Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 18cm Snowfall at base this season 311cm Posted on Thursday 19th March 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Apologies for the missed report yesterday... 'stuff' was happening. And snow was falling. And actually quite a lot too. There was 18cm on the top of my car. While it wasn't the lightest of snow, any variety of snow is lovely to see especially in mid March. It did get milder though and today is going to be warm. It already is with sounds of dripping already. This morning there's blue skies and sunshine. Colder conditions due tomorrow again and we might not yet be done with snow either. Zao Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Thursday 19th March 2020 Total snowfall at base 311cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 50 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (on 7th February) November 2019 snowfall 8cm observed on 3 days December 2019 snowfall 51cm observed on 10 days January 2020 snowfall 88cm observed on 16 days February 2020 snowfall 123cm observed on 15 days March 2020 snowfall 41cm observed on 6 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 54cm Posted on Wednesday 25th December 2019 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning and Christmas greetings from Zao. Fine weather on this Christmas morning - the sun is out and there's lots of blue skies. Temperatures are down low though I imagine the sun will have an effect on that later on. Snowfall is forecast again for later tomorrow and into Friday. Lifts operating: - Mikaeri pair - Chuo Number 1 pair AB - Chuo Number 2 pair AB - Utopia Number 2 pair lift - Onsen Number 1 pair - Zao Chuo Ropeway / Zao Ropeway / Sky Cable Ski course areas open: - Chuo (part) - Utopia - Uwanodai (part) Official snow depths (as reported by resort): - Summit area: 30cm - Paradise area: 20cm - Chuo area: 40cm - Utopia area: 35cm - Uwanodai area: 20cm - Oomori area: 5cm Zao Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Wednesday 25th December 2019 Total snowfall at base 54cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 12 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 16cm (on 5th December) November 2019 snowfall 8cm observed on 3 days December 2019 snowfall 46cm observed on 9 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 3cm Snowfall at base this season 53cm Posted on Tuesday 24th December 2019 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Morning from Zao. Another thin layer of snow after a cold night. Right now it is just cloudy but limited visibility generally on the mountain. Operations remain unchanged for the moment, other than the Chuo Number 2 lift open. Look out for Santa today! Zao Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Tuesday 24th December 2019 Total snowfall at base 53cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 11 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 16cm (on 5th December) November 2019 snowfall 8cm observed on 3 days December 2019 snowfall 45cm observed on 8 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 3cm Snowfall at base this season 50cm Posted on Monday 23rd December 2019 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning from Zao. Poor visibility this morning but that's all good because it is snowing. It might not las long today but there is more snowfall forecast for tonight and then again later in the week. Currently it looks like Christmas Day is going to be clearer with sunshine and slightly warmer conditions - but not mild like it was a week or two back. Keep cold please. Lifts operating: - Mikaeri pair - Chuo Number 1 pair AB - Utopia Number 2 pair lift - Onsen Number 1 pair - Zao Chuo Ropeway / Zao Ropeway / Sky Cable Ski course areas open: - Chuo (part) - Utopia - Uwanodai (part) Official snow depths (as reported by resort): - Summit area: 25cm - Paradise area: 20cm - Chuo area: 40cm - Utopia area: 30cm - Uwanodai area: 20cm - Oomori area: 5cm Zao Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Monday 23rd December 2019 Total snowfall at base 50cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 10 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 16cm (on 5th December) November 2019 snowfall 8cm observed on 3 days December 2019 snowfall 42cm observed on 7 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 3cm Snowfall at base this season 47cm Posted on Saturday 21st December 2019 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning from Zao. It turned into snow yesterday and this morning there was a few cm of so of fresh snow down to lower base areas. The clouds have cleared mostly once again though and there is some sunshine and blue clouds showing through this morning. We might get a little more snow overnight tonight but nothing significant. Later in the day on Monday is looking like the best chance of some decent snowfall on the mountain. Three areas remain part open - Uwanodai, Chuo and Utopia. More will open as soon as snowfall allows. Fingers crossed. Zao Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Saturday 21st December 2019 Total snowfall at base 47cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 9 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 16cm (on 5th December) November 2019 snowfall 8cm observed on 3 days December 2019 snowfall 39cm observed on 6 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 3cm Snowfall at base this season 44cm Posted on Sunday 15th December 2019 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning from Zao. A few cm of fresh snowfall on the ground this morning - hopefully more than that up on the top areas. Tomorrow we are forecast sunshine and a for a few days milder temps once again. A dip back down to cold due later in the week. Zao Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Sunday 15th December 2019 Total snowfall at base 44cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 8 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 16cm (on 5th December) November 2019 snowfall 8cm observed on 3 days December 2019 snowfall 36cm observed on 5 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 3cm Snowfall at base this season 41cm Posted on Friday 13th December 2019 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . It is a colder morning and generally cloudy - some very light snow falling. There might be some sunshine this morning and there is a good chance of more snow later on tomorrow. Not looking like it's the dumpage we all want. From what I can see most of Japan seems to be in the same boat in that respect at the moment... Lifts operating: - Mikaeri pair - Chuo Number 1 pair AB - Utopia Number 2 pair lift - Onsen Number 1 pair - Zao Chuo Ropeway / Zao Ropeway / Sky Cable (for sightseeing) Courses open: - Chuo (part) - Utopia - Uwanodai (part) Official snow depths (as reported by resort): - Summit area: 25cm - Paradise area: 20cm - Chuo area: 40cm - Utopia area: 40cm - Uwanodai area: 25cm - Oomori area: 15cm Night time operations: Nighta in the Uwanodai area is scheduled daily from 28th December 2019 until 1st March 2020 and then 7th, 14th, 20th and 21st March 2020. 5:00pm until 9:00pm. Nighta in the Yokokura area is scheduled for New Year (28th December 2019 until 5th January 2020); and also on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays between 10th January and 7th March 2020. 5:00pm until 9:00pm. The Zao Ropeway opens in the evenings on the below dates for 'Light Up' sightseeing purposes - to go and see the Juhyo monsters (not for skiing or boarding) on the following dates: December 2019: 28th, 29th, 30th, 31st January 2020: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 10th-12th, 17th-19th, 24th-27th, 29h-31st February 2020: all days apart from Tuesdays There is an extra charge for this night time Ropeway operation. Zao Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Friday 13th December 2019 Total snowfall at base 41cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 7 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 16cm (on 5th December) November 2019 snowfall 8cm observed on 3 days December 2019 snowfall 33cm 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 38cm Posted on Sunday 8th December 2019 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning from Zao. We got some breaks in the cloud and even some blue sky and sunshine yesterday for the official opening ceremony of Zao Onsen. Lots of official looking folks lined up as well as the traditional things going on. This morning back to some snow falling and the upper part of the mountain is shrouded in cloud (fog?) - visibility looks pretty limited up there. Clouds should be clearing again by tomorrow and we're on for a run of a few days of clearer weather if the forecast is right. I just hope it doesn't warm up too much. We shall see... Zao Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Sunday 8th December 2019 Total snowfall at base 38cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 6 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 16cm (on 5th December) November 2019 snowfall 8cm observed on 3 days December 2019 snowfall 30cm observed on 3 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 12cm Snowfall at base this season 36cm Posted on Friday 6th December 2019 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning from Zao. I have more snowfall to report. 12cm of it outside base areas. And... Utopia is open! Yes, the Utopia Number 2 pair lift is operating and while it is very limited of course, we are now officially 'season in'! They plan to have the Utopia Nunber 1 lift open tomorrow and part of the Chuo area of the resort should also be open tomorrow. Opening ceremony in the Uwanodai area tomorrow at 11:00am. Feels like it is all starting proper now! Lifts operating: - Utopia Number 2 pair lift - Zao Chuo Ropeway / Zao Ropeway / Sky Cable Courses open: - Utopia Official snow depths (as reported by resort): - Summit area: 25cm - Paradise area: 20cm - Chuo area: 20cm - Utopia area: 45cm - Uwanodai area: -cm - Oomori area: 25cm Zao Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Friday 6th December 2019 Total snowfall at base 36cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 5 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 16cm (on 5th December) November 2019 snowfall 8cm observed on 3 days December 2019 snowfall 28cm observed on 2 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 32cm Snowfall at base this season 273cm Posted on Wednesday 9th January 2019 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . ...and good numbers I can indeed report. Heavy snowfall with me being able to report 32cm at my base measuring point. I know, the official snow depth numbers don't reflect that, but don't mind about that... there's a thick layer of fresh snow out there. Whiteout and blowy conditions outside, I think lots of people will be waiting for things to calm down. Perhaps some sun tomorrow. Conditions are going to be really great. Operation info from official sources: - All lifts operating apart from the Karamatsu pair and Yokokura Number 2 pair lifts - All courses open Official snow depths (as reported by resort): - Summit area: 100cm - Paradise area: 130cm - Chuo area: 130cm - Utopia area: 100cm - Uwanodai area: 90cm - Oomori area: 100cm Zao Now 2018-2019 season Data as of Wednesday 9th January 2019 Total snowfall at base 273cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 26 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 43cm (on 29th December) November 2018 snowfall 7cm observed on 3 days December 2018 snowfall 218cm observed on 18 days January 2019 snowfall 48cm observed on 5 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 17cm Snowfall at base this season 76cm Posted on Tuesday 18th December 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning from Zao and I have good news... 17cm of fresh snow on the ground. It is colder this morning and with this lighter snow falling the conditions out there should be pretty good this morning. Things were a bit 'heavy going' yesterday with some rather mild conditions and the snow being affected by that. If we can get some more today - as per forecast - perhaps more lifts and courses will be opened? Lifts and course info: - Chuo Number 1 - Chuo Number 2 - Mikaeri pair - Onsen Number 1 pair - Utopia Number 2 pair - Zao Ropeway - Zao Chuo Ropeway - Sky Cable * Chuo area part open * Utopia area part open * Uwanodai area part open Official snow depths (as reported by resort): - Summit area: 25cm - Paradise area: 35cm - Chuo area: 50cm - Utopia area: 50cm - Uwanodai area: 35cm - Oomori area: 25cm Zao Now 2018-2019 season Data as of Tuesday 18th December 2018 Total snowfall at base 76cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 12 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 17cm (on 18th December) November 2018 snowfall 7cm observed on 3 days December 2018 snowfall 69cm observed on 9 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 12cm Snowfall at base this season 88cm Posted on Wednesday 19th December 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning from Zao. Another 10+cm of fresh snow this morning to report. And hopefully there might be more in my report tomorrow as well, because after that there's a spell of milder temps due as we get into the coming weekend. Might we see more lifts and courses open from Friday, when the 'regular season' lift ticket prices kick in? It would be nice. No specific news on that front for the moment, let's see... Lifts and course info: - Chuo Number 1 - Chuo Number 2 - Mikaeri pair - Onsen Number 1 pair - Utopia Number 2 pair - Zao Ropeway - Zao Chuo Ropeway - Sky Cable * Chuo area part open * Utopia area part open * Uwanodai area part open Official snow depths (as reported by resort): - Summit area: 25cm - Paradise area: 35cm - Chuo area: 50cm - Utopia area: 50cm - Uwanodai area: 35cm - Oomori area: 25cm Zao Now 2018-2019 season Data as of Wednesday 19th December 2018 Total snowfall at base 88cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 13 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 17cm (on 18th December) November 2018 snowfall 7cm observed on 3 days December 2018 snowfall 81cm 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