The New Year holidays are over now and it's back to work for many. That means that the mountain will be noticeably quieter today for the lucky people around now.

I am very happy to report another good snowfall across the mountain, most of which we got overnight.

A very good morning to you from Nozawa.

More snow to report this morning. Not huge numbers, but the resort is reporting 20cm of fresh on the upper slopes of the mountain which is decent.

Happy New Year from myself and everyone else at SnowJapan.

There is some early low cloud around some base areas but up top the sun is out and there's blue skies. It's going to be a beautiful morning.

And as I am sure many are saying this morning ---- this is so much more like it! 'It' being what we expect in Nozawa, I suppose.

After some more light snow falling yesterday, this morning the clouds have cleared and it is a fine, sunny morning here in northern Nagano.

Ho-ho-ho! Nozawa Onsen gets to open for the 2019-2020 season.... at last!!

We are expecting some precipitation today; hopefully some snow.

Good morning all. The wait continues.

It's good to see another fresh blanket of white snow down to base this morning.

Everywhere is looking white this morning. Don't you just love snow...!

Sadly, I have to bring you the rather inevitable news of a delayed opening this morning.