top of page

Zao Now: Sunday 10th February 2019

  • Feb 10, 2019
  • 2 min read

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata


New snowfall at base 8cm
Snowfall at base this season 397cm

Posted on Sunday 10th February 2019 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here.


Morning from Zao.


It's cold. But there is a bit of sun due today but perhaps some sprinkling of snow too with more coming on tomorrow.


Zao is really rather busy at the moment; there have been some long queues at times, especially for the Ropeway up to the top of the mountain. Cunning planning recommended (and a good talk with your accommodation on the best strategy). I would say an early start is always a good idea.


Lots of visitors from overseas too and of course that has been especially so this week with the Chinese New Year holidays.


We are also in the middle of the long 3-day weekend, with tomorrow being a national holiday.


Operation info from official sources:


- All lifts operating

- All main courses open


Official snow depths (as reported by resort):


- Summit area: 120cm

- Paradise area: 160cm

- Chuo area: 160cm

- Utopia area: 150cm

- Uwanodai area: 120cm

- Oomori area: 120cm



Zao Now 2018-2019 season

Data as of Sunday 10th February 2019 Total snowfall at base 397cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 41 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 43cm (on 29th December) November 2018 snowfall 7cm observed on 3 days December 2018 snowfall 218cm observed on 18 days January 2019 snowfall 145cm observed on 17 days February 2019 snowfall 27cm observed on 3 days




All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Zao Onsen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report.


SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for.



bottom of page