Zao Now: Sunday 4th January 2026
- Jan 4
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 11
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata
New snowfall at base 12cm
Snowfall at base this season 151cm
Posted on Sunday 4th January 2026 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here.
On this last day of the new year holidays for most people, it is snowing lightly with limited visibility out on the mountain and a wind blowing it around.
We are experiencing a gradual increase in snow, though still less than hoped for. The ski resort this morning is saying that 80-90% of the slopes are open.
Forecasts indicate the gradual snowfall to continue over the coming week. Would be great if we got some periods of heavy snow.
Photos added at 9:45am. Snowfall over the last two days.
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Ski lifts:
All scheduled to be operating apart from Yokokura Number 2
Ski runs:
All of the main areas are open with some restrictions
Official snow depth (reported by ski area):
Yokokura area: 30cm
Uwanodai area: 40cm
Utopia area: 70cm
Chuo area: 60cm
Paradise area: 60cm
Summit area: 60cm
More information about the ski area: Zao Onsen
Zao Now2025-2026 season |
Data as of Sunday 4th January 2026 Total snowfall at base 151cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 23 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 23cm (on 4th December) November 2025 snowfall 5cm observed on 2 days December 2025 snowfall 120cm observed on 18 days January 2026 snowfall 26cm 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.