The Weardale Ski Club Ltd
We had a good day skiing today though the snow did deteriorate as they day went on and by end of play there were quite a few bare patches but a good base and the towlines are now very well compacted. If we get the predicted snow overnight then conditions could be good but if we get no snow then it won't be worth opening on Sunday. Best advice is to look at the webcam at 830am or ring the answerphone in the morning for the latest advice. The road was ok today though some icy patches at the top which were a bit tricky. Having watched the following link about the value of winter tyres I suspect it would be a good investment for many of you who don't already have them - http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/products/total_tyre_guide/259444/summer_continental_contisportcontact_3.html
Living North have written an article on skiing in Weardale in their January edition which is out now and has 5 pages about us and the other ski clubs in the North of England including some great photos from James Cummings and others. It will grace any coffee table and you can proudly show all your frends what Weardale Ski Club is like. Sadly today was a more typical Weardale skiing day but you don't have to tell them that!
The owner of the Guess watch has been found much to his relief as it was a pressie from his wife!! A pair of goggles was lost today by Lyn, so if anyone has found them please let me know.
Not sure why my writing went blue??
Steve
Saturday, 10 December 2011
Friday, 9 December 2011
Skiing Saturday 10th December
The Weardale Ski Club Ltd
There has been a light fall if snow tonight which will hopefully freshen up the slopes so we plan to open tomorrow from 10am. I cannot guarantee the quality of the snow and will update tomorrow evening once we see what it is like. I am also unsure what the road is like as there may be significant ice so drive with care.
If you need new skis/snowboards/bindings etc Nevisport are offering 20% off hardware (not entirely sure what this covers) but if interested give them a call
Steve
There has been a light fall if snow tonight which will hopefully freshen up the slopes so we plan to open tomorrow from 10am. I cannot guarantee the quality of the snow and will update tomorrow evening once we see what it is like. I am also unsure what the road is like as there may be significant ice so drive with care.
If you need new skis/snowboards/bindings etc Nevisport are offering 20% off hardware (not entirely sure what this covers) but if interested give them a call
Steve
Wednesday, 7 December 2011
Skiing update Wednesday 7th December
The Weardale Ski Club Ltd
Winter has certainly arrived and we have just enjoyed our 3rd day skiing of the season. Snow has also fallen in the Scottish resorts and at long last in Europe as well which hopefully means Christmas will be OK in the Alps for those travelling abroad. For those who plan to stay in this country we will see what we can do for you!
When it started to rain last night in Stanhope, combined with the winds and milder temperatures I was expecting much of the snow to have gone today so I was pleasantly surprised when I arrived this morning to find good snow cover. The winds were a bit strong so we could only run F1 but in total managed to stay open for about 4 hours and got some good skiing with about 10 or 11 people there. Some people were seen arriving at 2:15pm when we were shutting down and turned back when they saw the lifts had stopped. This time of year it gets dark so early that we have to start clearing the slopes at 3pm at the latest so please dont arrive late and expect us to remain open.
Sadly tomorrow is forecast very strong gale force winds and a brief thaw which means the tows will not be running. It is then predicted to get colder again with snow showers so the prospects are reasonable for the weekend but watch these emails or ring the answerphone before travelling.
Living North has written an article on WSC and the other Northern England ski clubs which is due to come out at the end of the week (January edition) - I havent seen a copy yet but hopefully it will give us some publicity and a good write up - why not go out and buy a copy.
Steve
Winter has certainly arrived and we have just enjoyed our 3rd day skiing of the season. Snow has also fallen in the Scottish resorts and at long last in Europe as well which hopefully means Christmas will be OK in the Alps for those travelling abroad. For those who plan to stay in this country we will see what we can do for you!
When it started to rain last night in Stanhope, combined with the winds and milder temperatures I was expecting much of the snow to have gone today so I was pleasantly surprised when I arrived this morning to find good snow cover. The winds were a bit strong so we could only run F1 but in total managed to stay open for about 4 hours and got some good skiing with about 10 or 11 people there. Some people were seen arriving at 2:15pm when we were shutting down and turned back when they saw the lifts had stopped. This time of year it gets dark so early that we have to start clearing the slopes at 3pm at the latest so please dont arrive late and expect us to remain open.
Sadly tomorrow is forecast very strong gale force winds and a brief thaw which means the tows will not be running. It is then predicted to get colder again with snow showers so the prospects are reasonable for the weekend but watch these emails or ring the answerphone before travelling.
Living North has written an article on WSC and the other Northern England ski clubs which is due to come out at the end of the week (January edition) - I havent seen a copy yet but hopefully it will give us some publicity and a good write up - why not go out and buy a copy.
Steve
Tuesday, 6 December 2011
Skiing Wednesday 7th December
The Weardale Ski Club Ltd
Several members attended today and skied until about 3pm and say that conditions were better than expected. There is good cover with plenty of snow although not a great base yet. There is the chance of more snow overnight but even without we are planning to open on Wednesday from 10am. Please note that due to it getting dark early we are unlikely to ski much beyond 3pm as we have to clear the fell before darkness falls! The road today was icy but not much snow. Obviously things may change overnight but it should be OK tomorrow with care.
Membership is now full but we do allow day members on weekdays and the reciprocal arrangement with Yad Moss is still in operation (1/2 price day fees) but you must bring along your membership cards.
Steve
Several members attended today and skied until about 3pm and say that conditions were better than expected. There is good cover with plenty of snow although not a great base yet. There is the chance of more snow overnight but even without we are planning to open on Wednesday from 10am. Please note that due to it getting dark early we are unlikely to ski much beyond 3pm as we have to clear the fell before darkness falls! The road today was icy but not much snow. Obviously things may change overnight but it should be OK tomorrow with care.
Membership is now full but we do allow day members on weekdays and the reciprocal arrangement with Yad Moss is still in operation (1/2 price day fees) but you must bring along your membership cards.
Steve
Monday, 5 December 2011
Skiing Tuesday 6th December
The Weardale Ski Club Ltd
A decision has been made to open up for skiing tomorrow but there is no guarantee what the snow is like and at the moment no information on what road conditions are like. In other words be prepared for good/bad snow, good/bad weather and good/bad road conditions! Hope that helps!
Tows should be operating from 10am
Closing time will depend on conditions. Hopefully we will ski on Wednesday as well but I will update tomorrow night.
Steve
A decision has been made to open up for skiing tomorrow but there is no guarantee what the snow is like and at the moment no information on what road conditions are like. In other words be prepared for good/bad snow, good/bad weather and good/bad road conditions! Hope that helps!
Tows should be operating from 10am
Closing time will depend on conditions. Hopefully we will ski on Wednesday as well but I will update tomorrow night.
Steve
Sunday, 4 December 2011
Snow update
Well at last the snow has arrived and the season has begun. There has been a few inches on the fell tops today and a few intrepid kiteboarders went up to Swinhope and found more snow than expected and ran the lifts for an hour or two. The snow was wet and patchy and the base is not yet frozen so it was not safe to open for general use but the forecast is looking good with more snow predicted over the next couple of days and temperatures remaining low before a thaw in a week or so. Attached is a photo sent to me from today and condtions can also be viewed on the webcam but please note that the photo dated 6th December was actually taken on the 3rd before the snow. Subsequent photos have the correct date on but you will have to look at "previous photos" to see todays and probably tomorrow as well.
Because the cover is thin and wet and the base not hard enough yet we are not planning to open on Monday but there is a possibility that we may open later in the week and the answerphone will be updated when conditions improve sufficiently (01388 527527).
Helmets seem to be being used by more and more skiers and boarders and if you want to try a basic helmet that won't break the bank Decathlon are selling some for @ £20 - I cannot vouch for them but below is a link to their site. I believe Aldi also had some pretty cheap helmets in recently.
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/ad-i-jet-p-id_8155941.html
Finally I am pleased to say that membership is now 4 short of closing so by the end of this week we will be full for the year. Thanks to all those who have joined, both new members and longstanding members who have supported us for years. Lets hope you get great value for you membership fee this year. 2 days skiing and it has paid for itself. Remember however that the snow doesn't generally last long when it arrives so make the most of it when it does and get your kit prepared in advance. I have to repeat the age old reminder about snow chains or snow tyres if conditions require them and the need to pack a shovel and dig in at an angle to the fence and not to block any gates, especially the one by the car parking. I know many of you will have heard the same message for years but for those newer members it is very important for all our safety and enjoyment.
Happy skiing
Steve
Thursday, 17 November 2011
WSC Newsletter
The Weardale Ski Club Ltd
Hi Everyone,
Winter is fast approaching and if you believe the weather predictions we are in for some snow next week. The good news is that at WSC we are ready for the snow - are you? The nature of snow skiing in England is such that when it arrives you have to grab it rather than wait until the next weekend when the likelyhood is it will have gone! So get your skis/boards ready, make sure you have your snow chains handy and can remember how to fit them, shovel in the back, make sure your boots still fit and most importantly keep your fingers crossed!
For those of you who need some more ski clothing/equipment the good news is that Nevisport in Newcastle have continued to support us and are offering members of WSC 20% discount off RRP on most products over the weekend 26/27th November. By using this discount weekend you are benefitting yourselves by saving significant amounts of hard earned cash, helping support WSC because Nevisport will only continue this discount offer if it is used and also benefitting one of our main supporters, Nevisport. But please remember to produce a valid wsc membership card to obtain the discount. There is a flyer attached to this email and a newsletter from Nevisport to all members. For those of you who receive this email that aren't members I apologise as this will be of no use to you - should have really joined shouldn't you!
For those wishing to join we have approximately 30 places left after which time we will close membership so do not delay any longer because once the first flakes arrive I guarantee those remaining places will go instantly.
If you want to get into the mood for skiing then no better way to do it than go and see the new Warren Miller film. Superb adventure skiing and boarding action from all over the world (may even include Weardale if you look hard enough through tinted glasses). The nearest showing is at the Rheged Centre, Penrith Thursday 24 Nov 7.30PM and tickets can be bought on line at www.warrenmiller.co.uk and I have atached a flyer to this email with more details. I am planning to go over next thursday.
If you want to get your legs into shape before the seson starts then Silksworth ski slope are offering special deals at the moment and attached to this email is a flyer from them about the discounts and recreational pass and also the Freestyle Demo night.
I have also received an email from the British Association of Ski Patrollers who offer First Aid training, Ski Rescue etc. Two of our members recently attended a course in the Lake District (I think) and say it was excellent and well worth it. Have a look at the BASP website www.basp.org.uk which also has more information on the benefits of becoming a member.
Finally how about avalanche training. Perhaps not an essential skill on the slopes at Weardale, though I have witnessed two small avalanches on Black Scar in the last couple of years.However for those of you who ski abroad, and especially if you ski backcountry, it could be a real life saver. Below is an invitation to attend a one day course in Chamonix for a meagre £75 though I suspect that does not include travel! Who knows it could save your life.
Avalanche Academy is the first and only
specialist avalanche training organisation in the Chamonix region. We are
dedicated to making people safer in the off-piste and our Mountain Guides
are specialists in avalanche awareness.
Our courses are all just one day long and are only £75 per person. Private
Training is also available. Courses cater for all levels, and cover the
following as a minimum:
• Information Finding.
• Risk Evaluation on snow.
• Route planning in hazardous conditions.
• Safer skiing techniques on suspect slopes.
• Snow profiling.
• Rescue procedures including use of transceivers, shovels and
probes.
At Avalanche Academy we want to encourage people to get into the off-piste,
but we want to give them the required skills and judgement first.
Also worth a mention is that every Monday night at 7pm we will be hosting a
free Avalanche Awareness talk at La Terrasse in Chamonix town centre.
The talks will run from Mid December through until the end of March. Each
presentation will last around 30-40 minutes and will cover the basics of how
to avoid avalanches, and what to do if caught in one. Everyone is welcome to
attend - why not come along ?
For more information, or to book on-line, just visit
www.avalancheacademy.com .
Phew, that was a long email. See you on the slopes soon
Steve
Hi Everyone,
Winter is fast approaching and if you believe the weather predictions we are in for some snow next week. The good news is that at WSC we are ready for the snow - are you? The nature of snow skiing in England is such that when it arrives you have to grab it rather than wait until the next weekend when the likelyhood is it will have gone! So get your skis/boards ready, make sure you have your snow chains handy and can remember how to fit them, shovel in the back, make sure your boots still fit and most importantly keep your fingers crossed!
For those of you who need some more ski clothing/equipment the good news is that Nevisport in Newcastle have continued to support us and are offering members of WSC 20% discount off RRP on most products over the weekend 26/27th November. By using this discount weekend you are benefitting yourselves by saving significant amounts of hard earned cash, helping support WSC because Nevisport will only continue this discount offer if it is used and also benefitting one of our main supporters, Nevisport. But please remember to produce a valid wsc membership card to obtain the discount. There is a flyer attached to this email and a newsletter from Nevisport to all members. For those of you who receive this email that aren't members I apologise as this will be of no use to you - should have really joined shouldn't you!
For those wishing to join we have approximately 30 places left after which time we will close membership so do not delay any longer because once the first flakes arrive I guarantee those remaining places will go instantly.
If you want to get into the mood for skiing then no better way to do it than go and see the new Warren Miller film. Superb adventure skiing and boarding action from all over the world (may even include Weardale if you look hard enough through tinted glasses). The nearest showing is at the Rheged Centre, Penrith Thursday 24 Nov 7.30PM and tickets can be bought on line at www.warrenmiller.co.uk and I have atached a flyer to this email with more details. I am planning to go over next thursday.
If you want to get your legs into shape before the seson starts then Silksworth ski slope are offering special deals at the moment and attached to this email is a flyer from them about the discounts and recreational pass and also the Freestyle Demo night.
I have also received an email from the British Association of Ski Patrollers who offer First Aid training, Ski Rescue etc. Two of our members recently attended a course in the Lake District (I think) and say it was excellent and well worth it. Have a look at the BASP website www.basp.org.uk which also has more information on the benefits of becoming a member.
Finally how about avalanche training. Perhaps not an essential skill on the slopes at Weardale, though I have witnessed two small avalanches on Black Scar in the last couple of years.However for those of you who ski abroad, and especially if you ski backcountry, it could be a real life saver. Below is an invitation to attend a one day course in Chamonix for a meagre £75 though I suspect that does not include travel! Who knows it could save your life.
Avalanche Academy is the first and only
specialist avalanche training organisation in the Chamonix region. We are
dedicated to making people safer in the off-piste and our Mountain Guides
are specialists in avalanche awareness.
Our courses are all just one day long and are only £75 per person. Private
Training is also available. Courses cater for all levels, and cover the
following as a minimum:
• Information Finding.
• Risk Evaluation on snow.
• Route planning in hazardous conditions.
• Safer skiing techniques on suspect slopes.
• Snow profiling.
• Rescue procedures including use of transceivers, shovels and
probes.
At Avalanche Academy we want to encourage people to get into the off-piste,
but we want to give them the required skills and judgement first.
Also worth a mention is that every Monday night at 7pm we will be hosting a
free Avalanche Awareness talk at La Terrasse in Chamonix town centre.
The talks will run from Mid December through until the end of March. Each
presentation will last around 30-40 minutes and will cover the basics of how
to avoid avalanches, and what to do if caught in one. Everyone is welcome to
attend - why not come along ?
For more information, or to book on-line, just visit
www.avalancheacademy.com .
Phew, that was a long email. See you on the slopes soon
Steve
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