With snow falling at around 3cm per hour, this morning we have been greeted with about 7cm of freshies down in the village. Snow should remain steady throughout the day easing up into the night. Yesterday we had clearings and experienced some sun and beautiful blue skies into mid day as well. It was a great reminder that the sun is still out there behind all this snow and cloud, especially as we were/are expecting consistent snowfall until Friday.

10-30cm of new snow has been reported on the resorts in Hakuba rejuvenating the piste once again for skiing and riding. Temperatures will be between -4 C and -7 C with a wind chill making it feel like -11 C. Winds will blow in from the W and SW and will be gentle breezes of 4m/s in the morning and reducing to light winds in the afternoon. Freezing level will remain well below the valley level.

Snow accumulation will taper in the evening but will pick up as we meet with February. We should see clearings by Friday with freezing levels rising to the valley.

Tomorrow, in particular, it is looking likely that there will be strong winds which may affect resort operations in the region so you'll need to keep an eye on that for tomorrow morning.

Please remember to ski and ride with care and respect the resort rules and regulations.

-------

Official snow depths and operations @ Tuesday 31st January 2012 AM:

Hakuba Goryu:
Goryu reported 10-20cm of new snow this morning. All weekday lifts operating (not Alps No2/4 lifts)
Official snow depths:
Alps daira - 275cm;
Toomi - 130cm;
Iimori - 120cm.

Hakuba 47:
Hakuba 47 is reporting up to 30cm of new snowfall this morning. All weekday lifts operating (not Line D).
Official snow depth:
Upper - 250cm
Lower - 130cm

Happo-one:
Ski lifts/courses:
All lifts apart from Usagidaira pair, Happo No1 pair and Central Pair operating this morning, including top Grad quad.
Official snow depth:
Usagidaira - 210cm;
Sakka - 120cm;
Nakiyama - 120cm.

Tsugaike Kogen:
Official snow depth:
Upper slopes - 280cm
Champion - 240cm

Hakuba Cortina:
For once, Cortina doesn't win the new snowfall award of the morning! 10-20cm of fresh snowfall reported early on. Courses all open today, No7 lift rested.
Official snow depth:
Upper - 355cm
Lower - 260cm

Hakuba Norikura:
Official snow depth:
230cm

Hakuba Iwatake:
Official snow depth:
Upper - 165cm
Lower - 100cm

Hakuba Sanosaka:
130cm

Hakuba Minekata:
100cm