IT might be a week late, but by tomorrow morning it won't make any difference – season 2010 will be here!
The Ace 2 Centre Quad lift above the Hirafu Alpen Hotel will be switched on just before 8.30, with the first skiers of the season taking the first chair of the season up the mountain right on half past.
The only course open up high will be the Centre Course, so you will need to get the Ace 3 Pair up once you get up there.
The Grand Hirafu website tells us there are still some bushes and other obstacles just below the surface so take care.
And don't be tempted to ski down to the bottom of the mountain, or risk serious damage to your equipment – and that includes your body!
Download safely using the Ace 2 Centre Pair lift.
The Family Course will also be open and has been packed down, but caution is still advised.
History tells us
The official opening day is generally set for about November 20 each year, and it's opened on that day for the past three years.
The snow Gods held on a little longer this year but that's won't have any relation to the rest of the season, and before we know it, the heavens will unload and won't stop till March.
As our local weather guru The Don always says, "When it's late, it's great".
Check out what happened after last year's slow start: Niseko Powder Express pulls in to town
Pre-lift fun today
The lads from Niseko Photography got the jump on the hordes and trekked up this morning for a bit of virgin pre-lift powder (pictured).
Check out the rest of the pics here, and keep an eye on Powderlife.com as the season unfolds.
ps. Powderlife Issue 28 hits the streets December 11, and online December 13!