At this time of year the ski season is closer than ever, but also achingly far away. The first snows always bring a flurry of excitement, transforming Niseko into the famous winter wonderland, but alas the resort is not yet open.
The ski runs look pristine and ripe for a few turns, but need to fill in a more solid base before they will be skiable, and the lifts start turning.
Staff training has begun in earnest, providing a welcome distraction to those who would otherwise be refreshing the weather forecast for the 1,000th time.
Sit tight everyone, it’ll be here before you know it.
