As noted in an update to the report yesterday, today is officially the first day of the ski season here in Niseko, with Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu part opening.

Just a short while ago it was snowing, but as I write this at 8:30am we have some blue sky above us and the sun is shining (with some cloud still covering higher areas).

The wait for snow continues.

Today was the planned opening date of the ski areas on our lovely mountain but there's not enough snow just yet and so they are all delayed.

The official Niseko United website this morning shows that the Annupuri, Village and Hanazono ski areas have officially delayed opening... until there is enough snow.

It's a real beauty of a morning with clear blue skies and sunshine.

I have no fresh snow to report as we enter this important week.

There's not a whole lot to report at the moment as we continue to wait.

Some more snow since my last report, though not a huge amount.

Good morning from a snowy Niseko, although as I type out this report, it is actually quite bright.

It was relatively mild overnight and it is wet early on this morning, but we are expecting some colder conditions and snow today and tomorrow.

And another pre-season report to let you know about another light amount of snowfall down to base. And it is snowing lightly right now.

We have some snow on the ground down to the village this morning.

I'm just posting a quick report to let you know about some colder conditions since early morning today and a bit of snow falling around lunchtime.