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Zao Now: Friday 8th January 2021

  • Jan 8, 2021
  • 2 min read

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata


New snowfall at base 16cm
Snowfall at base this season 214cm

Posted on Friday 8th January 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here.


It snowed a treat last night (with high winds). Winds have dropped today and all lifts which are supposed to be running are - the Zao Ropeway 2nd stage shut mid-morning yesterday.


So, a good day for powder hounds but viz a bit tricky. Note that the middle of 3 side Chuo slopes is not being groomed so if you do not like powder, don't get stuck there.


It is cold with double-digits from mid-level up.


Enjoy, but I think it is a frequent hot-drink break day.



Zao Now 2020-2021 season

Data as of Friday 8th January 2021 Total snowfall at base 214cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 23 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 22cm (on 17th December) November 2020 snowfall 0cm December 2020 snowfall 142cm observed on 15 days January 2021 snowfall 72cm observed on 8 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.


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