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