Good news today folks as Hakuba 47 and Goryu have actually opened up at 11:30am this morning.

The Line E high speed pair lift has been operating at Hakuba 47 since 11:30am, servicing the upper part of Route 8 course at the resort and signalling the start of the official season in Hakuba. Tomorrow they plan to be open the same with tickets costing 2,400 yen for adults and 1,250 yen for children. The resort has been reporting 35-40cm.

On the other side of the hill - and indeed the way up to the 47 course via their gondola - Hakuba Goryu have also opened their upper Panorama course. The Hakuba Goryu telecabin gondola and the Alps No1 pair lift have been operating up there so together with the 47 lift that is the still fairly small area that is open. But it is a start and some happy looking people up there.

Today has seen some lovely fine weather in Hakuba as well - a few small bits of cloud here and there every so often but mostly fine clear blue skies and a high of around 7 degrees in the village, so quite mild too.

Tomorrow should see similarly fine conditions - and warmer. It might get into double digit temperatures down in the village.