1st work party of the summer this Sunday 5th June

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

Just a reminder that the first work party of the summer is taking place this Sunday 5th June starting at 9:30-10am and all members are welcome. The main planned jobs are the removal of the hangars from the tow lifts and beginning the replacement of the F2 and other snow fencing. Depending on how many people turn up we may start rebuilding some of the fencing but demolition and removal of the old fencing is the first step. For those who expressed an interest in becoming assistant tow operators please speak to one of the several committee members who will be there and it may be possible to offer some training on Sunday though we will offer more opportunities at later dates for those who cannot attend. For those who are unsure about becoming assistant tow operators it is the ideal chance to chat to a committee member and find out exactly what it entails. Sadly having wrecked my knee a few weeks ago I am on a long slow road to recovery and wont be at this next work party.

If you plan to attend this work party please will you let me know just so that we have some idea of numbers.

Steve

WSC work party Sunday 5th June + Assistant Tow Operators

Hi Everyone,

It didn't turn out to be too bad a season with a total of 13 days, the last day being 29th April, though we never really got a prolonged cold spell to make the snow last more than a day or two.

Minds now turn to work parties and we are planning our first one on Sunday 5th June. Meet at the car park at 9:30 - 10am and work party starts at 10am. There will be plenty of jobs but the main one is renewing a lot of snow fencing and on the first work party it will be largely dismantling the snow fencing on F2 so no specific skills required and the more hands the better.

We are also looking to train a few Assistant Tow Operators to help when we are short of tow operators. We are happy to offer training and this would involve being shown how to start and stop the 2 lifts, how to open up and shut down the lifts, how to fix minor problems and also how to drive the Skidoo etc. Ideally we are keen for people who live fairly locally and in particular people who are free through the week when it is harder to get tow opertors.

If you are interested please post me an email or turn up at one of the work parties - future dates will be announced soon.

Steve

Snow report

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

Sorry for the late message but have just returned from work. The forecast snow does not appear to have materialised despite promises from the Met Office so it looks like we will not be opening the tows on Thursday. I apologise for building up your hopes. If there is a change overnight this message will be updated.

Steve

Skiing Tuesday 16 Feb

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

Some fresh snow and cold temperatures meant that we had good conditions again today and about 30 people enjoyed some great skiing. The temperature is set to drop tonight so the snow should improve overnight and hopefully we will have another good day tomorrow. The only problem is that we need to do a little maintenance on F1 where the cable came off the pulleys and has damaged one of them so we will not open before 11am tomorrow but once fixed should be good.

Day members welcome but please download day membership form from the website and bring it along with the correct money.

There was apparently a car obstructing the road just before the car park today seemingly stuck - we think it was not a skier - the police have been informed and hopefully it will have been removed by the morning.

Steve

Snow report and plans for this week

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

A great days skiing today with the best snow so far this year with 2-3 inches of powder on top of a reasonable base and good weather. We closed at 2pm due to shortage of tow operators but the temperature then was -2c and the forecast is predicting low temperatures until the weekend when it looks like a thaw is on the way. There is the possibility of some fresh snow in the next day or 2 but the next significant dump of snow (predicted by snowforecast.com so no guarantees!) is Wednesday which may mean Thursday is a great day.

Current plans are to open on Monday from 9:30am, possibly Tuesday and probably Thursday as long as the weather forecast is accurate. Please check the answerphone (01388 317767) before travelling as this will give the latest update. I will try and update tomorrow night by email but it will be late.

Day Members are welcome on weekdays but please download the day membership form from the website, complete it before travelling and hand it to a tow operator before skiing with the correct money

The road was fine today with a covering of snow and patches of ice first thing but clear by midday. Thursday may be more challenging if we get the snow so always come prepared with shovel, chain, old carpet etc

Steve.

Possible skiing Sunday 14th Feb

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

We are planning to open the tows tomorrow from 10am but are unsure what conditions will be like. There is a covering of snow at the moment and more snow showers possible overnight. We are expecting the snow to be fairly thin and wet so it is likely to disappear quite quickly and we are anticipating an early close no later than 2pm and possibly earlier so if you plan to come up it would be wise to get there for opening.

Members only at weekends so ensure that you bring your membership cards and show them to a tow operator before skiing.

Might be worth checking the webcam in the morning before travelling - alternatively look at the Lanehead roadside webcam which can be helpful - http://www.durham.gov.uk/article/4530?station=13

Steve

Possibility of snow

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

Not much of a ski season to report so far with only 5 days skiing notched up but being ever optimistic we are forecast a very cold February and March so lets hope it brings some snow along with it. Currently we have a thin covering but not quite enough for skiing but there is the possibility of snow over the next 2 days so ensure you are prepared. Sunday looks like a possibility so guys why not take your wives out on Saturday and save valentines day for your true love (I think I  might pay for that comment later!).

If you have been looking at the website you will see that the F1 webcam is working. If you look at F2 webcam and see a garden fence do not worry as Kevin has taken it home to try and fix. Our weather station is also currently out of action but the forecast is basically saying that over the next week it will not get above freezing at Swinhope so any snow that does fall should stay put.

I have received some sad news regarding previous members of WSC whom many of you will know. I am informed that Pauline Peart, wife of one of our founder members Brian Peart (brother of Eric) has sadly passed away as has Brian Guy another previous member who many will remember on his mono-ski. Our thoughts go out to both families.

Steve