Here we are on a Saturday morning and the first day of the long weekend as Monday is a holiday in Japan, so we might expect to see a few more locals out and about this weekend.

Just 2cm of fresh snowfall report this morning.

Another 20cm to report to you this morning measured from just outside my top secret lair close to Hirafu base area.

Good morning from Niseko. And what a jolly good morning it is too.

After the New Year period we are officially back to normal weekdays now though that doesn't seem to affect us much here in Niseko - we're busy all the way through.

It was snowing during the day yesterday and it has left us with 8cm of fresh snow to be measured for my report.

Some nice blue skies amongst the clouds in the afternoon yesterday, but overnight the snow clouds came back and there's a fresh 13cm on the ground early on.

First of all, if you were naughty and didn't read my report from yesterday please let me bring my look back at the season so far to your attention.

And what a lovely early morning it was. Post-toast I decided to go out for a short walk to take it all in.

And for my morning fresh snowfall headline for today: 15cm.

Good morning from Niseko and a very Happy New Year to you all, wherever you may be.