Zao Now: Sunday 28th December 2025
- Dec 28, 2025
- 2 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata
New snowfall at base 13cm
Snowfall at base this season 115cm
Posted on Sunday 28th December 2025 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here.
Morning from Zao.
Some nice snowfall (but strong winds again) and this morning we are treated to some sunshine with a mix of blue sky and cloud.
Cloud cover higher up but it's still quite bright and may even clear up.
The end of the year and new year looks like it'll bring us some good consistent snowfall, and cold conditions especially from 31st.
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Ski lifts:
Most lifts are now scheduled to be operating.
The following lifts are not yet open:
Ryuzan pair
Yokokura Number 2
Nakamori Number 2
Oomori quad
Ski runs:
Most of the main areas at least part open but we are still not fully open
Official snow depth (reported by ski area):
Yokokura area: 25cm
Uwanodai area: 35cm
Utopia area: 45cm
Chuo area: 50cm
Paradise area: 50cm
Summit area: 50cm
More information about the ski area: Zao Onsen
Zao Now2025-2026 season |
Data as of Sunday 28th December 2025 Total snowfall at base 115cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 17 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 23cm (on 4th December) November 2025 snowfall 5cm observed on 2 days December 2025 snowfall 110cm 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.