Good morning from a clear, blue sky Hakuba.

No new snow to report, but it is a cold -5 early on here.

So very nice clear conditions this morning with some patches of cloud at the back of the Alps. It's very calm out there this morning as well.

The calm before the storm, as they say. As we wait for our topup of fresh snow to play in, it looks like it is probably just around the corner.

The snow is due to start falling late today and then dump on us through into Sunday. Heavy snow and potentially very strong winds are likely, especially tomorrow and Saturday. If the winds happen as forecast, lifts at resorts very likely will be affected so keep that in mind.

We'll see how things develop tomorrow and bring you the latest.

One thing that I was meaning to mention in the reports was the opening of Hakuba 47's Tree Riding Zone. As the name suggests, it's a few tree areas of the resort that are officially opened up to ride. As the resort says it's for "customers who want to enjoy a different, even more genuine ski/snowboard experience". In order to get to ride these areas you need to sign a consent form, take responsibility for your actions -- and wear a rather fetching bib which needs to be returned at the end of the day. Usually, of course, bibs don't equate with gnarliness, but in this case perhaps it's something to show off! The resort only asks that people of a certain level and experience use this and recommend carrying a beacon, shovel and wearing a helmet with the resort stressing that they do not take responsibility for any accidents or rescues that may be needed. It may not be open each day as well, depending on the condititions. If you take advantage of this service, take care and have fun. Have a word with the people at the resort if this interests you...

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Official snow depths and operations @ Thursday 24th January 2013 noon:

Hakuba Goryu:
No new snowfall reported by Hakuba Goryu this morning.
Official snow depths:
Alps daira - 290cm;
Toomi - 150cm;
Iimori - 110cm

Hakuba 47:
No new snowfall reported by Hakuba 47 this morning.
Official snow depth:
Upper - 222cm
Lower - 160cm

Happo-one:
Official snow depth:
Usagidaira - 210cm
Nakiyama/Shirakaba - 100cm
Sakka - 100cm

Tsugaike Kogen:
Official snow depth:
Upper slopes - 260cm
Lower slopes - 110cm

Hakuba Cortina:
5-15cm of new snow reported by Hakuba Cortina this morning.
Official snow depth:
Upper slopes - 290cm
Lower slopes - 170cm

Hakuba Iwatake:
Official snow depth:
Upper slopes - 165cm
Lower slopes - 70cm

Hakuba Sanosaka:
Official snow depth:
115cm

Hakuba Minekata:
100cm