Japanese Ski Season Opens Amid Climate Challenges

The 2024-25 ski season officially commenced in Japan with the opening of Snow Park Yeti on October 25, marking its 26th consecutive year as the first resort to open. Despite warmer temperatures and no natural snow, the resort utilized advanced ice-making technology to create a festive atmosphere, featuring a cosplay event that attracted numerous enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the Alpine skiing World Cup is set to kick off in Soelden, Austria, with notable absences due to injuries, including former champions Alexis Pinturault and Petra Vlhova, while Mikaela Shiffrin is on the verge of her 100th career win. Additionally, ski season in Moscow is anticipated to start around late November, contingent on weather conditions, with several resorts preparing for operations as temperatures stabilize. As the season progresses, skiers like Marco Odermatt and Lara Gut-Behrami emphasize the importance of teamwork and family support in their careers. Overall, the skiing community is adapting to climatic challenges while maintaining enthusiasm for the sport.