The skiing continues here in Wengen, we have snow on the higher slopes and the ski lift company are doing a good job of keeping slopes running, we can still ski down to Grund (943m) on the Brandegg piste!
We have enjoyed the skiing with small groups of members during the last two weeks, conditions have been challenging at times with poor visibility and icy conditions. We have had 2 snowfalls of around 15cm’s on the upper slopes.
Members enjoyed skiing with our first leader this season Ruth Marshall during the Christmas period. Making trips to both Murren and First.
We have not been unable to run any race practice or Giant Slalom races due to the limited piste space available and due to many resorts being closed we have more skiers coming to the Jungfrau region all sharing narrower than normal slopes, the end result making it feel busy.
We held the first Prosecco party of the season on the Tuesday after Christmas. An enjoyable evening with 26 members and guests enjoy the clubroom atmosphere. Thanks to the volunteers that helped with preparations and serving.
No sooner have the fireworks cooled down and the streets have been swept on New Years day, the preparations begin for the Lauberhorn World Cup weekend. A steady flow of trains loaded with equipment and materials making the way up from Lauterbrunnen. The tennis courts are covered and a chalet building has gone up opposite the club room that you can see on the webcam.
Despite the lack of snow all the preparations are on track for the racing to go ahead, in fact two Europa Cup, Super G races have been held yesterday and today on the Lauberhorn course, so this shows that the course is ready and that most preparations and safety measures are in place.
At the moment the best snow conditions are in the Murren area, with the higher altitude the snow is slightly better. as a consequence we have headed over there more often to seek out the best conditions. We enjoyed the company of Alastair Pink over the last 10 days, who enjoys skiing in his traditional tweed ski clothing. Johnny McIntyre is the visiting ski leader at the moment.
This season we are going to meet for ski leading outside the Tourist Information Office at 08:45 (09:30 on Sundays) this will tie in with Coggins start times and meeting place, making it easier for parents to join the ski leading groups. This season I will also offer ski leading or avalanche awareness training on Saturdays. We will also have a club leader present on Saturday evenings during office time, to help with membership applications and questions.
Welcome snow is forecast for the week ahead, so that is good news. Avalanche information talk on Monday at 4pm. Prosecco party on Tuesday. Race teams arriving throughout the week with practice starting on Tuesday, weather permitting.
Ski Club
Since 1925
