Not masses of snow this morning to report, 10cm here at base, but I think the wind has been blowing it about and there's really more fresh out there.

Can't see much though due to the snow and the wind blowing it about. All a bit mad out there and it's not going to settle down for a while it would seem with stormy conditions due especially as we get into Wednesday and Thursday. Expect lift operations to be affected at times.

Looks like the best time to visit might be the end of the week or weekend when the storm clears. Sunny conditions even maybe. And the snow conditions will surely be excellent.

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If you want to win a free lift ticket for Zao Onsen, please check the Prize Draw currently running on SnowJapan

http://www.snowjapan.com/japan-ski-resorts/lift-ticket-prize-draw

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Operating lifts at time of writing:

Onsen Number 1 pair lift
Onsen Number 2 quad
Mikaeri pair lift
Chuo Number 1 pair lift
Chuo Number 2 pair lift
Paradise pair lift
Yokokura Number 1 pair lift
Utopia Number 2 pair lift
Shobunuma Number 1 triple
Shobunuma Number 2 pair
Kuroboshi Number 1 Quattro quad lift
Katakai triple lift
All Ropeways/gondolas

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Official snow depths (15th December 14):

Utopia: 160cm
Chuo: 105cm
Paradise: 110cm
Uwanodai: 105cm

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Night skiing operations at Zao this season

Uwanodai area:
From Sunday 21st December until 22nd March

Yokokura area:
From Friday 26th December until 4th January;
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Friday 9th January until 15th March

Open times from 5pm until 9pm and the cost is 2000 yen for adults and 1000 yen for children.