who specifically have banned all dogs. Please will you all adhere to this rule otherwise we run the risk of losing the excellent relationship we have with our landlords and possible putting our lease at risk.

We will accept day members tomorrow but as previously stated please print off the day membership form from the membership page of the website and complete it before travelling and bring along the correct money. Please do not ski until you have seen one of the tow operators (we stand out in bright orange jackets!).

On a positive note, heavy snow is forecast on thursday night and all day friday with dry weather over the weekend which is looking very promising indeed

Steve