Morning from Zao and it feels more like winter this morning, though we still have some way to go.

Snow is falling and it's generally quite poor visibility out there. It's colder too with temperatures now back down all under zero where they should be.

The forecast has more snow today - though don't expect much - and then maybe more around Thursday. A cold snowy winter storm is due at the end of the week and over the weekend.

I'm sure people who plan on visiting this weekend won't mind me hoping that they'll be experiencing heavy snow...!

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Information as of Tuesday 5th January 2016 (subject to change)

Most of the lifts at Zao Onsen are now operating.
Most areas of Zao Onsen are now at least part open but snow is pretty thin on the ground and patchy in lower areas of the resort.
The areas that remain 'closed' are Ryuzan, Omori and Kotan.

Official snow depths:

Utopia: 55cm
Chuo: 70cm
Paradise: 50cm
Uwanodai: 15cm

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6 day Zao Onsen snow and weather forecast