Ski report 21 Jan and plans for Monday 22 Jan

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

We had another good day today, our 8th day so far this season. About 40 members turned up and conditions were fast and a bit icy early on but soon softened up and it snowed from 12-3pm which really improved the snow and by the time we left conditions were great. The forecast however is for it to get milder and the snow is likely to disappear fairly quickly. Temperatures already tonight are +3c

We might open tomorrow after inspecting the slopes and will update the twitter feed on Facebook by 0830. If we do open it is very likely we will close after 2 or 3 hours unless conditions are way better than expected.

The road is still difficult with some drifting snow and ice today so DO NOT attempt to come unless you have winter tyres - 4wd or chains are ideal. Also remember to pack a shovel and dig in so that you are off the road.

Steve

Lost property and road conditions

The Weardale Ski Cub Ltd

Quick addendum to earlier message. 3 items of lost property 1- Blue Montane womans top ?size 14 - in the lodge 2, pair of blue Steiner ski gloves left on side of the road at top of car park - in my car - will bring tomorrow 3, Black plastic handle looks like from a car tool set - in my car and will bring tomorrow.

For those coming tomorrow please DO NOT attempt to get up unless you have at least winter tyres on and a shovel and chains in the back of you car. 4WD ideal but even then winter tyres make a huge difference. The forecast is for -7c tonight so the road will be icy tomorrow and there also may be snow throughout the day so the road might deteriorate for the return trip. If in doubt hitch a lift up or car-share with someone in 4wd

PARKING - please ensure your car is not causing any obstruction to the road or any gates. Dig your car in if in doubt but if you cannot ensure the road is not obstructed then park elsewhere.

Steve

Skiing report Saturday and plans for Sunday

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

Yet another great day skiing at Swinhope today with somewhere between 100-150 people there. The snow had blown a bit compared to Friday but was still in very good state and extra pisting opended up areas to the east and west and our main runs were still in very good condition. Our Masterchef John produced a superb BBQ that would have won many competitions. 

The only downside from today was problems with the parking which caused a lot of hassle so below follows a little rant and sorry if I am preaching to the many people who drive and park sensibly. 

Firstly do not attempt the road without as a minimum winter tyres. 4wd and/or chains are often needed. The road may be clear when you drive up but can become impassible when drifting snow later in the day blocks it again so always come prepared and bring chains, shovel and common sense.

Secondly when parking ensure that you are at a 45 degree angle to the fence and in far enough to clear the road. Todays fiasco was caused by one car that hadn't pulled in quite enough and was sticking out onto the road and that led to a van having to steer wide to get past and ending up in the ditch. That meant the snow plough driver couldnt get through and was sat for over 2 hours in his cab waiting for the owner to move his car before he could pull the van out ...... We need to keep the plough driver in our good books

Thirdly if you do buy chains ensure they are the right size and practice fitting them in the comfort of your own drive so that you are not fitting them on your car in snow and ice on road up for the first time!

I could go on but the majority of you park well and we do accept that the road is not easy and parking is limited so the other option is to try and liftshare if possible - the Facebook site is good for that.

Plans for Sunday. We are planning to open for skiing tomorrow from the usual time @ 0930. The weather forecasts seem to vary and there may be some snow overnight and it might get milder later but the temperature is set to fall tonight so that should ensure the slopes are good in the morning and hopefully will last all day. Please note again that weekends are MEMBERS ONLY. Membership is still open for any who wish to join - details on the website

Steve

Skiing Saturday 20 Jan

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

We had a fantastic day today with about 100 people there and some alpine conditions and the best snow we have had since 2013. The weather deteriorated a little midday but those who stayed were treated to sunshine and great visibility later on. 

All the runs have been groomed, there is masses of off-piste powder to play in and tomorrow the sun is planning to pay us a visit so we are planning to hold a BBQ. We will be selling sausage sandwiches, mulled wine, soup and raclette-type of potatoes all for £1 each so please bring some cash if you want to savour John de Muschamp's (AKA masterchef) cuisine.

2 important messages

Weekends are reserved for members only so please bring along you membership card and non members will not be allowed to ski

The road although fairly clear earlier became quite tricky and icy later and snow tyres or 4WD are a minimum and chains may be needed. Please do not attempt to drive up in 2wd with summer tyres as you will get stuck like happened today. 

Steve

Skiing Friday 19th and Saturday 20th Jan

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

We are planning to open for skiing both Friday and Saturday from about 10am at the latest. We have been up today and there is good cover all over and all the usual runs have been groomed and are all looking good. There is a frost forecast overnight and that should ensure conditions are great tomorrow and we are hoping it will last well into the weekend though by Sunday temperatures are rising and it may not be skiable then so do not leave it too late.

The road has been ploughed twice today and is clear but there may be more snow overnight or wind blown snow so come prepared. Please park carefully at a 45 degree angle to the fence facing forward. 

Day members are welcome on Friday but at weekends we only allow full members to ski. For tomorrow will day members please print off a day membership form from skiweardale.com and bring it along filled in with the correct money and hand it to a tow operator (in bright orange jacket) before skiing. Members please bring your membership card and for those who have joined in the last couple of days (welcome) please bring along screenshot or printout of your membership.

Steve

Snow update

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

We have had some fresh snow at Swinhope but at the time of writing this email we have not had the heavy fall that was predicted but it is not too late. Until we see what arrives we have no plans to open but as soon as we get a good idea I will send out an updated email.

Steve

Ski update Sunday 7th Jan

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

Day 5 of the season produced a glorious day with lovely sunshine and no wind and to top it off we got a dusting of new snow to hide the brown patches. A hard frost overnight meant frozen ground and faster runs and the Racecourse run (furthest west on F1) was lovely today having been groomed at the end of yesterday and then topped up overnight. The main run down F2 was also good even though getting a little bare in places and the M1 and motorbike gully were also skiable though rather icy later on.

There are currenty no plans to open again until we get further snow but if anything changes we will update via all the usual channels.

Steve

Skiing Sunday 7th Jan

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

Another good day was had by about 60 members today. Conditions were initially soft and heavy but as the temperature dropped the runs got faster although distinctly less white! We have however groomed most of the runs and with a cold frost predicted it should produce good fast skiing tomorrow for at least the morning. We are planning to open from 0930 but expect to close around 1pm or 2pm at the latest.

The road may well be quite icy tomorrow so come prepared. Members only at weekends.

Photos on the WSC Facebook site from today.

Steve

Skiing Sat 6 Jan

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

We have had a covering of snow at Swinhope and are hoping fo a few more cm tonight which should improve conditions sufficiently for skiing tomorrow. A fell inspection today has shown good cover but soft underfoot but the forecast is for temperatures to drop overnight so hopefully it will be skiable tomorrow but do not expect deep powder or alpine conditions and suggest check the webcam before travelling.

The road was a bit tricky today with a covering of snow and ice on the top half which might be worse omorrow if we get more snow so winter tyres are the minimum requirement,

Please remember that weekends are reserved for members only so make sure you bring your membership card with you.

Steve