Japan's southernmost ski resort opened Friday in the Kyushu region for the winter season through early March, as it struggles to attract more visitors by overcoming difficult traffic access and warm winters.

With its highest slope starting at an altitude of 1,610 meters above sea level, the two-course Gokase Highland Ski & Snowboard resort in Miyazaki Prefecture kicked off by opening half of its 1-kilometer-long course for beginners and intermediate skiers.

Unlike Hokkaido and other colder northern Japanese regions, Miyazaki Prefecture in the southwest is better known for its subtropical climate and prized mangoes.

With the introduction of a gentle slope where beginners and children can practice safely, the resort expects 35,000 visitors this season, 3,000 more than the previous year's record low.

Although snow was machine-made, Hiroshi Yano, 54, manager of the resort said, "The condition of the snow is fairly good as it's colder than usual." More than 300 visitors in colorful attire had enjoyed the first day of the season as of noon Friday.

According to the local town government, which has invested in the public-private operator of the resort, a shutdown has been considered due to declining numbers of visitors. "The business environment is still harsh. We need to strive to draw more visitors by raising the profile," a Gokase town government official said.

Accessibility does not help the situation. It takes 90 minutes by car from the nearest highway exit and there is no public transport available, according to the official.

The past few years saw lack of snow due to warm winters, another major factor that kept visitors away from the resort in a prefecture which is often associated with tropical mango fruit and palm trees.

Yusaku Nonaka, a 31-year-old snowboarder who brought his 5-year old son and other family members from Fukuoka, said, "We came here because the snow quality is good. I want my son to enjoy it, too, and visit here next year and afterward as well."