Ski-Allenheads

Skiing and Boarding

at Allenheads

 

Home Today's Report The Facilities How to Find Us Photos 2009 & Earlier Photos from Past Seasons Videos News & Events Links Membership Past News 2008 - 2009 Past News 2006 - 2008 Newsletter Oct '09 Newsletter Oct 08 Newsletter - Sept 07

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 -

Including the Skiing

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, 

Bring a shovel so you can dig a parking space

Please don't park in front of the drive to Allenheads Lodge - it is easily blocked which, not surprisingly, cheeses off the residents

If you aren't a member, come to the hut at the bottom of the field & we'll enroll you so you can then ski or board immediately

Unfortunately, because of the danger to everyone (and the nature of our lease & insurance) we can't allow anyone to sledge on the field. 

Non-Members: To ski at Allenheads, you must join the ski club, but we are very happy to take your application on the day & you can then ski immediately. See the Membership page for more information.

If you do visit Allenheads, don't forget the Allenheads Inn is always open and teh .

Membership - Don't forget the discounts which membership gives you. See the Newsletter for the additional discounts which you can get from our membership of Snowsport England. Also, don't forget the discounts which membership has made available all season. For more detail, see the September Newsletter or the Membership Page

Latest Snow Info - For the latest snow information, check out our Answer Machine - 01661 860689, or this web site.

And some reminders from recent years

Photos from 2007

Friday 9th Feb

Trees in snow.jpg (74813 bytes)    Worn Ski Run.jpg (46730 bytes)

Saturday 10th Feb

Cold-Feb-07.jpg (14159 bytes)

 

New Photos from Saturday 5 March:

                           

 

New photos from Sunday 28 Feb:

                    

A couple of photos from Wednesday 24 Feb:

               

 

 

The following report, and the pictures on the right, are from 28th February last year - this year it's even better! 

 

 

Great photos from recent years:

The View from the Top

Jumping boarder

Vain attempt to jump across the valley

Tree & Snow

 

 

Home ] [ Today's Report ] The Facilities ] How to Find Us ] Photos 2009 & Earlier ] Photos from Past Seasons ] Videos ] News & Events ] Links ] Membership ] Past News 2008 - 2009 ] Past News 2006 - 2008 ] Newsletter Oct '09 ] Newsletter Oct 08 ] Newsletter - Sept 07 ]