Most Terrain has Good Cover.

4

Some wind, dropping considerably as the day went on. Lovely light initially, with the sun breaking through thin clouds in the a.m. before giving up, as the cloud thickened later and flat light won out. The positive aspects of these two variables, travelling in opposite directions, combined with melt and traffic making the tow easier to ride, created a very pleasant hour of sliding just after we took lunch in the Mountain Restaurant.

Lots of wind-blown powder and crusty snow dunes actually made it harder than usual to ride the lengthy rope tow but provided some fun bouncy carving.

Road from Alston passable with care and a fair amount of good fortune. Although some people opted for 4 wheel drives, chains or at least snow tyres. Return journey nearly all tarmac.

With both Weardale and Yad Moss restricting access to members, with the latter also prepared to admit those who hired kit locally, it was an easy choice for me today. Harwood remains a real Gem in English skiing. It is simple, marginal and not for the casual alpinista. A fantastic place to spend time, even on a bad day and today was not a bad day.

Many thanks to all the hard working people at Harwood who made today possible. What you did today has real worth and as ever is much appreciated.

30 - 50 members and grateful day guests including me and the Powder Puppy.

Excellent Cover

5

Sunny and hot, no wind.

Fantastic cover, largely unskied. Tonnes of potential for fresh tracks still. Looks good for the weekend.

Solo venture here, though a few people had been up on wednesday, judging by the tracks

Most Terrain has Good Cover.

4

BEAUTIFUL

Second visit to Harwood in just over a week and well worth the effort. Last Saturday's limited visibility replaced by clear blue skies and bright sunshine. Sadly snow is now more compacted hardstuff but still fantastic and offering some variety if you look for it. No waiting at lift, shame really as I seem to need a bit of time to prepare myself for each ascent - even with the innertube glove gripper. All in all a fantastic day's winter sport for the 20 or so riders and skiers on the hill and fantastic value for 10 quid. I know Blakes7 spent a lot of time fighting the evil Federation back in the 70s but the Harwood club were all super hospitable and good company. Long live the Federation.