The traditional start of Switzerland's ski season has been marred by a shortage of snow across the European Alps.
The autumn has been the driest on record in the country.
Correspondents have told the BBC it's bad news for the country's tourism industry, which is already suffering from the strong Swiss franc.
The franc has risen sharply this year against the euro, the dollar and the British pound, making a skiing holiday in Switzerland far more expensive than one in France, Italy or Austria.
Big resorts such as Davos and St Moritz have been able to open a few runs with the help of snow cannons. Others have delayed the start of the season.
The lack of snow has now added to the worries of hoteliers, ski instructors and lift companies.
Austraia has also been affected. A hotel in the Katschberg mountains has hired 15 chimney sweepers - whom Austrians associate with good luck - to pray for snow.
