I'm in two minds about whether to try and come up with the family, given the governments advice on essential travel only and minimising social interactions. I'd be stopping for coffee/toilet/petrol as well as having to stay over, eat etc, so plenty of "contact" points.
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
@kitenski, I've got the same dilemma at present, looks very inviting for the next couple of days, and it's only a couple of hours away but guess it may be busy, and trying to do the correct thing by staying away
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Yes, I'm very much in two minds too. But we were up there last week, we were in Italy, we've been in supermarkets full of coughing people (and will have to again) - and will we regret taking the chance not to go? There has to be some line of sensible assessed risk.
My reasoning is that as long as we very much avoid close contact - I wouldn't use a gondola, nor stay overnight in accommodation now - observe good hand hygiene if we have to use public loos (probably the only unavoidable issue when on the actual hill) or when touching payment terminals, do not stop at cafes or service stations (will take our own food and drink, as always) and wear gloves as much as poss, then there is less risk than the supermarket in driving ourselves up there and back for a day (which, fortunately, we can just manage with a stupidly early start).
I think that this might be the last hurrah of the season, however; and with the kids off, if the resorts do stay open, it's only going to get more busy.
Frankly, I do find it difficult: advice is often contradictory, the resorts are still open, so...???
Anyone know what the score is at Glenshee with booking/paying for online tickets, then collecting them? Where do you collect, does it avoid queues and guarantee a ticket (subject to parking)? Cheers.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
@srobbo, @Grizzler, I think the main issue is whilst we might be ok, what if we inadvertently pass this onto someone who subsequently dies? That's a risk I've decided I don't want to take now for the sake of a slide.
Carnt think of a better place to go right now ? Take cash it’s just easier but I doubt if the queue will be long with all the hysteria around at the moment.
Last edited by You'll need to Register first of course. on Thu 19-03-20 13:49; edited 1 time in total
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
@kitenski, 'we' are in at risks groups as it is, so worried ourselves. And you have a fair point. But we're being as or more exposed as we are at home, really; Mr G still has to go to work (except is on enforced pre 31/3 holiday ATM), and we still have to shop and buy fuel. I would not go for a longer than one day trip, certainly, annoying as that is at the moment. And I am minded about personal safety risks, accidents, etc etc, and the potential impact of them - so no stupid risks or extreme attempts, certainly (as is the current mountaineering advice).
Not very sure how it would get passed on if we have minimal contact with anyone else, especially in an outdoor setting like a ski slope. Will certainly be maintaining distance from anyone with any possible symptoms, and would not go if we were symptomatic.
If it is that risky - and this is a genuine question - why are the Scottish resorts still open? They are implementing distancing and hygiene measures, but no more.
It is a judgment call. I don't like having to make it, I might yet decide not to go.
After all it is free
After all it is free
@Peter S, current advice is normally to avoid cash and use contactless wherever possible.
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Sorry guys.
No Internet or phone signal where I"m staying.
Nevis Range gondola and lower tbars running yesterday (Wednesday) but the lady said the gondola could close resulting in a 2-hr walk out.
No thanks.
Drove to Glencoe and as we arrived they were downloading
Last edited by You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net. on Thu 19-03-20 15:33; edited 1 time in total
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Mike Pow wrote:
Sorry guys.
No Internet or phone signal where I"m staying.
Nevis Range gondola and lower tbars running yesterday (Wednesday) but the lady said the gondola could close resulting in a 2-hr walk out.
No thanks.
Drove to Glencoe and as we arrived they were downloading
Back today (Thursday 19 March)
Blue skies, little wind, 5-10cm on top of a firm base
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
Not too busy, 5min queue max.
Slopes civilised.
Macaroni pie overrated.
Having a ball.
Colour me impressed.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
@Mike Pow, u at Glencoe now or Nevis??
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
BBC Scotland are highlighting that the ski centres are all open - Scottish ski centres open despite virus outbreak https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-51960171 I guess this will not necessarily be helpful for those who want to keep on sliding.
You know it makes sense.
You know it makes sense.
Ski lots wrote:
BBC Scotland are highlighting that the ski centres are all open - Scottish ski centres open despite virus outbreak https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-51960171 I guess this will not necessarily be helpful for those who want to keep on sliding.
Barstewards. I was hoping to pop up if we have to shut work.
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
I'm starting to rethink now. It's the 'unnecessary risk' bit that's getting me, not the travel or virus exposure whilst there. If either of us got an injury, never mind maybe affecting the ability to drive home, that would mean hospitals, doctors, interactions with other people: and more unwanted demand on NHS (Scotland or England). Hopefully the latter wouldn't be serious, but maybe it's better going for some safer (?) walks around the Lake District or Pennines whilst the weather's springlike?
Oh darn just starting to really enjoy the season.
Maybe it'll still be there and useable in a month's time when the panic's all hopefully died down.
Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
I've skied in May in Scotland.....
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
@kitenski, as have I (and 'winter' climbed). Certainly used to spending late Easters and late Aprils up there. Let's hope, hey? (Though to be fair usually after a better start to the season too.)
EOSB relocated???
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Skied in May at Yad Moss..... but probably not this year !
My Brother and I are both off on holiday next week and are planning on a few days at Glencoe and Nevis Range.
Made a quick phone call to both this afternoon just to check they'll be staying open before booking any accommodation.
The general concesus from both is that they want to stay open, but don't book accommodation yet as that decision may be taken out of their hands by the government.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Conditions were excellent at Glencoe today. Snow cover superb and wind non existent most of the time. Compare that to 50mph on Nevis Range on Wed with only two tows open. Queue for Cliffhanger chair today was 10 mins at most, no one concerned about bunching up and we were encouraged to buddy up on T bars. Probably will be busier tomorrow but last chance to ski this season
@srobbo, @Grizzler, I think the main issue is whilst we might be ok, what if we inadvertently pass this onto someone who subsequently dies? That's a risk I've decided I don't want to take now for the sake of a slide.
Exactly the same reason here, so sadly it looks like tidying the garden is on the agenda instead
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
For me the main reason for not going on a day like today, or at the weekend, is that there will be too many people on the piste. The lift queue in the Glencoe webcam this morning exemplifies this. Whilst it is normal to have some lift queue, this early in the morning, and with the piste looking very sexy, it is difficult to see it not getting more crowded when pm skiers turn up.
Best to wait until after the flurry of first time snow, especially at weekends, reduces the numbers. Then there is great snow, no crowds, no problem getting parked, and there are plenty of toilets to go around.
After all it is free
After all it is free
@Bigtipper, I actually found the pistes were really quiet last Friday at Glencoe, despite the lift qs being huge! More people qing than skiing!!
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
kitenski wrote:
@Mike Pow, u at Glencoe now or Nevis??
Thursday at Glencoe. Loved it.
Today (Friday 20 March) at Nevis Range. Loved it more.
Toe to mid-boot powder in the Back Corries with an easy traverse back around.
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Ski the Net with snowHeads
@kitenski, probably because they all wanted to go to the toilet at once.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
Sunday sadly the last day at Cairngorm. Decided against our own trip this weekend, partly as partner being pulled back into NHS from research post early and after hearing some frontline reports from the wards it feels difficult to justify a jolly
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
At risk of smiting the stay at home crowd...
Easy gully in the Nevis Range back corries.. http://youtube.com/v/OPQnrXXw1nM
Bold Rush on the West Face of Aonach Mor:
[img][/img]
Superb conditions, somewhat consoling my missed season at La Grave. We are being very sensible with Covid-19- self catered, social distancing, gloves, regular handwashing,
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
Snow Factor has announced it is closing for the duration.
You know it makes sense.
You know it makes sense.
So what's the score? Are they all closing after Sunday, or.?
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Ski lots wrote:
Snow Factor has announced it is closing for the duration.
Is that Braehead snowdome? B*gg*r, had some summer boarding plans!
Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
Following the latest government announcements:
Cairngorm - closing on Sunday evening
Glenshee - remaining OPEN (but cafes & ski hire closed)
Glencoe, Nevis & the Lecht - no update yet
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
I'm sure they'll be told to close before weekend is out, a shame because there is no need to get close to anyone if all the cafes etc are closed.
I was at Glenshee today, glorious day and conditions. Drove up alone, parked up and managed to avoid people all day. Car park was pretty full for a Friday, sure it'll be rammed Tomo.
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
@alasdair.graham, it’s the correct decision imho.
This is spreading we need to do everything we can to slow down the spread.
What happens if a skier has an accident and takes up a bed in hospital and someone close to you dies because there are no beds??
Cairngorm is of course effectively Scottish Government owned, so will have step in line quickly.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Today was absolutely fantastic at Glencoe - about as good as it gets in Scotland! Blue sky, sun and packed powder. Queues weren't bad at all, despite the full car park. We had one 17 minute queue for the main basin TBar but, after that, never queued more than 10 minutes (though it was usually 7 or 8 minutes). The Spring Run and Flypaper (which I measuted at 46 degrees) were just fantastic. What a day!
@Bergmeister, thanks... Still, glad that you enjoyed it.
Consoled myself with a good hill climb in the Lakes.
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
[quote="kitenski"]@alasdair.graham, it’s the correct decision imho.
This is spreading we need to do everything we can to slow down the spread.
What happens if a skier has an accident and takes up a bed in hospital and someone close to you dies because there are no beds??[/quote
I agree it's the correct decision, it's a shame for the ski areas/industry tho is more what I meant, Scottish ski areas are not comparable to the risks/crowds/contact that you get in the big European areas.
People will continue to go out and do things whilst they are still allowed to do so tho so closing them at least takes that choice away.
After all it is free
After all it is free
So Nevis has announced it is closed. The others are operating with some limitations for the moment e.g. Glencoe saying they will limit numbers and don’t travel if you have not already done so.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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Official Nevis statement
We are delighted to hear that Government intervention will lead to us being able to retain the team on 80% of their salary throughout the crisis.
Whilst yesterday’s announcement did not specifically mandate the closure of Ski facilities we feel that the time is right for us, with pain in our hearts, to temporarily close Nevis Range starting today (21st of March 2020) until further notice.
We all feel absolutely devastated that we won’t be able to share our great mountain resort with our customers for a while, but as safety is our main priority (for our customers and staff) we feel this is the only decision we can make.
FAQ
Poster: A snowHead
just starting to really enjoy the season.
