“Patroller’s Blog” Real Snow
Snow Cannon arrived this morning and one of the boys is bringing Glenshee’s portable pump over today as well so hopefully over the next few days we can get it set up and start playing around with it, however latest forecasts are suggesting blizzard conditions and white out conditions over the next couple of days so we may have more than enough real snow to deal with. I will keep you posted on our progress.
It has been snowing steadily to day putting some fresh powder on the hard base we have had of late and the skiing/boarding has been pretty good although there are still some icy areas around
We will be in from 7.30 tomorrow to assess things so keep an eye on the website for updates
Colin
December 21st, 2009 at 3:57 pm
Hi Colin,
Good luck with snow cannon and the season ahead. I had my first snowboarding trip on Saturday 18th Dec and managed to get a few good runs early morning down the 105 and Coire Cas before the blizzard started. Despite paying a full Adult 1 Day pass (£30.00), at one stage only the M1 poma was in operation. I appreciate two of the other tows were icing up and required maintenance, however when there are days like this I think it would be a good idea to offer a 50% discount voucher to the dedicated hardy few souls who paid full price with only one uplift available.
The general consensus from fellow skier’s boarders was…. ‘£30 for this’ Even a free hot chocolate or coffee would soften the financial blow.
Many Thanks
Murray
December 21st, 2009 at 8:14 pm
Thanks Murray, Yeah continuous skiing from now to the end of the season is my prediction!! we are still waiting to get a couple of bits and pieces for the cannon that we cant get off the shelf so as soon as they are here we can start setting them up.
I can see your point with the bad weather coming in on Saturday and the top lifts going off and i will put your points to the commercial team.
Cheers
Colin
December 22nd, 2009 at 4:23 pm
Hi Colin, are you opening Christmas Eve and Boxing Day at all, I take it you’ll be closed Christmas Day?
December 22nd, 2009 at 5:59 pm
Hi Colin,
how close are you to getting the WWP up and running ?
Cheers
Rob
December 22nd, 2009 at 9:06 pm
I feel you put your point together very well Murray. I myself pump a lot of money into the Gorms year after year and I have still to see a bit appreciation yet. As far as putting the points forward, I’m afraid thats the last word said!
On another point, we are all reminded about our carbon footprint these days. So I would like to ask the mountain why on earth would you waste my money that i pay every week on such things as printed napkins. I am well aware that these are very pretty for tourists, but if it came to a pound off my pass or a printed napkin to wipe my dirty mouth on then throw in the bin, then I’m afraid the pound off would win every time.My concerns is that the centre is getting very commercialized and geared toward tourists and money making and nothing about local folk and keeping fit with snowsports during the season.
Regards Derek
December 23rd, 2009 at 6:38 am
SM
Yes we are open Christmas Eve and Boxing day.
Rob i am just in after two days off to 12 -15″ fresh snow, when i know the status i will let you know.
Derek i can assure you i do pass the comments on and i will get someone to email yourself and Murray.
Anyway off to see how much snow fell up the hill.
Cheers
Colin
December 23rd, 2009 at 8:32 am
Thanks colin, mind don’t get buried up there ha ha
On another note thats a bit off topic. how much are the season tickets this year, i cant seem to find them on the website.
Regards Derek
December 23rd, 2009 at 9:56 am
Hi Colin,
myself and my girlfriend are planning to come up to ski new years eve and new years day, we have booked the hotel and are really lookingforward to it, we came up there to ski for the first time two years ago and had a terrible experence with the weather, on new years day our ski lessions were cancelled after two hours and everyone taken off the mountain after the winds picked up to 60-80 PMH!!! And only having one run open and one lift.
Any idea on the predicted forecast for new years eve and day?
if it contiinues there will be lots of snow just hope the wind stays down this time!
Cheers
Russ
December 23rd, 2009 at 6:36 pm
What’s the situation for skiing tomorrow? Everything expected to be open for 9am?
December 24th, 2009 at 7:20 am
Russel
We only have a reasonably accurate forecast for 3 days ahead from the MWIS site, so it is really hard to predict a week from now, however forecasts are saying cold and wintry through New Year so i reckon we will definitely have snow and hopefully the wind will play ball.
Eilidh we should have most things open for 9.00am including the train car park tow and Cas tow.
Cheers
Colni
December 24th, 2009 at 10:13 am
Hi colin. Thanks for the quick reply. We shall keep an eye on the forecast it’s a long drive from Essex if the weather is bad! Fingers crossed! Conditions look fantastic on the web cam
russ
December 24th, 2009 at 5:37 pm
Russell,
have a look at http://www.winterhighland.info/snowreports/index.php?resort=cg
best website to see whats happening at all the scottish ski centers.
http://www.mwis.org.uk/mountain/EH.PDF
is the best weather forecast to keep your eye on updated every day
rob
December 26th, 2009 at 7:00 pm
I agree. Saturday 18th December was a like tying to ski blindfolded thru a wind tunnel (with holes in your pockets!!) - Not the worst I’ve experienced over the past 26 years but NO WAY was it worth £30 - Especially as there was only one tow open. I fail to see any justification for High Season prices in such circumstances.
Fortunately December has turned out fabulous BUT many of us are not just fair weather skiers/boarders… we will be there when the heather and boulders reappear and when the rain duth fall - not just next year but the next. Here’s hoping 2010 is very long season… and we can afford it.
PS: Just noticing that one words on the ReCaptcha software is ‘Costly’!
December 29th, 2009 at 6:04 pm
Hi Rob thanks for the links have been watching them each day!!!
The forecast looks a bit scary for tomorrow and a bit gusty for Thursday but we are going to still chance it and come up!!
We are leaving 11pm wednesday night and hope to pull up at the mountin about 10am new years eve. Yes I must be mad im driving all though the night!!
see you all then!!
Russ
January 23rd, 2010 at 10:22 pm
Typical that you get a snow cannon on loan and then mother nature throws the most snow you’ve had for years at you!