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Sunday 5th Feb 2012

A great days skiing today with approximately 200 people attending - our best turnout this year by far. The weather was superb, the snow cover very good (apart from the M1 which was a bit rocky). The runs on F1 were fast with very good snow and F2 was skied by many but proved more challenging but great fun. It is nice to report a day with no stoppages, no incidents and everyone seeming to have a great time. Lets hope we get many more like it.The only minor incidents were a blockage on the road going up when somebodies chains snapped and caused a little delay.and a red Seat that blocked a car in at the end.

Sunday 18th DecA brilliant day skiing today with wall to wall sunshine though bitterly cold. We managed to ski just about everywhere and again the gullies provided the best skiing, even the smaller gullies down F1 were filled and great to ski. The cold weather (-4 up there) meant the snow froze and the pistes had a good solid base and were fast and very skiable. The rope tow was also used briefly and is now set up for future use to open out the runs to the west. We did venture over to Gill head and there was some great powder out there.Unfortunately the forecast tomorrow is for rain so we are not opening on Monday but there is a possibility of opening on Tuesday if the rain doesnt do too much damage.

3 incidents from today to report.
Firstly we had a member who injured his back and had to be carried off the slope on a spinal board. The good news is that he is not seriously injured and has not been kept in hospital. This did require a concerted effort by 6 or more committee members and others and is the first time we have used the new spinal board so was a good practice run which went very successfully. Hopefully it wont be needed again for a long time!
Secondly a 14 year old boy went missing at the end of the day which caused some concern. He was found having headed back to the car park without letting his mother know and all ended happily. It is a good reminder to all those who bring youngsters up to ensure that you know where they are all the time. Anyone under the age of 16 is the responsibility of their parent or the adult accompanying them. Thanks to those who looked for him and ensure that the fell was clear before we left.
Finally there was a van stuck at the side of the road with pretty bald tyres at the end of the day. Apparently they had bought chains but had never fitted them and were unsure how to. Fortunately a committee member managed to tow them out but it is a timely reminder to ensure that you know how to fit snow chains or snow socks before travelling - ie in your dry backyard to familiarise yourselves.

Anyway, none of the above spoiled our best day so far this season, our 7th day in December so far

Sat17th Dec 2011 The skiing today was very enjoyable. The gullies were filled with powder snow making some excellent runs in great snow. The M1 was also very good with several good routes down from the top of F2. Some of the lower pisted runs had a thin covering but were perfectly skiable and nicely pisted. Later in the day the snow froze making these runs even better. The guys have done a great job pisting the slopes and all is looking good for tomorrow. The road is a bit icy in places with some snow so 4X4, snow tyres or chains will be necessary tomorrow and please pack a shovel. The forecast is for a thaw next week so make the most while it is here.

Tuesday 6th December

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.

Sunday 4th December 2011

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. Condtions can 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.