www.DurhamMountainSports.org.uk

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

Day 22 at Swinhope!
The great weather came to an abrupt end today at lunchtime when visibility dropped to about 10 yards (a bit shorter than 10 meters for you young ones). This meant an early finish for the day unfortunately, especially for the lads who had just arrived from Sheffield - sorry guys, talk about bad timing. I believe there was a bit of grumbling about closing but the Tow Operators have the safety of everyone uppermost and when one of them got lost skiing from F2 to F1 then it is time to close. There were also concerns that the road could block due to drifting snow which can happen but fortunately due to the wind direction didn't on this occasion.

The safest way off the hill in conditions like that is via the lower route which also makes it easier to ensure everyone is off the slopes so could I ask the 2 who chose the higher route despite the advice to the contrary to please be more considerate to the Tow Operators. We won't leave the carpark until we know everyone is off the hill so it is nice to see everyone heading back which was impossible today.

Good news is that we have had significant new snow and it looks promising for tomorrow and the weekend when the weather forecast is better. We plan to open Friday from 10:30am but may close at @ 3pm. We may also only run F1 tomorrow unless we can get more diesel for F2 so don't be disappointed. Saturday and Sunday we hope to open from 10am. We usually close about 4pm but this does depend on weather, road conditions etc. The road was passable without chains today just, but since there has been new snow they may well be essential tomorrow. Remember to watch out for the deep rutted section. We will update the answerphone on friday and saturday night with mention of road and slope conditions - 01388 527527

Steve

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

Are you all ready for days 24 + 25 of this glorious season. The snow has held well with top ups through the week. The road is now clear apart from that short rutted section at the top of the long climb so chains not necessary (but still be careful). Please still bring shovels with you as you may need to dig in clear of the road. We are planning to open Saturday and Sunday from about 10am. F2 was not running today but both lifts will be working this weekend barring any unforseen problems.

I am told that the snow cover is still excellent. There are a few patches beginning to thin but with the pistebasher working wonders that should be resolved over the weekend.
I have had loads of fantastic feedback from people this year and no negative comments - keep them coming (the positive ones that is!). Danny from Newcastle thinks we are great value after paying £62 for 3 hours at the Snowdome near Leeds, £15 for a day on the real stuff is peanuts.

Watch Found - a watch has been found today somewhere on Swinhope - an expensive looking one - anyone lost one then please email me with the details. We remember someone losing an expensive watch a year or 2 ago could this be it?? If anyone can remember who lost a good watch on Swinope let me know

Have a great weekend

Steve

The Weardale Ski Club Ltd

Yet another great days skiing was had today. Despite warming temperatures the temperature on the slopes stayed around freezing today. There is still fantastic snow cover with all areas opening and both lifts running. One or 2 bare patches are developing but not causing a problem and conditions were described as "Spring Snow" today. We had lots of day members but nowhere near as hectic as last weekend and lift queues were short (10 or so only). We are trying out a new system to identify who has paid as when we have been busy people have been trying to bypass the ticket office and avoid paying the measly £15 - I am sure you know who you are and I hope you feel very stingy!! It also will reduce ticket attendants from asking people who have already paid - we are going to issue coloured ribbon to be worn on your jacket zip when you have paid so that you can be identified easily. We ask members to wear their passes on their sleeves if possible but if not, upon production of their membership cards they will be issued with the ribbon for the day. Naturally the colour of ribbon will vary -tomorrow will be green (just kidding!)

There were a couple of problems today with the tow rope being pulled off the runners. This is usually caused by skiers or boarders swerving off the tow line and apart from being a nuisance is a potential hazard. Please try to keep in a straight line - I know the towline is not easy for some, especially for boarders (and I am one), but please try to keep on the towline if possible especially by pylon 2 on the bottom lift which is where it occurred today.

Good news is that the lost board has been found and the found watch has been claimed - what honest members we have!

We are planning to open Sunday from about 10am. The road is much better and passable without 4WD or chains.

Finally - on busy days you will have noticed that we have been stretched as a committee to keep the place running. This has been more noticeable this year due to the superb conditions meaning that we have run for 25 days so far. We do desperately need more people to help with running the club - it is all voluntary. You don't have to join the committee (though there are a couple of vacancies) - we need volunteers to help with the administration of the club as well as maintaining the equipment and also need more tow operators. This latter will require some training and anybody interested is welcome. We are planning to have a committee meeting in the next week or 2 in Stanhope and are looking at inviting anyone who is interested in helping out to attend to see what goes on and how they may be able to help.I will notify people via this email alert and please let me know whether you plan to attend so we have a rough idea of numbers.

Don't forget the Sunday Observer tomorrow has an article on WSC (hopefully) - I have no idea what it will say though.