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Zao Now: Monday 17th January 2022

  • Jan 17, 2022
  • 2 min read

Updated: Oct 7, 2025

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata


New snowfall at base 1cm
Snowfall at base this season 347cm

Posted on Monday 17th January 2022 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here.


A very peaceful morning with the few currently on the mountain concentrated on the Chuo slopes.


It started off half 'n' half but cloud has come up from the valley. Visibility is fine but views are restricted to the top.


If you're a groomer fan, a perfect day for you!


It should start to snow towards the end of the day modestly.


Official snow depth


Summit: 100cm

Paradise: 170cm

Chuo: 170cm

Utopia: 200cm

Uwanodai: 130cm


All areas are opening as planned.



Zao Now 2021-2022 season

Data as of Monday 17th January 2022 Total snowfall at base 347cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 31 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (on 27th and 28th December) November 2021 snowfall 38cm observed on 3 days December 2021 snowfall 160cm observed on 14 days January 2022 snowfall 149cm observed on 14 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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