Yesterday was a fine day in Zao and this morning we have another clear start to the day - this time without any clouds at all. It's somewhat colder as well this morning to start with but no doubt will warm up. Icy conditions out early but will soften up quickly.

So, fine spring Sunday!

The resort have announced their plans for the remainder of the season. As things stand the top area of Zao plans to be open until Monday 6th May, but many lifts will close before then. Here's the latest.

The following lifts will run through until 24th March:

Onsen Number 3 Parallel A and B
Onsen Zao Kokutai Pair
Ryuzan Pair
Karamatsu Pair
Paradise Number 3 Pair
Kurihime Number 2 Quad

The following lifts will run through until 31st March:

Onsen Number 4 Quad
Sunrise Pair AB
Nakamori Number 1 Triple
Nakamori Number 2 Pair
Diamond Number 1 Pair
Diamond Number 2 Pair
Oomori quad
Yokokura Number 2 Pair
Astraea Number 1 Pair
Astraea Number 2 Pair
Astraea Number 3 Pair

The following lifts plan to be open through until 6th May:

All the Ropeways
Chuo Number 1 Pair AB (every day)
Chuo Number 2 Pair AB (every day until 14th April, then 20th/21st April and 27th April until 6th May)
Katakai Triple (every day until 14th April, then 20th/21st April, 27th-29th April, 3rd-6th May)
Paradise Pair AB (every day until 14th April, then 20th/21st April and 27th April until 6th May)

The Yokokura Number 1 Pair AB will remain open as long as there's enough snow.

Official snow depths

Chuo Area
225cm

Utopia
270cm

Paradise
230cm

Uwanodai
130cm