We are back to much more winterlike conditions this morning in Yuzawa. It's cold (-5 in town), snow is falling and there's a moderate wind as well. Resorts around town are reporting up to 10cm of fresh snow since yesterday.

The snow is actually forecast for the day and it did seem set in, but as I am writing there are some clearings of cloud and even the sun out for short periods. I think that is temporary though - local reports tell us to expect up to 20cm before 4pm and then continuing into tomorrow. I'm going with that local report!

Stronger winds affecting Kagura again and the Tashiro area is closed for the day. Limited operations from Mitsumata Ropeway as well, though the latest news from Kagura is that they are hoping to get the main quad running later if possible.

Other resorts around town are open as normal.

3 day weekend coming up in Japan of course and this is one of the big weekends of the ski season here. Popular places will get busy. Maybe very busy. It's actually a good time to perhaps explore less well known places to avoid the crowds.

Whatever, hope you have a fun weekend wherever you are and wherever you choose to ski or snowboard.

Official resort snow depths @ Friday 8th February 2013, AM:
Naeba:
260cm
Kagura:
370cm
Kandatsu Kogen:
240cm
NASPA Ski Garden:
223cm
Gala Yuzawa:
290cm
Iwappara:
185cm
Yuzawa Kogen:
270cm
Yuzawa Nakazato:
190cm
Yuzawa Park:
170cm
----
Maiko Snow Resort:
260cm
Ishiuchi Maruyama:
200cm
Joetsu Kokusai:
250cm