Good morning from a sunny Madarao. And what's more we got 15cm or so of fresh snow overnight as well. Santa did his job, thanks mate!

30cm of fresh snowfall up here in Madarao. :) Lots of snow to move around for locals, but more importantly lots of snow to play in for the people here for this opening long weekend.

First day of the season proper at Madarao Kogen.

OK so after the two day pre-open weekend last week, the snow season starts properly in Madarao Kogen from tomorrow, 21st December.

Madarao Kogen open today for the 13/14 season - well for the weekend anyway with the main full opening planned for next week.

The slopes are this morning covered in snow as we got some decent snowfall yesterday.

Good morning and welcome back to the Madarao Now reports for the 2013/2014 season.

Well, there is it folks, that was it. The lifts at Madarao Kogen have now stopped for the season.

New snow until the end! 2cm of snow is being reported by the resort this morning and light snow falling.

Lovely conditions again this morning at Madarao. Just a bit of new snowfall - resort reporting 5-10cm - and lovely clear blue skies.

It's a cold morning down to about -2 and light snow has been falling this morning. Just a dusting of snow really, but always welcome.

We're back to clearer skies and warming up today.

Yesterday was spring. This morning, more like winter again.

Welcome to a mid week holiday here in Japan.