It is a cold morning and some snow is falling this morning - not a huge amount and it is likely to not last long with clearing conditions expected today.

Just a quick report this morning to let you know that Kumanoyu are open this morning, kicking off the ski season here in Shiga Kogen.

Some snowfall since yesterday, though not a huge amount... not enough to kick things into action this morning.

Welcome back to the Shiga Kogen Now reports for the 2015-2016 season.

As I write this report, the sun is out, it's warm, and more importantly the Shibutoge ski lift has another hour or so left to go and once that stops moving that is the official end of the ski season here in Shiga Kogen.

Golden Week is now over as most people go back to work today after the holidays, and we are now left with just a limited selection of areas open.

Fine and clear sunny skies this morning in Shiga Kogen.

There has been some snow since my last report. Yes, 5-10cm of fresh snow in places!

5-10cm of fresh snow! Yes, it's good news this morning.

Mid winter style conditions remain this morning with a lot of new snow - one of the bigger amounts of the season actually... over 30cm.

A bit more snow this morning as the cold and wintery conditions continue - and should for the day today.

Fresh snow and cold conditions. Feels a bit like winter again. Yakebitaiyama posting a temperature of -10C.

Just a dusting of snow overnight but clear skies this morning and the sun out from early on.

It's going to be a really great day here. The sun is out and blue skies.