Norrona2015

I see the euphoria over on the MT regarding a 1963 easterly has faded.

That sound is the gas cannister discharging to fill the airbag apparently The video footage was recorded at Whistler.

Braemars had a covering.

Seems the Mets yellow warning was sufficient. Windy with a bit of snow which should be gone over the weekend. Next week looks mild.

I have this feeling the Scottish resorts will struggle this year. The webcams up Cairngorm and Lecht are less than inspiring when I took a peak today. Looks like the forecasted heavy snow this week won't be enough to get pistes open. Pretty sure Glenshee are to blame after they started work on the new Cairnwell chairlift. They've jinxed Scotland! Had a great time in Bulgaria and plan to do another couple of euro trips this season if the conditions play nice. Quite enjoying the afternoon off as it's time to relax and let those little injuries heal. Hopefully back on it all day Friday and we're boarding up to an hour before the airport transfer leaves at 16.30 Saturday. Should be very quiet on the lmountain as Saturday is the main change out day and the Russians head back to work.

Pretty much my worst fear and a reminder why I don't do off piste stuff. Avalanche pack, location device essential and in this case, worth every dollar.

Cold, bright and very windy. 110kmh winds at the mountain top. White out conditions mid mountain. -5c in the village -12c mid mountain. Bansko Bulgaria

High winds shut most of the lifts at Bansko this morning. Managed 3 great runs before it was deemed unsafe to carry on. 110 kmh winds at the top, mid mountain white out at times. Lovely powder early doors but that wind was fierce.

The snow gates have been closing over the last few hours, Glenmore, Cockbridge and Tomintoul to name a few. Braemar snow gates were open the last time I looked but they'll probably close at some point. I can't comment on the weather for the area I live in as I'm currently in Bulgaria but it doesn't look like it'll come to much back home.

Cloudy, cold and dry start to the day which quickly changed,light snow to moderate snow. Still snowing at present. -9c in the village -13c mid mountain Bansko Bulgaria.

I used the word England not English. Just Google it, pretty obvious were the overwhelming majority of those rescue reside. Or speak to anyone that's involved with MR.

What don't you understand?

An all to familiar story I'm afraid. I have a friend that's in mountain rescue and some of the nonsense he's come across is ridiculous.

£20 the group is from England.

Chaos on the forth road bridge, power cuts....welcome to Scotland http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-38579807

Still snowing in Bansko. Pistes very choppy in places, think the paste bashers had last night off! Picture taken at the top of Mosta lift day. Too much black me thinks...

Couple of pistes are closed top of mountain but it is possible to ski from almost the top all the way back to Bansko. Conditions are great at the moment with further snow expected. You'll have a great time me thinks.

Hi Tim, Yes we are in Bansko and having a great time.No queues for the gondola do far but this is the second quietest week of the season. Next week is the quietest. Snowboarding conditions are superb today, -15 mid mountain and non stop snow. If you find the Gondola queue a problem when you arrive, book a taxi or get there for 8am, guarantee you will not queue as most of the hotel courtesy buses pick up from 8.30am

Very cold start, calm , cloudy with snow which has fallen for the last 24 hours. Moderate snow through the night with a further 20cm forecast for today. Bliss! -9 in the village -15c mid mountain Bansko Bulgaria

Snow just keeps falling in Bulgaria. It's been snowing for the last 24 hours, the heaviest has fallen through the night. A further 20cm+ is forecast for today. Thankfully the temperatures have risen a good bit from yesterday. -9 in the village -15 mid mountain

Got back to the hotel after a day on the mountain and had 6 weather warnings from the MetO in my inbox. Hopefully a snow fix inbound for those in need. Travelling back on Sunday so hopefully the roads aren't to bad. The weather over here is harsh, even the ski instructors and Russians are moaning about it.

Another very cold start to the day. Bright, light snow with a slight breeze.. -15c in the village -24c mid mountain Bansko, Bulgaria.

Nice to see the chance of proper cold for the UK. Currently in Bulgaria and it's been a shock to the system compared to 7c at Newcastle Airport on Saturday. -20 this morning, the temperature did rise to -12 through the day but it's already in free fall this evening. Couple of deaths today over here due to the cold. Two migrants sleeping in a forest apparently.

BBC article on the plight of the Swiss resorts: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-38516688

Based on the first days snowboarding, I'd definitely come to Bulgaria again. Conditions on the mountain are excellent, no queues for the gondola or the other lifts thankfully.Prices for food and drink are really good value for money even with a poor exchange rate.The only slight downside is novices tackling terrain that's too much for them, with the obvious outcomes. Today was without doubt the coldest I've snowboarded in, -20c middle mountain but it felt way colder than that with the wind.Made the mistake of removing my balaclava for one run despite warnings from the group. By the time I'd got to the bottom I couldn't feel my face. One of the group has been boarding abroad since 2006 and he reckons that's the coldest he's ever been. He's been everywhere in Europe and Banff Bc. Absolutely frigid but what a fantastic day!