After that really nice day yesterday this morning the clouds are back and it's feeling milder for the start of the day at least. There is a chance of rain still today this afternoon unfortunately, so just hoping that is kept to a mimimum. Tomorrow will also be quite mild before getting colder for the first half of next week, and those few days could also bring us some fresh snowfall on the mountain as well.

One bit of resort news is that from today the official car parks that are usually 1000 yen on Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays will not be 500 yen. (Weekdays are free).

Official snow depths (17th March 12)
Utopia - 260cm
Chuo - 230cm
Paradise - 255cm
Uwanodai - 175cm

Operating lifts (17th March 12)
All Ropeways (Skycable, Zao Chuo Ropeway, Zao Ropeway) operating.
All the runs at Zao due to be open.