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