The first snows have hit Japan

The mountains of Minakami are capped with snow down to 800m after 4 days of cold weather and precipitation.  This marks the start of the 2009-10 snow season in Minakami!  The first ski areas are expected to open in early December, with Tenjindaira ski resort expected to open first on December 5. (snow permitting)

To see detailed snow reports and information on Minakami see here:
http://www.snowjapan.com/e/daily/minakami-now.php#1