Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 652cm Posted on Tuesday 6th May 2025 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning from Zao. A cloudy last day of Golden Week here with the chance of rain. It's quite funny, I have been trying to find confirmation that today is actually the last day of the ski season on the official site(s)... but without success. You'd think they might mention it! Anyway, I am pretty sure it is. And it is my last time posting for this season. Thank you for reading and hopefully see you again next season. Zao Now 2024-2025 season Data as of Tuesday 6th May 2025 Total snowfall at base 652cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 80 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 34cm (on 6th February) November 2024 snowfall 18cm observed on 4 days December 2024 snowfall 162cm observed on 20 days January 2025 snowfall 191cm observed on 19 days February 2025 snowfall 211cm observed on 22 days March 2025 snowfall 64cm observed on 14 days April 2025 snowfall 6cm observed on 1 day Previous report 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. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 480cm Posted on Wednesday 1st May 2024 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning from Zao. The ski area tried to remain open as long as possible, but nature won out in the end with the ski area announcing the end of the ski season yesterday. All of the ski lifts are now closed for the 2023-2024 season and the resort will now focus on 'green season' activities. And then it will all start up again (for us skiing/snowboarding loving folk) in late November/early December. Archive reports from the entire season, along with previous seasons, are always available using the links above. Thanks for reading the reports. Zao Now 2023-2024 season Data as of Wednesday 1st May 2024 Total snowfall at base 480cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 65 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 39cm (on 25th January) November 2023 snowfall 32cm observed on 4 days December 2023 snowfall 66cm observed on 14 days January 2024 snowfall 176cm observed on 19 days February 2024 snowfall 92cm observed on 13 days March 2024 snowfall 114cm observed on 15 days April 2024 snowfall 0cm Previous report 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. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 17cm Snowfall at base this season 383cm Posted on Friday 1st March 2024 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . More good news this morning with 17cm of fresh snow and likely more than that in higher elevations. Nice medium-sized flakes currently falling and looking good. With more snow due over the coming days, Zao is on a roll! Limited visibility in places but no doubt a lot of people will be out to enjoy this fresh snow. Zao Now 2023-2024 season Data as of Friday 1st March 2024 Total snowfall at base 383cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 51 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 39cm (on 25th January) November 2023 snowfall 32cm observed on 4 days December 2023 snowfall 66cm observed on 14 days January 2024 snowfall 176cm observed on 19 days February 2024 snowfall 92cm observed on 13 days March 2024 snowfall 17cm observed on 1 day Previous report Next report 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. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 288cm Posted on Thursday 8th February 2024 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Morning from Zao. Dense clouds this morning with some light snow flurries at times and a light wind. The ski area is reporting 5cm of fresh snow. Ski area operations: Zao Onsen is open with just a few restrictions. Night skiing with the Onsen Number 2 quad (8:45pm) scheduled to be operating. Official snow depth (reported by ski area): Yokokura area: 70cm Uwanodai area: 70cm Utopia area: 130cm Chuo area: 150cm Paradise area: 150cm Summit area: 155cm Zao Now 2023-2024 season Data as of Thursday 8th February 2024 Total snowfall at base 288cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 41 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 39cm (on 25th January) November 2023 snowfall 32cm observed on 4 days December 2023 snowfall 66cm observed on 14 days January 2024 snowfall 176cm observed on 19 days February 2024 snowfall 14cm observed on 4 days Previous report Next report 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. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 98cm Posted on Friday 29th December 2023 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Greetings from Zao. Yesterday was no change from the morning and looks to have snowed overnight with the roads covered in a thin layer of snow. There is a medium morning fog that is slowly moving towards the top of the mountain and visibility up there looks poor at the moment. At the moment, sleet is probably the best description. It will be snowing at Chuo. [Update at 9:30am: it is snowing lightly now] I'm afraid there is a lack of heavy snow on the weekly forecast. It is concerning, but what can we do? At least the mountain is open so we just need to keep on going and enjoy what we have. Zao Now 2023-2024 season Data as of Friday 29th December 2023 Total snowfall at base 98cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 18 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 18cm (on 30th November) November 2023 snowfall 32cm observed on 4 days December 2023 snowfall 66cm observed on 14 days Previous report Next report 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. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 96cm Posted on Wednesday 27th December 2023 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Later yesterday we got some lovely large flakes of snow falling for a while, and then some rain a bit later, turning back to snow again. Can't make up its mind! Perhaps there is a bit more higher up (indeed, the ski area has added 10cm to a few of the snow depth numbers today). This morning we have some cloud, but they are fast moving and there is a lot of lovely blue sky and bright sunshine, as you can see on the below images. Zao Now 2023-2024 season Data as of Wednesday 27th December 2023 Total snowfall at base 96cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 17 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 18cm (on 30th November) November 2023 snowfall 32cm observed on 4 days December 2023 snowfall 64cm observed on 13 days Previous report Next report 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. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 94cm Posted on Tuesday 26th December 2023 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Yesterday around 4 pm we had a round of flurries of snow, but it didn't last for long. A little overcast with spots of clouds opening this morning. Yesterday some of the runs were still showing a little grass. This is not just a Zao thing I note, but we just need more snow for things to open up further. Forecasts through the end of the year aren't looking particularly exciting at the moment in terms of snow. Perhaps a few slight top-ups rather than anything significant. Zao Now 2023-2024 season Data as of Tuesday 26th December 2023 Total snowfall at base 94cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 16 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 18cm (on 30th November) November 2023 snowfall 32cm observed on 4 days December 2023 snowfall 62cm observed on 12 days Previous report Next report 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. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 1cm Posted on Monday 13th November 2023 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Welcome back to the Zao Now reports. There is snow to report at base. Just a little with a few cm in places and roads are mostly clear. We might get a further sprinkling before tomorrow but it will probably be a bit warmer and clearer for a few days before rain currently forecast for Friday. Zao Onsen has a planned opening date of 9th December. Zao Now 2023-2024 season Data as of Monday 13th November 2023 Total snowfall at base 1cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 1 day Most snowfall observed in 1 day 1cm (on 13th November) November 2023 snowfall 1cm observed on 1 day Next report 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. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 10cm Snowfall at base this season 418cm Posted on Monday 10th April 2023 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning from Zao. Well, a little late, but there was some fresh snow over the weekend... around 10cm in town areas and probably more on the mountain. How about that, then?! The fresh snow didn't last long and has quickly disappeared from town and lower areas now, but it was certainly good to see it. Very probably the last of the season. The sun is out this morning and it is a fine day and tomorrow probably will be too. The following lifts are still open (subject to change): - Zao Onsen Ropeway - Zao Ropeway - Sky Cable - Chuo Number 1 pair - Chuo Number 2 pair - Utopia Number 2 pair - All other lifts are now closed for the season The following course areas are still open (subject to change): - Chuo - Utopia Official snow depth: - Summit: 70cm - Paradise: 95cm - Chuo: 95cm - Utopia: 100cm - Uwanodai: -cm - Yokokura: 10cm Zao Now 2022-2023 season Data as of Monday 10th April 2023 Total snowfall at base 418cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 66 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (on 24th December) November 2022 snowfall 0cm December 2022 snowfall 162cm observed on 23 days January 2023 snowfall 137cm observed on 24 days February 2023 snowfall 99cm observed on 15 days March 2023 snowfall 10cm observed on 3 days April 2023 snowfall 10cm observed on 1 day Previous report Next report 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. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 5cm Snowfall at base this season 403cm Posted on Friday 3rd March 2023 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . A surprise covering overnight. Unsurprisingly, the Chuo and Paradise slopes have more with everywhere else having various degrees of crunch underneath. Visibility is poor, however, and you can just about see the terrain in front up there. The fog goes down to lower Uwanodai. It may clear up later in the day so gambatte! Zao Now 2022-2023 season Data as of Friday 3rd March 2023 Total snowfall at base 403cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 63 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (on 24th December) November 2022 snowfall 0cm December 2022 snowfall 162cm observed on 23 days January 2023 snowfall 137cm observed on 24 days February 2023 snowfall 99cm observed on 15 days March 2023 snowfall 5cm observed on 1 day Previous report Next report 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. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 12cm Snowfall at base this season 61cm Posted on Friday 16th December 2022 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning. The snow has continued and it is feels really cold out there - more than the numbers show, too. The Chuo Number 1, Mikaeri and Onsen Number 1 pair lifts are operating this morning with Chuo area now officially all open and Uwanodai part available. Over the next 3-4 days more snow is forecast, particularly around Sunday/Monday. We can probably expect more lifts and areas to open up as this snow continues. Zao Now 2022-2023 season Data as of Friday 16th December 2022 Total snowfall at base 61cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 11 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 12cm (on 8th and 16th December) November 2022 snowfall 0cm December 2022 snowfall 61cm observed on 11 days Previous report Next report 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. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 11cm Snowfall at base this season 49cm Posted on Thursday 15th December 2022 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Morning from Zao. We are enjoying some regular snow at the moment and it does look likely to continue (at least on and off) into next week. The official site shows the Onsen Number 1 pair on hold as well as the Zao Ropeway. Perhaps it's windy up there? Honestly, the status is unclear. In terms of runs open, it's just (part of) Chuo. The Chuo lift is definitely moving. (Personal comment from someone very interested in details every morning: they seem to have spent money on a new website re-do, but are still not offering clear details every morning...) Will do what we can with the lift info. Lifts: - Chuo Number 1 pair AB - Mikaeri pair - Uwanodai Number 1 pair - Onsen Number 1 pair - Zao Ropeway - Zao Chuo Ropeway - Sky Cable Courses: - Chuo (part) Official snow depth: - Summit: 45cm - Paradise: 50cm - Chuo: 50cm - Utopia: 40cm - Uwanodai: 30cm - Yokokura: 15cm Zao Now 2022-2023 season Data as of Thursday 15th December 2022 Total snowfall at base 49cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 10 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 12cm (on 8th December) November 2022 snowfall 0cm December 2022 snowfall 49cm observed on 10 days Previous report Next report 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. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com