top of page

Zao Now: Monday 27th April 2015

  • Apr 27, 2015
  • 2 min read

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata


New snowfall at base 0cm
Snowfall at base this season 703cm

Posted on Monday 27th April 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here.


The snow continues to melt quicky in the heat, and we're now down to a rather limited area to ski/board. The fine, warm weather is set to continue for the week and so the snow melt will be continuing apace.


In fact, just the Chuo and Utopia (separate) courses areas remaining open now. (The run down from the top Gondola station is now closed for skiing).


It looks like we just have the Chuo Number 1, Chuo Number 2 and Utopia Number 2 lifts operating now - as well as the Ropeways, but they continue through the year for sightseeing.


If you plan to visit this week, I recommend checking with the resort for the latest. I will try to post a new report with the latest before the weekend.


Official snow depths:


Utopia: 60cm

Chuo: 50cm

Paradise: 50cm

Uwanodai: -


Planned lift operating dates and closing dates


Subject to change. This is what the plans are for the lifts that remain operating at Zao Onsen:


Until Wednesday 6th May

Chuo Number 1 Pair AB

Chuo Number 2 Pair AB

Utopia Number 2 Pair


Operating through the year (for general tourism outside of snow season)

Sky Cable

Chuo Ropeway

Zao Ropeway


Last day of the snow season currently planned for Wednesday 6th May.



Zao Now 2014-2015 season

Data as of Monday 27th April 2015 Total snowfall at base 703cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 63 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 80cm (on 3rd December) November 2014 snowfall 20cm observed on 2 days December 2014 snowfall 281cm observed on 21 days January 2015 snowfall 118cm observed on 15 days February 2015 snowfall 181cm observed on 15 days March 2015 snowfall 103cm observed on 10 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