Today's Report
Update 22:00pm Friday 5th March 2010
Snow: A
brilliant week of winter weather with continuing good snow,
including an extra 7 cms on Tuesday night. The forecast is good for
the weekend with frost at nights & reasonably low temperatures
during the day. There’s still a complete snow cover across the
field & both tows will be running over the weekend – check the
answer machine (01661
860689)
for precise start times but probably about 10.30.
Don't
forget, there is only a few weeks of the season left
– we need to take the tows down around the end of March, so take
advantage of these superb conditions & have a day at Allenheads.
Update 18:00pm Saturday 27th February 2010
Snow: The
snow continues. We've continued to run the tows virtually day since
mid-December and there is now a fresh cover of about 15cms from Friday
night. The tows will run tomorrow, Sunday, from about 10.30. Check the
answer machine for start times during the week - 01661
860689.
Affiliate
Membership: Although our membership is now closed, we are
accepting day members this weekend & on all weekdays. Depending
on how busy we become, we will continue accepting day members but
its always worth checking the answer machine at weekends.
The
Hemmel Cafe & Allenheads Inn: The Hemmel cafe and
shop is
open all week, except Monday. Its well worth visiting the cafe -
they serve great food at very reasonable prices - if you're hungry,
try the all day breakfast.
The Allenheads Inn is also open at
lunchtimes at weekends - great beer & atmosphere. During the
week it opens at 4.00pm - round about closing time for the tows.
Update 22:00pm Thursday 11th February 2010
Snow: We've
now run the tows every day bar two since 18th December. The snow is
again excellent with a complete cover across the field so that both
tows can run. The tows will continue to run for the next few days
with more snow forecast and continuing low temperatures. To find out
when the tows will start, phone the answer machine after about
8.30 – 9.00am every
morning.
The number is 01661
860689
Membership
Limit: We have now reached our membership limit for the
season and can not take any more members.
Affiliate
Membership: Because of the capacity of the field and the
Allenheads car parks, we will continue to restrict Affiliate (i.e.
"taster day" membership) to quiet days ie weekdays &,
possibly, some weekends. However, for the rest of this
season, it will not be possible for new Affiliate members to convert
to full membership. To check if non-members can ski/board at a
particular weekend, phone the answer machine - 01661
860689.
Update 22:00pm Monday 1st February 2010
Snow: Into
the 7th week of continuous snow with fresh snow forecast for this
week. We hope to run the tows all week but keep checking the answer machine after about
8.30 – 9.00am every
morning for the latest conditions.
The number is 01661
860689
Update 23:30pm Wednesday 27th January 2010
Snow: After
another good weekend of skiing, the snow is still lasting very well
with a good cover of hard packed snow across the whole field. It was
warm today but there is cold weather and more snow forecast for the
next couple of days with every chance of good snow over the weekend.
Keep checking the answer machine after about 7.30 – 8.00am every
morning for the latest conditions.
The number is 01661
860689
Update 22:30pm Friday 22nd January 2010
Snow: Even
though there has been a thaw, the snow at Allenheads
is still deep and covers the field. We've just had a great evening
of floodlit skiing & boarding in perfect conditions on really
good spring snow. With overnight frost and more snow forecast, the
snow will stay in good condition well into next week and probably
longer.
Tows:
We'll continue running the tows every day, starting about
11.00 at weekends and varying times midweek. For up to date times,
please check the answer machine: 01661
860689.
The
Hemmel Cafe & Allenheads Inn: The Hemmel cafe and
shop is
open all week, except Monday. Its well worth visiting the cafe -
they serve great food at very reasonable prices - if you're hungry, try
the all day breakfast.
The Allenheads Inn is also open at
lunchtimes at weekends - great beer & atmosphere. During the week it
opens at 4.00pm - round about closing time for the tows.
Parking: As
ever, please park considerately. For more info on car parks see update
below from last Monday. We depend on the goodwill of the village to keep
the club & field going, so your help is essential.
Membership
Limit: We have now reached our membership limit limit for the
season and can not take any more members.
Affiliate
Membership: Because of the capacity of the field and the
Allenheads car parks, we will no longer allow Affiliate (i.e.
"taster day" membership) on a Saturday or a Sunday. We will continue to
allow Affiliate membership on weekdays to give people the chance to try the
slopes on other days of the week. However, for the rest of this
season, it will not be possible for new Affiliate members to convert
to full membership.
Update 19:00pm Monday 18th January 2010
Snow: Even
though there has been a thaw at lower levels, the snow at Allenheads
is still deep & there is a complete cover on hte field. Skiing
& boarding yesterday was excellent and should continue to be
good all week.
Tows
& the Hemmel Cafe:
We'll continue running the tows every day, starting about
11.00 on weekdays & 10.30 at the weekend. The Hemmel cafe and
shop is
open all week , except Monday.
Parking:
Parking is a major problem so please don't block the main
road or any of the side roads, even for a few minutes. Inconsiderate
parking is causing Allenheads residents major problems and we are in
danger of losing use of the field if the problems continue. 2 car parks
have been ploughed: one through the gate opposite the Allenheads
Inn; and one at Ropehaugh at the northern end of the village by the
junction with the road to Nenthead. Its a 10 minute walk to the
field but you can drop gear off by the field to make the walk
easier. Also please bring a shovel - even in the car
parks you may need to dig a space. If you can't find a suitable
space, please go away & come back later - do not park in a way
that will cause danger or an access problem. Please don't encourage
non-members to come up to Allenheads to sledge, watch etc -its your
parking space they will be occupying!
Membership
Limit: We have now reached our membership limit limit for the
season and can not take any more members.
Affiliate
Membership: Because of the capacity of the field and the
Allenheads car parks, we will no longer allow Affiliate (i.e.
"taster day" membership) on a Saturday or a Sunday. We will continue to
allow Affiliate membership on weekdays to give people the chance to try the
slopes on other days of the week. However, for the rest of this
season, it will not be possible for new Affiliate members to convert
to full membership.
Roads:
The road from Hexham to Allenheads has been kept open all of the
time. The 3 other access roads, to Rookhope, Weardale & Nenthead are
also now open.
Update 19:00pm Saturday 9th January 2010
Snow: This brilliant snow continues!! There's lots of it
and skiing & boarding conditions are great.
Tows
& Cafe:
We'll continue running the tows every day, starting about
11.00 on weekdays & 10.30 at the weekend. The Hemmel cafe is
open tomorrow and will be open all week , except Monday.
Parking:
Parking is a major problem so please don't block the main
road or any of the side roads, even for a few minutes. Inconsiderate
parking is causing Allenheads residents major problems and we are in danger
of losing use of the field if the problems continue. 2 car parks
have been ploughed: one through the gate opposite the Allenheads
Inn; and one a couple of hundred metres up the Rookhope Rd, opposite
the top entrance to the field. Please use these car parks rather
than park on the roads. Also please bring a shovel - even in the car
parks you may need to dig a space. If you can't find a suitable
space, please go away & come back later - do not park in a way that
will cause danger or an access problem. Please don't encourage non-members
to come up to Allenheads to sledge, watch etc -its your parking space they
will be occupying!
Membership
Limit: We have now reached our membership limit limit for the
season and can not take any more members.
Affiliate
Membership: Because of the capacity of the field and the
Allenheads car parks, we will no longer allow Affiliate (i.e.
"taster day" membership) on a Saturday or a Sunday. We will continue to
allow Affiliate membership on weekdays to give people the chance to try the
slopes on other days of the week. However, for the rest of this
season, it will not be possible for new Affiliate members to convert
to full membership.
Roads:
The road from Hexham to Allenheads has been kept open all of the
time, although it can be covered in snow in places between Allendale
& Allenheads. It is also narrow in places so some care is
needed. The winds are forecast to pick up on on Sunday so there will be drifting snow. As ever, its
essential you bring a shovel in case you need to dig your way out of
any drifts which may build up.
Update 23:00pm Monday 4th January 2010
Happy New Year & welcome to some excellent snow.
We've now got between 60 & 70cms of snow on the field with more on
its way. With more snow forecast & temperatures expected to remain
below zero for at least the next week, the snow conditions will remain
superb for many days yet. We are running the tows every day, starting at
about 11.00am and continuing to about 4.00pm.
The main concern is parking, especially after a fresh snowfall & at
weekends. If you go to Allenheads, please take a shovel as its very likely
you will have to dig a parking space. Also, please stop & park
considerately - don't block roads or access to the Lodge.
To check the latest conditions & get an update on the roads, phone
our answer machine on 01661
860689.
Update 19:00pm Thursday 31st December 2009
Lots of snow and excellent conditions. There have been regular fresh
showers most days this week & there is about 20 - 30cms of snow on the
field, all now pisted.
Tows will run every day, including New Year's Day, from about 10.30 or
11.00.
The road is reasonably clear but can get covered during the snow
showers.
Parking is not simple so its essential that you park considerately and
have a shovel to dig a space. Please make sure none of the roads or house
entrances are blocked and space is left for the snow plough which is a lot
tougher than most car wings!
We're trying to get the car park cleared in the yard opposite the pub.
This will take a good number of cars and is more practical than parking
near the field. There is also a car park at the top of the hill by the
gate at the top of the field. You will need to dig a space to use that car
park.
Update 10:00am Sunday 27th December 2009
Fresh snow yesterday which is now compacted giving excellent snow
conditions. Temperatures are going to stay around or below freezing
all week, so conditions will continue to be great for boarding &
skiing.
Please note the Hemel Coffee Shop in Allenheads will be closed today
& Monday - re-opens on Tuesday. It is also closed from New Years day
to the following Tuesday. The Allenheads Inn opens at 12.00 on Saturday's
& Sunday's and at 4.00pm on weekdays.
Update 23:00pm Wednesday 23rd December 2009
Excellent days boarding & skiing on good snow for today and the last few days.
There's now up to 30cms snow on the field with more snow forecast
overnight. Its looking very promising for the weekend and next
week.
"B
Tow" (the one on the left looking up the field) will be running
tomorrow from about 10.45. We need to do some repairs to the "A
tow" rope but hope to have that running in the afternoon.
We won't be running Christmas Day but will be on Boxing Day and as long
as the snow continues.
Please note the Hemel Coffee Shop in Allenheads will be open tomorrow
(from 9.30) but then closes until next Tuesday. The pub will be open
normal hours.
Update 22:00pm Sunday 20th December 2009
Excellent days skiing on a good snow base with 3 - 4 inches of powder.
Its stayed cold all day so for anyone lucky enough to be off work/school
this week, there'll be good skiing & boarding for the next few days.
We expect to run the tows from about 10.30 each day until 3.30 - 4.00pm.
Its probably worth checking the answer machine each day in case conditions
change.
Update 20:30pm
Friday 18th December 2009
There's 4-6 inches of snow at
Allenheads. Both tows ran today and will run on both Saturday &
Sunday. The intention is to start the tows tomorrow about 10.30am -
probably about the same time on Sunday. As there is more snow forecast for
Saturday evening and the weather will remain cold, conditions should
continue to be excellent on Sunday. We'd expect to run the tows until
about 4.00pm on both days.
For up to date information,
don't forget the answer machine which is updated each day with the latest
snow conditions : 01661
860689
Some Important Reminders -
For the latest snow report - updated daily - the
Answer Machine number is - 01661 860689.
When you go to Allenheads, please take care where
you park. The normal car park by the Hall is reduced in size
because of parking restrictions. There are other car parks in the
village, both in front of the Allenheads Inn and in the yard
beside the Inn. There is also a car park on the left of road
towards Rookhope, by the top entrance to the field. Wherever you
park, please be considerate and ensure you don't block the road
for the buses or the snowplough.
If you haven't re-joined, please apply now. If you apply
before 1st December 2009, you get between a £5.00 and £10.00 discount.
As a club, we have a lot of fixed costs such as rental, tow & tractor
maintenance and insurance, which we have to pay regardless of the snow
conditions.
To keep going we
need your continuing membership - regardless of the snow - to
make sure that the ski facilities in Northumberland survive.
And don't forget the discounts which membership gets you - you can
save your fee in 1 trip to buy ski gear!!
A few reminders for when the snow arrives..........
When you come to Allenheads,