Golden Week lies just ahead of us now. Zao is usually quite busy in Golden Week - skiers and boarders can expect to be sharing the Ropeway and Gondola to the top of the resort with lots of tourists going up there just for the views. Monday is a holiday and so it's a long weekend, followed by a four-day long weekend next weekend (Friday to Monday). That last Monday of Golden Week is the last day of the official ski season in Zao.

Since my last report the snow on lower slopes has really quickly dried up. There's literally just a few patches of snow left now down by the village and on lower runs. It's getting thinner on higher runs as well now, but still enough to last us through until the end of Golden Week.

A cloudy start to the day and mild too, just a light breeze. Chance or rain, even snow higher up, later.

Look out for a good chance of strong winds tomorrow with clearer and calmer conditions due Sunday.

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

All the Ropeways
Chuo Number 1 Pair AB (every day)
Utopia Number 2 Pair
Chuo Number 2 Pair AB (27th April until 6th May)
Katakai Triple (27th-29th April, 3rd-6th May)
Paradise Pair AB (27th April until 6th May)

Official snow depths

Chuo Area
50cm

Utopia
50cm

Paradise
50cm