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Zao Now: Friday 3rd January 2025

  • Jan 3, 2025
  • 2 min read

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata


New snowfall at base 6cm
Snowfall at base this season 198cm

Posted on Friday 3rd January 2025 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here.


Again yesterday some snowfall with strong gusts of wind.


This morning is a beauty with the clouds opening breaking for a potential bluebird day. (Though forecasts don't seem to be predicting that for later on!)


At the time of writing, there is cloud still around but an increasing amount of blue sky and sunshine.


Sunday looks set to be nice and clear with some snow due tomorrow before that.


Official snow depth (reported by ski area):

Yokokura area: 70cm

Uwanodai area: 70cm

Utopia area: 140cm

Chuo area: 110cm

Paradise area: 110cm

Summit area: 100cm


Lifts & courses:

The ski area is open as planned



Zao Now 2024-2025 season

Data as of Friday 3rd January 2025 Total snowfall at base 198cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 27 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 21cm (on 6th December) November 2024 snowfall 18cm observed on 4 days December 2024 snowfall 162cm observed on 20 days January 2025 snowfall 18cm observed on 3 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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