Blue skies for Christmas Day at GALA this morning. Stunning views of the valley and the surrounding mountains. The clouds are gathering in the distance so there is still the chance of a White Christmas. It snowed all yesterday so great conditions out on the hill.Some festive folk hitting the slopes today.

GALA Yuzawa are put the finishing touches on the resort and getting ready to open their doors on Saturday 22nd December for another long season that should see them open until Golden Week - weather permitting.We'll be there this year offering group and private lessons in English.The desk is just opposite the main ticket counters so should be pretty easy to find. (It's also opposite the crepe shop which could turn into an expensive addiction!) Swing on by and say hi if you're there. I'll be the one with chocolate sauce and cream round my mouth.

Wet, cold weekend but that means snow up high....White appearing on the mountains around the lodge and things looking good up at Tenjin.Hopefully can ride Kagura from Friday...