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Zao Now: Tuesday 18th January 2022

  • Jan 18, 2022
  • 2 min read

Updated: Oct 7, 2025

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata


New snowfall at base 18cm
Snowfall at base this season 365cm

Posted on Tuesday 18th January 2022 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here.


It is a very grey morning but with a fresh batch of snow. However:


Winds started to appear yesterday at midday and today we have a storm warning broadcast. Expect strong winds and potential for lift closures which are usually the Zao Sky Cable, Zao Ropeway, Omori and Kurohime Quads.


It should snow lightly throughout the day and be much calmer tomorrow.


Enjoy what you can!


Official snow depth


Summit: 100cm

Paradise: 180cm

Chuo: 180cm

Utopia: 210cm

Uwanodai: 130cm


All areas are opening as planned but some lifts and areas subject to close today due to wind.



Zao Now 2021-2022 season

Data as of Tuesday 18th January 2022 Total snowfall at base 365cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 32 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 167cm observed on 15 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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