Japan's 24-25 season has got started today.
For the 26th successive season the small Yeti ski area in the shadow on Mt Fuji created a ski run using an all-weather snowmaking machine. Those who arrived in fancy dress received free lift passes, leading to a colourful display.
Most of Japan's big-name ski areas are hoping to open in the final few days of November or early December as usual. Currently the mood is optimistic for a good snow winter with the La Nina system in the Pacific expecting to dominate into 2025 typically meaning colder than average temperatures bringing more snowfall than usual too, fingers crossed.
Across the sea of Japan China's first ski area has also opened for its 24-25 season. Jiangjun Shan ski area is located in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in Altay Prefecture near Khazakhstan and is reported to have opened after heavy snowfall by Chinese media.