Skiing Sat 30 December

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

Another great day skiing at WSC. Those who turned up early were treated to some fresh powder and great conditions but the warm weather soon turned everything rather wet and heavy so we closed early at 1330 by which time most of the 70 or so members who attended had drifted off.

Photos on the WSC Facebook site make it look better than it was especially later on!

Sadly we will have to wait for futher snowfall before opening again but hopefully won't be long.

Happy New Year to all our members and hope 2018 is a very snowy one.

Steve

Skiing Saturday 30 Dec

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

We have had a further covering of snow and although not as much as predicted has freshened up the base we had and we should be OK for skiing tomorrow so are planning to open from about 0930. F1 runs are looking good, F2 runs with care though may improve if we get any more sow tonight. The forecast tomorrow is for milder weather with some rain and it might get wet later on so Terry recommends Gortex undies!

The road is a mixture of clear tarmac in places with patches of ice and snow on the uphills so winter tyres at least will be needed. If in doubt about your car or driving skills then better to hitch a lift up with someone or leave it until a number of other cars have been up and cleared the road a little.

Please note weekends are for members only so please bring along your membership cards as we will be running checks throughout the day.

Has anyone left a blue Montane long sleeved thermal merino top ?ladies @ size 12 - found in the lodge. If so let me know and I will bring it along.

Steve

Snow update Sat 16 Dec

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

We had a great day today with about 60 members enjoying sunshine and fresh snow and some good skiing. The snow was thinning a bit towards the end but was skiable right up until close of play at 1530 and actually improved later in the afternoon as the temperature dropped. It was nice to see several new members enjoying their first trip to Swinhope. Thanks to the person who found + handed in the iPhone and it has been passed back to its rightful owner.

The weather forecast seems to be suggesting that tomorrow it is going to rain and get milder so we are not planning to open up tomorrow so you can all get on with your Christmas preparations. There is no snow forecast for the next week or so so unlikely we will open before Christmas so can I take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy Snowy New Year.

Steve

Skiing Sat 16 Dec

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

The snow appears to have lasted so we are planning to open up to members only tomorrow hopefully from 0930.

I haven't been up the road yet but expect little snow on it though there may well be icy patches especially early on so if in doubt about your car leave it until a bit later until a few cars have been up or better still hitch a lift up if you don't have winter tyres.

Unsure whether we will be able to ski on Sunday as it is forecast to get milder but will update this tomorrow evening.

Steve

Snow update Thursday 14th Dec

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

The heavy snow that the Midlands got (what a waste!) sadly never reached the North but there has been a thin covering all week with sub-zero temperatures and a dusting overnight. There is not really enough for skiing at present but we are optimistic that we might get enough to ski on Saturday if we get any snow today.

I will update this message on Friday evening

Steve

Snow melt Saturday 2nd December

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

Sadly there appears to have been a significant rise in the temperatures leading to a thaw at Swinhope where temperatures are hovering around +3c. Looking at the webcam photos it looks like skiing at best will be very limited or at worst not possible. We will will inspect the fell and update the answer phone hopefully by 0930 though it is not looking good.

Steve

Skiing update

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

We had a good day skiing today with about 20 people turning up and with 6-8cm new powder snow on a firm base. Skiing on F1 was good but more tricky on F2. Good skiers will have a great time on both F1 + F2 and those less experienced will enjoy F1 tomorrow. 

We plan to open from 10am. 

Please note that weekends are only for members and we only allow day-members on weekdays.

Prize of the day goes to Rhys who finished a shift at Wetherspoons in Nottingham at 4am , left at 6am driving up to Swinhope for a day skiing with us and returned to Nottingham for an 11pm shift at Wetherspoons. That is impressive - hope to see you again Rhys.

Finally the road was pretty clear by the time we left with only a few icy patches so should be OK with care though winter tyres always help.

Steve