Skiing Sunday 13 December report

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

So much for Christmas shopping. We had a great turnout today with between 100-120 people there to enjoy the first snow of the season. The day started very bright with sunshine and powder snow but very rapidly turned heavy and wet, eventually turning to a mixture of snow and mud but still very skiable until the end of the day. It was nice to see so many new members and also many children today enjoying themselves. Photos can be seen on the "unofficial" WSC facebook site - please note that this is not actively monitored and may not reflect WSC views. Tonight the snow has turned to rain so I suspect that we will have to wait for another dump of snow before we open again but keep an eye on the webcam.

Lost Property - there must be 2 people with cold right hands so if you have lost a black Hestra mitt or a black Isodry glove or a white pair of (?childrens) Nevica goggles, then please let me know.

Steve

Skiing Sunday 13 December

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

The good news is that we have had heavy snow all day in Weardale and at 3pm today had about 8" outside the lodge with snow still falling. We are therefore planning to open up tomorrow after 9:30am - Members only. The road was quite tricky tonight and we are not sure whether it will be ploughed tomorrow but either way snow tyres, 4WD or chains will be needed. If putting chains on, please do this at the lay-by before turning up towards the slopes. Please do not attempt to arrive before 9:30 which will give us chance to assess the road and get the route across sorted out.

The bad news is that Storm Desmond has left quite a bit of damage at Swinhope. A lot of fencing is down and the hut at the top of F2 has been completely destroyed and spread over the fells damaging some of the electrics which have been fixed today (thanks Kevin). However the main damage has been a massive landslide from below Black scar which has taken away several hundred metres of the hillside and completely covered Gilbert's bridge (the bridge immediately before you get to F1 tow lift) which means the usual route across is unpassable. To access the slopes please take the low level route which most of you won't know exists. Pass on the right hand side of the new garage and follow the tracks along that way which by 9:30 we should have managed to mark out.

Steve

Ski offers

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

The snow arrived and then went without any opportunity to ski (apart from one board member who bagged the first run of the season whilst up at a work party!) but at least it is a start and we don't often get any skiing in November.

A couple of ski offers are currently on in addition to the "lock in" at LD Mountain Centre tomorrow night (Wednesday 25th).

https://www.glisshop.co.uk/ - glisshop have 20% off until midnight 26th Nov - their prices are usually competitive and delivery prompt on the one occasion I have used them.

http://www.ekosport.co.uk/ - they are having a 20% discount until midnight on Friday 29th Nov. I haven't used ekosport but another board member has and found them efficient and cheap.

Steve

Snow forecast and a couple of events

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

Hi everyone. Winter is finally on its way and we have already had a thin covering of snow at Swinhope with more predicted this weekend on Friday night and Saturday morning. A total of 4cm is predicted but accompanied by high winds and falling on very wet ground so it is unlikely we will be able to ski this weekend but keep an eye on the webcam and answerphone in case it is better than expected. For those prepared to travel, Cairngorm are expecting 20+ cm snow according to snow-forecast.com.

There are a couple of events coming up that might be of interest to members. LD Mountain centre in Newcastle are having a "lock in" next Wednesday 25th November from 6:30pm to 9:30pm. They will be offering mulled wine and food, ski/board maintenance demos, freebies, prizes and discounts on top of the usual 10% discount to WSC members (remember to take your card).

Also on Friday 27th November at Silksworth in Sunderland there is a ski testing event costing £7 from 6-9pm. Rossignol, Dynastar and Salomom will all be there with others possible and they will have a good variety of skis including all mountain skis which you will all be able to test. They will also have  one of the top boot fitters in the country, Keith Yeoman, present.

Steve

WSC AGM Monday 9th November

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

Just a reminder that the WSC AGM is being held tomorrow in The Honest Lawyer, Croxdale, Durham at 8pm. The meeting hopefully will be fairly short and is followed by a presentation on The Appalachian Trail by Steve Dendle. All members welcome.

Steve

Outstanding jobs and discount afternoon/evening

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

Hi Everyone,

Hope you have enjoyed the glorious weather over the last week or so - summer eventually did arrive 3 months late! Membership renewals are flying in and preparations are going well for the new season. There are however quite a few outstanding jobs that we would like to complete before the season starts and I have copied a list of them below. We are hoping to get at least one board member to oversee each job and gather a few volunteers to complete them. Depending on availability of volunteers these "mini work parties" may be mid week or weekends. If you feel that you are able to help with any of the tasks then can you please email me your preference and availability and I will try and coordinate the groups and forward your contact to the group leader.

1)      F1& F2  hangers to be fitted   Kevin/Kimberly +3 volunteers  (aprox 4hours)

2)      Complete grass cutting when mower is repaired ML +Ian Dowson or SG if available(approx 3 hours)

3)      Polaris- possible fuel issue +flat battery  1 volunteer (1 hour?)

4)      PB 200 fit/adjust squealing belts+check over. Hugh Bense?/1 volunteer

5)      Fit new safety hoops to F2 & some of F1 pylons 2 volunteers (aprox 4 hours)

6)      Change running gear wheels(flat spots) F2 Pylon 5 2 volunteers

7)      Concrete ramp for new shutter door 2 volunteers (aprox1hour)

8)      Demolish old generator hut /make concrete pad for new big generator 2/3 volunteers (3hours)

9)      Tidy lodge garage and remove rubbish                                                                             

10)   Fit restraining chain to F1 fuel cover to prevent entrapment of fuel feed pipe}

11)   Remove any old wood/ fencing etc off fell                         

  2 volunteers (3hours)

12)   Spread 10? Tons gravel around new garage entrance                                               

13)   Fit electric supply and power circuit from new generator to lodge and fit  high level heaters(to be discussed). KM/or electrician?+1?(aprox5 hours?)

Discount at Mountain Warehouse, Richmond

On Thursday 22nd October from 3pm - 8pm they are offering everyone who comes into Mountain Warehouse, Richmond store, an additional 20% off everything within the store.
The 20% offer can not be used in conjunction with any other discount, offered all year round by the company.

Steve

Saturday's work party

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

We had a good work party today with about 12 or 14 there and very pleasant weather. Thanks to all those who turned up. It was a successful day and we now have both F1 and F2 running smoothly, the hangars have all been serviced along with the running gear, more fencing has been completed and most of the old fences removed and we have put a new drain in outside the new garage along with many other jobs. We have no more planned work parties but there is still work to be done so will be having a few more informal, possibly mid week trips up there and if we need any help I will post a message.

Membership is well and truly filling up and we are over half full and soon open to those on our waiting list. Existing members should renew fairly soon if they wish to have guaranteed membership.

Steve

Work party Saturday 26th SEPTEMBER

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

Just a reminder that the last formal ski club work party is being held this Saturday 26th September (not October as in the newsletter). There is still a great deal of work to be done before we can open for the season so we need as many members as possible.Meet at the car park at 10am and bring warm clothes, good footwear and packed lunch.

Membership renewals are coming in thick and fast. For those who have renewed in the last 2 weeks and haven't yet received their cards do not panic as the membership secretary has now returned from a 2 week holiday so will get them sent out in the next few days. A reminder of the process for membership as this has altered slightly from previous years. Current members can renew now and are guaranteed a place if they renew before the end of September. From 1st October we are opening up to those who were on our waiting list and then towards the end of October we will open membership to new members if we are not full. Please note that membership has been full in the last few seasons and we have closed well before the skiing starts. There is also a joining fee of £10 for new members and this also applies to existing members if they leave renewal until after the end of October. Long range forecasts are predicting a very strong El Nino effect this year and are talking about the coldest winter since 1960 (seem to have heard that before but you never know one of these years they may be right!)

Finally LD Mountain Centre, Newcastle, are having a one off sale tomorrow night (Wednesday 23 Sept from 5-9pm)  where they are selling off £500,000 stock at half price. I think this is selected stock from last season and not all their stock, but everything being offered is reduced by 50%.

Steve

Work party Sunday 13th September

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

Welcome to the start of the new ski season and what better way to celebrate than joining us at one of the 2 planned work parties this month. The first is on Sunday 13th September followed by Saturday 26th September. We meet at the car park around 10am and there are jobs to suit all abilities. These work parties are crucial to the running of WSC,otherwise all the maintenance work, renewal, ditching, fence repairs, servicing etc would not get done and it your opportunity to give something back to your club and they are generally good fun as well. Please bring warm clothing, a packed lunch, sturdy shoes or boots and a good sense of humour.

Membership renewal is well underway. Current members get priority and are guaranteed renewal if they apply before the end of September - you should have received an email from Sportident already - if not look in your spam/junk box. People who are on our current waiting list will get an invite to join on 1st October and on the 1st November we will open to all comers. For new members there is a one off joining fee of £10 which does not apply to current members as long as they renew before the end of October. This fee only applies to new adult members.

 

Of interest to some members might be the Arctic Marathon 2016 -this will take place from 26th Feb - 2nd March 2016 and involves backcountry skiing 26.2miles over trails specifically created by Abisko rangers in the magical wilderness of Lapland, staying in remote mountain huts along the way. For more details go to www.walkthewalk.org

Steve

Future fencing work parties

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

We need to complete significantly more fencing this summer and need more volunteers to come forward. We have tried to arrange these work parties in advance, and had poor weather and very low turnout. We have tried to arrange at short notice with good weather and had only a handful of volunteers

So please could anyone who feels they can help contact Steve Luard at Weardalescnews@gmail.com and he will try to arrange dates to suit. Fencing is a fairly low skilled job, but quite physical. We only expect people to work for as long or as fast as they want. We will give all training required to do the job.

Steve

Work party correction Thursday 16th July

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

Correction to my earlier email which had everything wrong on it! The proposed work party is on Thursday 16th July. Please reply to WeardalescNews@gmail.com if you can make it.

Steve 

ps have now corrected the date and day on my watch!!

Work party Thursday 14 July

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

Steve Luard is planning a small work party tomorrow, Thursday 14 July, to do some fencing. All the timber is in place so it really only needs a minimum of 3, preferably 5 people to get the job done. If you can make it please email Steve at WeardalescNews@gmail.com

Steve 

Work party change of plans Wed 8th July

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

Due to a poor weather forecast for tomorrow we have altered the plans and are now starting the work party at 0830 and hopefully finish by lunchtime. We are hoping to transport all the wood across to the fencing area and leave the fencing until another date. We still need some help loading and unloading the timber but should be able to manage with 5 or 6 people in total.

Steve

Work party Wednesday 8 July

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

We are having our first weekday fencing work party from 0930 am this Wednesday starting at 10am from the car park as usual 

 

We are trying to get as much new fencing done this summer as possible, this we hope will make a massive difference to our snow gathering.

No special skills required, experience of fencing and use of nail gun would be an advantage, but training can be given

Please let me know if you will come so we know numbers

 

Plan for the day-

 1.       To get  timber up the fell

2.       To remove fencing where necessary

3.       To install new fencing

 

There are other jobs that can be done if we have enough people.

Work party report

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

A very successful work party today. Only about 12 or 14 of us turned up (but a very good bunch indeed) and we got lots of fencing done and a great day - I got hypothermic at the last work party 2 weeks ago and sunburnt today! Isn't British weather good. Some photos of the fencing and maintenance from today have been put on Facebook. There will be several more work parties for those interested and I will email out details in due course.

Thanks to all those who turned up today.

Steve

Work party Saturday 27th June - all hands needed

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

We are holding our second work party of the summer this coming Saturday starting at 10am, meeting at the car park. We are trying to get as much snow fencing replaced as possible and have many miles of fencing in various states of repair. We are hoping to get the whole of F1 towline fencing replaced on Saturday so need as many volunteers as possible so if you can spare a few hours please come and give us a hand. No skills needed and all tools and equipment will be supplied. Weather forecast is looking good and usually they are very sociable entertaining days.

Steve

Work party report and date of next one (27 June)

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

 

We had a successful work party today despite a very poor turnout - only 10 turned out which included 7 board members, the other 3 being Roman Ivanec and father and son duo of Steve + Howard Duddles who on a rough calculation have been attending work parties for over 90 years between them! Thanks guys. The work party was also filmed by a couple making a documentary about English ski clubs - quite an appropriate day as it was freezing, soggy underfoot and drizzled most of the day - a typical WSC work party??

 

We got a fair amount of fencing done but do need to get a huge amount replaced this summer so hopefully more of you will be able to make the next work party which is in 2 weeks time on Saturday 27th June again starting at 10am.

Steve

Work party Sunday 14 June + film documentary

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

Hi Everyone,

Summer has finally arrived just in time for the first of our work parties which is being held this Sunday meeting at the car park at 10am. It would be nice to see as many members as possible and in particular it will be very interesting and useful for new members to come up and see what goes on to keep the club ticking over. It is also very interesting to see what the fell is like in summer.

The main thrust of this work party is replacing old snow fencing (some of it 40 years old) and also hopefully erecting some new fencing. We have found that harnessing the snow we get is the best way of maintaining the runs in good condition. There will also be the usual other jobs such as ditching, pylon painting, tow servicing, machine servicing so there will be something for everyone. Please bring a packed lunch and warm clothes - although the forecast is for dry weather it can get cool up there even in the middle of summer. Please also note that no dogs are allowed

We are also getting a visit from Tom Ewbank : Video & Social Media Producer Ski Club of Great Britain who is making a documentary about the ski clubs of northern England so you may even get yourself filmed.

Steve

Work parties and charity events

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

Just a quick reminder of our first work party of the summer which is on Sunday 14 June starting at 10am meeting at the car park. The main job will be fencing - a mixture of repairing old snow fencing and creating new snow fencing though there will be many other jobs both skilled and unskilled if snow fencing is not your thing!

Can I also use this opportunity to advertise a couple of charity events which although not directly linked to the ski club have some connections and are directly linked to Weardale and are for fantastic charities.

I work at The Weardale Medical Practice in Stanhope and we have chosen the Butterwick Hospice outreach at Weardale Community Hospital as our charity of the year. I have talked my partners and many of the staff and their families - the youngest being 5 - into doing the C2C cycle route over 2 days from Whitehaven to Tynemouth - 140 miles + lots of hills (some of the staff including myself will cycle the whole route, others including the 5 year old will do selected sections!).We are hoping to raise as much as possible for The Butterwick, a charity that relies entirely on donations to keep it running, and which provides a fantastic service to many terminally ill patients. We are planning to cycle to Stanhope on day 1 which covers 100 miles and most of the hills (except Crawleyside!) and then a "leisurely" day to Tynemouth on the Sunday. If you wish to donate anything then that kindly Mr Richard Branson has set up a website which is simple to use and free - http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/stanhopehealthctoc

There are also sponsorship forms at various sites in Weardale,

Also local man John Carrick, who has helped WSC in the past and whose team plough the road in winter,  is organising a charity tractor run on Sunday 14 June from Stanhope showground 9am to 3pm so you may see them on your way to the work party! This is to raise funds for another 2 great charities www.teenagecancertrust.org and http://sirbobbyrobsonfoundation.org.uk/ 

Details of the event will appear in the Weardale Gazette on 6 June and the Teesdale Mercury.

Steve

Summer work parties

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

Hi Everyone,

Hope you are all looking forward to your summer holidays, no doubt with memories of last winter fading. Without having spectacular snow we still managed quite a successful season with 17 days skiing and some of those days were excellent. We also managed to hold our BBQ which again was very successful and is hoped to be continued annually. 

Our thoughts are now turning to the summer work parties and we have quite a lot of work to be carried out before next season. We looked into the possibility of snow making at Swinhope and whilst it is a possibility we concluded that a cheaper,easier and more cost effective option is to significantly improve our snow fencing to retain the snow that we get and harvest it using our pistebasher. As a result snow fencing is one of our main jobs this summer, though the usual maintenance and repair program continues as usual, so as many hands as possible will be needed if we are to get it all done.

Provisional dates are Sunday 14 June and Saturday 27 June and Sunday 13 September and Saturday 26 September. We may also include a midweek day or two around those weekends and I will send reminder emails out a few days before each.

Finally we are looking for a volunteer to help in the production of newsletters so if anyone out there has the requisite skills and software to pull together news items into a format that can be either printed or emailed out we would be delighted to hear from you. We can produce the content, though any articles that members have that might be of interest to others are gratefully accepted, so all we are looking for is someone with the specific IT skills in the final stages. We hope to produce 3 or 4 a year, though 2 or 3 of these will be eNewsletters and only 1 or possibly 2 will be printed.

Look forward hopefully to seeing many of you over the summer.

Steve

Good days skiing

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

Yet another great days skiing today enjoyed by about 40 members. There was good cover with some superb stashes of powder and all runs were open. The streams and gullies were very inviting and the snow held up better and longer than expected. Sadly warmer weather is forecast with double figures over the next few days so it looks like we will have to wait for the next cold spell before we open again.

The weather station is back in working order so you can see up to the minute data at the links below, also linked on the home page on the website. 

http://www.weatherlink.com/user/weardaleskiclub/index.php?view=main&headers=0

http://www.weatherlink.com/user/weardaleskiclub/index.php?view=summary&headers=0

Steve

Skiing Wednesday 4 March

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

There has been more snow today so we are planning to open for skiing tomorrow, Wednesday 4 March from 9:30am for our 17th day of the season. The forecast is for warmer temperatures through the day so we are expecting to close early so if you intend to ski suggest arrive early.

Day members are welcome - please download the form from the website and complete it beforehand and hand it to a tow operator before skiing with the correct payment. 

I am not sure what the road is like but there may be some drifting snow so if you don't have 4WD or chains then turn up a little later when the road might have cleared.

Steve

Skiing this week??

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

There is a possibility of skiing this week with fresh snow falling today and predicted tomorrow. Wednesday looks the best bet at the moment though we all know things can change quickly. I will update this message if we plan to open on Wednesday.

Steve

Skiing Wednesday 25 Feb

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

We are planning to open the tows on Wednesday from 10am.

The report from today says the snow was very good with 100% cover but skiing was limited to F1 due to the strong winds. Hopefully the forecast is for lighter winds tomorrow so F2 should be running. Please note that there has been drifting snow on the road so 4wd or chains may be essential and remember to pack a shovel. Day visitors are welcome but remember to download a day membership form from the website, complete it before arriving and hand it to a tow operator before you start skiing. Members please display your cards.

Happy skiing

Steve

Possible skiing this week

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

There has been fresh snow today with a bit more forecast overnight and tomorrow. We are planning to open the tows tomorrow, Tuesday 24 Feb from 10am but conditions may be poor and the weather forecast is for wind and snow/rain so if you go be prepared for a possible early closure (ie do not turn up at 3pm!!!). Road conditions also may be poor with the wind and snow so again come prepared with chains/4WD/Shovel etc. Depending on what conditions are like we may open on Wednesday - please listen to the answer phone and I will send out another message after Man City have thrashed Barcelona tomorrow evening.

On a separate note Mountain Warehouse, Richmond, are having a special evening with 20% discount on Thursday 26 Feb open to all members

"We would like to invite yourself and everyone associated with Weardale Ski Club, to a discounted evening we are holding on Thursday 26th February

. We will be keeping our doors open from 5.30pm - 8pm to offer 20% off everything (excluding our top of the range Extreme products) to a number of local groups and schools.

There is still a lot of ski, winter and sale stock available at already greatly reduced prices."

Steve

Ski + BBQ report

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

A fantastic day skiing today with between 80-100 members there enjoying our 14th day of the season. The snow was much better than it looked on the webcam and F1 was like an Alpine piste. F2 was more challenging with some great areas interlinked by a little bit of good old WSC grass skiing but basically the whole area as skiable. A lot of credit goes to the guys in the Pistebasher who have done a great job this year utilising the snow that the fencing has stopped blowing off - today it was Stevie G, Kevin and Mike.

The BBQ was a tremendous success thanks to our Michelin 4 star chef John who produced a dazzling array of sausages and some spicy home-made soup accompanied by Gluhwein and thanks to Hannah who managed the cash register. Music was provided by James Cummings and there was an Alpine feel to the air accompanied by beautiful blue skies - what more can you want? Thanks to everyone else I haven't mentioned by name for a memorable day.

All the equipment ran smoothly today apart from a short period where F1 wasn't getting enough fuel but that soon sorted itself out.

If the snow holds we may get some skiing in this week and currently Wednesday looks the most likely day but will watch the conditions and decide nearer the time. Please make use of the new Weather station that is providing continuous data and is linked on the home page of the website.

Steve

BBQ+Skiing Sunday 8 Feb

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

2 committee members have been up today to check out conditions and the snow has held up surprisingly well due the previous pisting. F1 is very good with a good solid run down on the East and also one run on the West and F2 is also skiable though a little more patchy in places but they reckon 5 runs are ok. We are going ahead with the planned BBQ and skiing on Sunday, lifts opening from 10am.

The road is now clear tarmac though there may be one or two icy patches so still take care but no need for chains or 4wd. 

Kevin has done a great job moving some snow about to connect F1 + F2 and has also pisted the M1 which is skiable. Apparently the snow is better than appears on the webcams!

Steve Luard has set up the weather station which can be accessed via the front page of the website and gives up to date conditions including temp, wind speed + direction, humidity, atmospheric pressure and precipitation plus lots more. Hopefully this will be very useful when deciding whether to come skiing and what to wear.

Please remember tomorrow is for members only, so no day visitors and please remember to bring some cash for sausage burgers, gluhwein and soup.

Steve

No skiing Saturday, BBQ + hopefully skiing Sunday

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

We are not planning to open for skiing tomorrow but are planning to open Sunday when we are also planning to hold our BBQ. All members invited and double sausage burgers, Gluhwein and soup will be on sale and music provided by James Cummings. Hopefully F1 skiing will be good and we are still optimistic that there will be some limited skiing on F2.

Please note that only members are allowed at weekends and no day visitors I am afraid.

Steve

Skiing - Friday? Saturday? Sunday - yes + BBQ

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

There has been a bit of a thaw today with light rain in Stanhope which has washed away some snow. We are not sure what has happened to the snow on Swinhope Moor and a lot depends on temperatures overnight. We are therefore not sure whether we will be opening on Friday or indeed Saturday but will update the answer phone soon after 9am.

We are however definitely going ahead with the BBQ on Sunday come what may and have organised music from the one and only James Cummings and BBQ Sausages, Gluhwein and whatever else from the Jamie Oliver of the slopes John de Muschamp.

There will be skiing at least on F1 which has excellent cover, currently not sure what F2 will be like but who cares!

Please remember weekends are for members only so please do not turn up if you are not a member as you will be turned away.Remember to bring some loose change for the BBQ + gluhwein.

Can I also remind people to take away any rubbish and tidy up their tables when eating inside or outside the lodge. Somebody has put a bin in the lodge but unfortunately any food or rubbish left just attracts vermin so we ask everyone to take any rubbish home with them and also to tidy up after themselves - there are cloths and cleaning materials in the kitchen. Thanks to all those who do already do this.

Steve

Skiing this week - Friday, Saturday + Sunday

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

Another great day today with fantastic weather and a bit of extra snow just to freshen things up. Approximately 70 people were there on what is our 13th day of the season.

We are not planning to open tomorrow but hope to open Friday, Saturday + Sunday unless there is an unexpected thaw. If the situation changes we ill update the answer phone and the website.

Day visitors are welcome on Friday but Saturday + Sunday are strictly members only.

The road is still tricky so the advice is still 4WD + winter tyres or 2WD + chains

Steve

Skiing Wed 4 Feb

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

The snow has remained and today there has been a little bit of extra snow so hopefully the slopes will remain in good condition so we are planning to open tomorrow, Wednesday 4 Feb from 10am. 

The road remains tricky so please come prepared with either 4WD and winter tyres or 2WD and chains.

Day visitors welcome on weekdays - please download this form and bring it with you and hand it to a tow operator before skiing - Day Visitor

Please note that we try to update the snow report on our website regularly - Snow Report  and we have webcams that are updated 3 times a day (when they are working!). There are also directions to Swinhope moor - How to find WSC

Steve

Skiing Wednesday 4 Feb

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

Another good day today, Monday, our 12th day so far this season and the snow is keeping very nicely due to the cold weather. Tow operator shortage and work commitments mean that we are not opening tomorrow, Tuesday, but do plan to open Wednesday 6 Feb. 

Please check the answer phone before travelling to ensure no changes but otherwise will be normal opening time at 10am. The road is still tricky and great care needed. 4WD + winter tyres or 2WD + chains recommended. Hopefully we may get more skiing in this week and there is a possibility we may host our BBQ next weekend but details will be posted if we proceed.

Once again can I remind any day visitors to print off the day membership form from the website, complete it and hand it to a tow operator before skiing. Failure to do this may result in being banned.

Steve 

Skiing Sunday + Monday 1+2 Feb

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

Another good days skiing today only spoilt by the strong winds which forced us to close F2 after only a couple of hours. Hopefully the wind will be less troublesome tomorrow so we are planning to open from 10am and currently we are also planning to open on Monday. A lot of the snow has blown off the runs but the fences have done their job and retained plenty which has been spread out to provide some excellent alpine skiing on F1. Some work has been also been done on F2 so if that runs tomorrow the skiing should be good there as well.

Please note we do not accept day visitors at weekends so do not turn up unless you are a full member as you will be turned away. If you are lucky enough to be off work on Monday then day visitors will be accepted as long as you print off the day membership form from the website and hand it to a tow operator before skiing. If you are found skiing without having sought out a tow operator you risk being banned from WSC - we have had quite a few issues with people turning up and just skiing without seeking out a tow operator and no doubt a few have got away without paying but we are now taking a strong stance so be warned! No membership card = no skiing at weekends. Caught skiing as a day visitor without first paying = being banned from WSC.

Steve

Skiing Sat + Sun

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

We have had lots of snow in Weardale accompanied by high winds which has not helped. This means a lot of snow has blown off the runs but there are big accumulations in the smaller gullies and along fence lines, some of which has been spread out and flattened. The other issue with the wind has been that the tow rope has come off several times today which has been a real nuisance and may be a problem over the weekend. This is not helped by people skiing or boarding away from the tow-line which puts additional strain on the rope so please try and stick as close to the tow-line as possible. I know this is hard for beginner snowboarders so I would strongly recommend beginners learn to use a tow lift before trying at Weardale which is not a board friendly tow for beginners.

 

We are planning to open both days this weekend from 10am. Please do not arrive too early as the road is quite tricky and also the lifts may need de-icing before we can run them. Chains will be necessary unless you have 4WD and snow tyres as there is a lot of compacted snow and ice on the road.

Only full members can ski at weekends so if you are not a member please do not turn up and be disappointed.

Steve

Skiing Friday 30 January

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

There has been significant snowfall in Weardale but accompanied by fairly brisk winds causing a lot of drifting. However the good news is that the snowplough has cleared the road making it passable with chains currently so we are planning to open on Friday if conditions don't deteriorate overnight. There is not much fresh snow predicted but strong winds can easily block the road as 2 cars found out today - a Range-rover and a Discovery got stuck today and took a lot of extracting apparently.

Tow operators will be going up in the morning so please do not arrive before 9:30am and suggest check the answer phone before travelling. 

4wd or chains essential tomorrow and remember to pack a shovel, blankets, food and drink and keep an eye on the weather situation. Drive straight forward at a 45 degree angle into parking rather than trying to reverse in. Day members welcome Friday as long as you download the form and complete it and hand it to a tow operator before skiing. Ignoring this might mean forfeiting the right to ski.

The internet has been down in Weardale for the last couple of days and the webcams are not working so apologies for lack of communication. The Yad Moss webcams are working so you can get an idea of what the snow is like.

Steve

Skiing possibility Saturday 24 January

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

There have been milder temperatures and rain today and a lot of the snow has started to disappear. However there is a possibility of snow overnight and an outside chance of skiing tomorrow. We have tow operators available and will make a decision in the morning once we see what the webcam looks like. Please check the answerphone before travelling (01388 317767) - hopefully it will be updated before 9am and also we should get a webcam picture on the site by then so you can see for yourselves what conditions are like.

If we open it is for full members only as we do not allow day members at weekends.

Skiing report Thursday 22 January

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

A really good day skiing today and about 60 or more people there with some sunny weather and fast runs. The forecast is not so good tomorrow so we are not currently planning to open on Friday but there is a possibility for Saturday skiing though by the looks of it Sunday is bringing warmer weather.

The road was a bit better today but the last mile is still snow and ice so you do still need winter tyres or chains.

If the situation changes I will send an update out.

Congratulations to Colin May who came up from Oxford, skied Yad Moss yesterday, WSC today and hopefully Allenheads tomorrow.

Steve

Skiing Wednesday + Thursday this week

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

We are planning to open on Wednesday and Thursday for skiing from 10am this week. Closing time depends on conditions and tow operators but if good conditions will usually be between 3-4pm so try not to turn up too late.

Please note

1, The road has been very tricky so use chains if you have them, snow/winter tyres are a minimum if you don't have chains. 

2, Day members welcome through the week - print off day membership form from the website, complete it and bring the correct money (£20 for an adult). Ensure you hand this over to a tow operator before skiing otherwise you may not be allowed to ski. Tow operators are fairly obvious in bright orange jackets.

3, Members please bring your passes and either wear them prominently or show them to a tow operator.

4, Enjoy the wonders of Swinhope Moor

Steve

Skiing report Mon 19 Jan

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

A good day was had today apparently and the cold weather continues so we are hoping to open up again later in the week. We are not planning to open on Tuesday but hopefully will open on Wednesday or Thursday and I will send an email out once we decide. All the committee members are volunteers, most with full time jobs, so opening midweek depends on availability of enough operators.

 

Steve

Skiing this week beginning Monday 19 January

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

A good day was had by approximately 100 people today with a little bit of extra snow to freshen it up. The forecast is for it to remain cold all week and perhaps a small amount of fresh snow so we are hoping to open up some days this week. Currently the plan is to open Monday 19 January and possibly Wednesday 21 January from 10am both days and probably closing at 3pm unless conditions are superb and we have enough tow operators. I will reconfirm Wednesday opening prior to then and remember to check the answerphone.

We will accept day visitors on weekdays so if you wish to come please print off a day membership form from the WSC website (skiweardale.com) and fill it in, bring it along with £20 and hand it to a tow operator before skiing.

The road was tricky again today and needs extreme caution. 2 cars (both 4WD) had to be pulled out of ditches today by kind person in a fully winterised land-rover  - thank you whoever you are! Please remember even having 4WD on ice is not much good and snow or winter tyres make a huge difference and snow chains even more so. Also if putting on snow chains do so before starting up the troad preferably in the lay by before turning up to the slope. I know I keep harping on about this but if the road is icy the only way to get up is by keeping a steady slow speed and once you have to stop (for a car putting on chains etc) it can be impossible to get started again. This is also the reason we encourage you to park facing forwards at a 45 degree angle as close to the fence as possible. Trying to reverse in holds up others coming up who then can get into difficulty. Preaching over (for the time being!)

Have a great week if you can get up there.

Steve

Skiing Sun 18 Jan

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

Just a follow on from earlier message. Skiing will finish tomorrow at 4pm at the latest and more likely 3pm unless conditions are great so please don't arrive at 3pm like one unfortunate member did today. Later in the season when the days lengthen we can ski later but we have to clear the fell before darkness sets in and it can take quite a while some days to get everybody off.

Steve

Snow report Sat 17 January

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

A good day skiing was had by 30 or so members today in better than expected conditions. There has been some pisting and some more fresh snow and it is currently snowing quite heavily in Stanhope. We are planning to open tomorrow from 10am. 

Please note that the road is very slippery in places so winter tyres will be essential and chains may be needed for 2WD. The cold weather is forecast to last until the end of the week but there is not much more snowfall predicted so I would suggest make the most of it tomorrow! There is a possibility of skiing next week depending on conditions and availability of tow operators. On weekdays we will accept day visitors but please firstly check that we are open before travelling and download the day membership form and bring it along to the slopes with the £20 day fee and present to a tow operator before skiing - they are pretty obvious in their orange day-glo jackets!

Steve

Ski update Sat 17 Jan 9am

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

Tow operators have assessed the slopes today and there is an extra 2 inches of fresh snow which hopefully will make a big difference so we are opening today and all being well should do so tomorrow as well but I will update later tonight. The road is very icy so ensure you have snow or winter tyres and if fitting chains do this at the lay by at the bottom rather than half way up please. Please remember only current members can ski at weekends though we will accept day visitors on weekdays - see the website for details and day membership forms. Enjoy your day.

Steve

Skiing this weekend 17/18 January

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

There has been some snow today and some more light snow tonight so we are planning to open the tows on Saturday from 10am.

 On checking the runs today it was noted that the road was sheet ice in places so please ensure that you have winter tyres at least and chains if not and please fit the chains in the lay by at the bottom and not half way up. The snow cover wasn't great today with hard packed snow in places but hopefully with some pisting and a bit more fresh snow predicted overnight things will improve. If in doubt check the answerphone before travelling (01388 317767) or look at the webcams - updated 3 times a day.

With the cold spell expected to last we are hoping to open on Sunday as well but a further email will be sent out tomorrow and the answerphone updated.

Please note weekends are for members only so you will need to bring and show your membership card to a tow operator before skiing.

Hope you have a good day

Steve