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Zao Now: Sunday 11th December 2016

  • Dec 11, 2016
  • 2 min read

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata


New snowfall at base 5cm
Snowfall at base this season 31cm

Posted on Sunday 11th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here.


Bit by bit, we are getting fresh snowfall - though I'd prefer the tap be set to 'fully open'! Just a few cm again to report this morning from Zao after some in the day yesterday...


Talking of which, the safety-opening ceremony went well yesterday by the sounds, in the snow which is appropriate. Hopefully the snow gods are now looking over Zao and will bring us a season of heavy snowfall and safe skiing and boarding for all.


It looks like the Utopia Number 2 lifts is now operating with part of the Utopia course now opening up.


Poor visibility on the mountain this morning as snow continues to fall, so I hope to be able to report some more tomorrow morning.


Tomorrow the snow clouds are expected to ease off but they should be back over Zao by Wednesday morning with a positive snow forecast for the second part of the coming week.


Lifts that are planned to be operating today at Zao Onsen:


Zao Ropeway

Chuo Ropeway

Sky Cable

Mikaeri pair

Chuo Number 1 pair AB

Onsen Number 1 pair

Utopia Number 2 pair



Zao Now 2016-2017 season

Data as of Sunday 11th December 2016 Total snowfall at base 31cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 11 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 9cm (on 8th December) November 2016 snowfall 11cm observed on 6 days December 2016 snowfall 20cm observed on 5 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.



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