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Zao Now: Thursday 4th January 2024

  • Jan 4, 2024
  • 2 min read

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata


New snowfall at base 2cm
Snowfall at base this season 111cm

Posted on Thursday 4th January 2024 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here.


Morning from Zao.


Last night there was a bit of rain but thankfully it turned into snow. There is a fog coming down the mountain this morning and visibility looks limited at the time of writing.


The wind is kicking up a bit as well and I cannot see Jupeer.


The forecasts say sun tomorrow and hopefully some more fresh snow over the weekend.


Ski area operations:

Most lifts are now operating, though there are some course restrictions.

Snow levels are low and more is required for the whole mountain to get open.


Official snow depth (reported by ski area):

Yokokura area: 25cm

Uwanodai area: 25cm

Utopia area: 65cm

Chuo area: 60cm

Paradise area: 60cm

Summit area: 35cm



Zao Now 2023-2024 season

Data as of Thursday 4th January 2024 Total snowfall at base 111cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 21 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 18cm (on 30th November) November 2023 snowfall 32cm observed on 4 days December 2023 snowfall 66cm observed on 14 days January 2024 snowfall 13cm 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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