Skiing Jan 2009

[kateh]

24 days skiing so far since the 19th December - how good is that for value? There was skiing today and still plenty of snow on Swinhope and the road has been opened again. Visibility today was rather poor and only F1 was running. The forecast is very poor tomorrow with rain + high winds and possibly some heavy snow so we are not planning to open on Saturday but with better weather forecast on Sunday hope to do so - details will be announced on the answerphone - 01388 527527 along with road conditions. Whilst the road has been opened today, with snow and wind forecast it is quite likely that it will block again or at least become difficult so 4WD or Chains will be essential as will a shovel. Please heed these warnings as a single car stuck can create a lot of hassle not to mention the potential risks.

Please also be careful where you put on + take off chains. In particular do not block any farm gates - we rely on the support of the local farmers who have been invaluable this season and whose patience has been tested already several times. The best place to put on + remove chains is at the layby before turning up the road to the slopes. This is accessed by turning down the back road at Daddry Shield. Please do not use the road through East + West Haswicks as this is very narrow and an inconvenience to the local population with whom we have a "gentlemans agreement".

Membership is now full to overflowing and I am afraid we have had to return some applications as we have passed our maximum capacity. I apologise to anyone who has been denied entrance to the club and it was hard to foresee this eventuality as we have not been anywhere near full in recent years. We will be sending out new appliation forms in the Autumn for next year and these will be processed on a first come first served basis but preference will be given to those who have attended work parties in the summer. Day Membership has also been closed due to current demand. If we reverse this decision later in the season I will announce it in my emails and also on the website. Membership cards - those who have recently joined will still be awaiting their membership cards - we are still waiting to receive these from the printers as we did not order enough this year - they will be posted as soon as they arrive. If you attend in the meantime please retain your receipts if you paid on the slopes. If you posted your application before the 10th January you will have been accepted and I suggest email Alison if you intend to ski and she will send a confirmatory email which can be used until your card arrives - ajlumb@hotmail.co.uk

[kateh]

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

The snow may have gone where you live but there still seems plenty of it up on Swinhope Moor. When last viewed there were a few small bare areas developing but these were easy to avoid and there are still huge drifts lying around that we may be able to utilise with the Piste Basher. The gully is in the best condition for many years and Black Scar saw plenty of action at the weekend. We are planning to open for skiing tomorrow from about 10:30am. The road when last seen was clear tarmac but conditions can vary very quickly as we have already seen several times this year. If you are travelling in a 2WD car it is adviseable to carry chains with you in case conditions deteriorate and always remember that shovel if you need to dig in.

There may be some maintenance work tomorrow on the lifts which may result in a few short stoppages but these will be minimised. Please remember that we are still allowing only existing members and no day members are currently being allowed.

We are about to produce the WSC Newsletter and are looking for a few photos that show the ski area being used so if any of you have any nice photos you are prepared to let us use then please email them to me.

Steve

ps the shoulder is improving - thanks for all the support.