A ski resort in Yuzawa, Niigata Prefecture, opened to the public on Saturday, one week earlier than expected because of an unusually heavy fall of snow.

About 600 skiers and snowboarders hit the slopes in the Kagura-Mitsumata area, which saw its first snow on Oct. 29, according to resort officials.

As of Saturday, mountain peaks had between 80 cm and 90 cm of snow, while the lowest Mitsumata piste was coated with around 30 cm, they said.

In recent years, the resort has opened in late November. This is the first time it has opened in the middle of the month in more than 10 years, the officials said.