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