top of page

Zao Now: Wednesday 13th December 2017

  • Dec 13, 2017
  • 2 min read

Updated: Oct 5, 2025

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata


New snowfall at base 18cm
Snowfall at base this season 125cm

Posted on Wednesday 13th December 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here.


Good morning from Zao.


There is a lot of cloud around but at the same time just a little before there was a bit of sunshine peeking through. The clouds have covered the sky again now though as snow falls again.


It's cold.


We're not forecast for much snow over the next few days but later on Saturday the next delivery seems due going into early next week.


Perhaps we can expect more lifts and courses to open from the weekend.


Operating lifts:

- Chuo Number 1 pair

- Chuo Number 2 pair

- Zao Paradise Pair AB (scheduled to be rested today)

- Katakai triple (scheduled to be rested today)

- Mikaeri pair

- Onsen Number 1 pair

- Zao Ropeway

- Zao Chuo Ropeway

- Sky Cable


Official snow depths:


- Summit area: 55cm

- Paradise area: 60cm

- Chuo area: 60cm

- Utopia area: 75cm

- Uwanodai area: 45cm

- Oomori area: 30cm



Zao Now 2017-2018 season

Data as of Wednesday 13th December 2017 Total snowfall at base 125cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 14 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (on 25th November) November 2017 snowfall 66cm observed on 5 days December 2017 snowfall 59cm observed on 9 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