Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 83cm Posted on Saturday 9th December 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Morning all. Quick report this morning as I need to dash off to deal with a bit of an emergency! Fine day yesterday. Sunshine. Opening of new Lawson convenience store (big news in a little village). A cold morning this morning and very cloudy conditions and snow at times. Snow is forecast for this morning. Looks like the resort plans to open up a bit more... namely the Uwanodai area. More info tomorrow. Zao Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Saturday 9th December 2017 Total snowfall at base 83cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 11 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (on 25th November) November 2017 snowfall 66cm observed on 5 days December 2017 snowfall 17cm 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 7cm Snowfall at base this season 81cm Posted on Friday 8th December 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning from Zao. It's snowing again. Again, not a huge amount to report - just a few cm on the ground - and hopefully more by the time we get into tomorrow. We may get to see some sunshine over the weekend and not expecting much snow, but at least the first part of next week is looking very positive. Will that be the start of the proper prolonged snowfall for the season? Would be good, and I'll keep you updated. Operating lifts: - Chuo Number 1 pair lift - Zao Ropeway - Zao Chuo Ropeway - Sky Cable Open course areas: - Summit - Chuo - Utopia Official snow depths: - Summit area: 40cm - Paradise area: 45cm - Chuo area: 45cm - Utopia area: 35cm - Uwanodai area: 15cm - Oomori area: 5cm Zao Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Friday 8th December 2017 Total snowfall at base 81cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 10 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (on 25th November) November 2017 snowfall 66cm observed on 5 days December 2017 snowfall 15cm 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 2cm Snowfall at base this season 74cm Posted on Thursday 7th December 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . It's a bright and sunny morning here in Zao with just a little more snow to report. There's some cloud around and blocking the sun at times but we're probably set up to enjoy a day of fine weather conditions. The forecast predicts some more snow later in the day tomorrow and then some decent snow early in the coming week. Expect Zao Onsen to get more lifts moving and courses open as soon as there's enough snow. Operating lifts: - Chuo Number 1 pair lift - Zao Ropeway - Zao Chuo Ropeway - Sky Cable Open course areas: - Summit - Chuo - Utopia Official snow depths: - Summit area: 40cm - Paradise area: 45cm - Chuo area: 45cm - Utopia area: 35cm - Uwanodai area: 10cm - Oomori area: 5cm Zao Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Thursday 7th December 2017 Total snowfall at base 74cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 9 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (on 25th November) November 2017 snowfall 66cm observed on 5 days December 2017 snowfall 8cm 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 72cm Posted on Wednesday 6th December 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Morning from Zao. Light snow is falling as I write this and there's another 2cm on the ground at base to report. It is a cold -3C here at the moment and -11C up on the top area of the resort. Not enough snow to change resort opening status so we wait for more snow to come. Perhaps around Friday and then the most promising cold front looks due to hit us around Monday. That could be a big one. Zao Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Wednesday 6th December 2017 Total snowfall at base 72cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 8 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (on 25th November) November 2017 snowfall 66cm observed on 5 days December 2017 snowfall 6cm 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 2cm Snowfall at base this season 70cm Posted on Tuesday 5th December 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Morning from Zao. Back to snow! Not a huge amount as yet but it's snowing and there's a thin layer on the ground by base. The forecast doesn't show heavy snow, but snow on and off over the coming few days. Come on, bring it on! Zao Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Tuesday 5th December 2017 Total snowfall at base 70cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 7 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (on 25th November) November 2017 snowfall 66cm observed on 5 days December 2017 snowfall 4cm 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 2cm Snowfall at base this season 68cm Posted on Saturday 2nd December 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . First Saturday in December and expectations rise. It is snowing lightly at the moment and 2cm of fresh snow on the ground. We're not expecting it to last the day with things likely to clear up to some degree and be followed by clearer skies tomorrow as well as sunshine. Should be a very nice Sunday. With those expectations rising though, we all want more snow and lots of it to get things kicking off proper. Looks like snow is on the forecast for the first part of next week, so let's see how that develops. You can keep up to date with the forecast using that big blue tab at the top of this page. Operating lifts: - Chuo Number 1 pair lift - Chuo Number 2 pair lift - Zao Ropeway - Zao Chuo Ropeway - Sky Cable Open course areas: - Summit - Chuo - Utopia Official snow depths: - Summit area: 35cm - Paradise area: 40cm - Chuo area: 40cm - Utopia area: 35cm - Uwanodai area: 10cm - Oomori area: 5cm Zao Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Saturday 2nd December 2017 Total snowfall at base 68cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 6 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (on 25th November) November 2017 snowfall 66cm observed on 5 days December 2017 snowfall 2cm 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 32cm Snowfall at base this season 66cm Posted on Saturday 25th November 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Great news this morning. Heavy snowfall to report from Zao this morning with a good 30cm on the ground. There's talk of part of the resort opening - but as I write this I do not have any confirmed information to report. The snow clouds are forecast to be moving on with the chance of sun tomorrow... sounds like a perfect time to have that first day of the season? I'll keep my eye on official info and let you know... Official snow depths: Summit area: 65cm Utopia area: 40cm Floodlit night skiing for the 2017-2018 season is planned as follows: In the Uwanodai area: Daily from Saturday 23rd December 2017 until Sunday 4th March 2018 Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only from Friday 9th March until Sunday 18th March 2018. In the Yokokura area: Daily from Saturday 23rd December 2017 until Monday 8th January 2018 Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only from Friday 12th January until Sunday 18th February 2018. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only from Friday 2nd March until Sunday 11th March 2018. Night time 'light up' sightseeing ropeway is planned for the following dates: December 2017: 23rd-24th, 29th-31st January 2018: 1st-7th, 13th-14th, 20th-21st, 27th-31st February 2018: every day March 2018: 1st-4th Zao Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Saturday 25th November 2017 Total snowfall at base 66cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 5 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (on 25th November) November 2017 snowfall 66cm 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 0cm Snowfall at base this season 520cm Posted on Thursday 27th April 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning from Zao. The resort is still doing it's best to remain open and for now the courses available are the top Zangezaka Juhyogen, Chuo and Utopia courses. Snow is getting thinner on the ground in even the remaining open areas now - and has all but disappeared from most base areas. Skiing and snowboarding on the current full-on spring snow conditions is perhaps an acquired taste and not for everyone. But I say it's most definitely better than being stuck in an office! And a good workout for the knees and thighs to boot. Golden Week is almost with us - starting from Saturday - and so we enter that final stretch of the season. It looks like there's a mix of weather conditions forecast - do keep your eye on the forecast page. Zao Onsen plans to be open daily until Sunday 7th May. Official snow depths (as published by the resort): Summit - 65cm Paradise - 60cm Chuo - 60cm Utopia - 75cm Uwanodai - 15cm Yokokura - 0cm Planned closing dates for lifts at Zao Onsen - subject to change due to snow conditions: Operating until Sunday 7th May: - Chuo Number 1 pair AB - Chuo Number 2 pair AB (** only on holidays **) - Utopia Number 2 pair Open all year (* for sightseeing): - Sky Cable - Chuo Ropeway - Zao Ropeway All other ski lifts at Zao Onsen are now closed for the season. Zao Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Thursday 27th April 2017 Total snowfall at base 520cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 65 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 39cm (on 16th January) November 2016 snowfall 11cm observed on 6 days December 2016 snowfall 98cm observed on 16 days January 2017 snowfall 241cm observed on 16 days February 2017 snowfall 105cm observed on 14 days March 2017 snowfall 65cm observed on 13 days April 2017 snowfall 0cm 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 114cm Posted on Wednesday 4th January 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Morning from Zao and it is snowing. Decent snow too right now. And according to the forecast it is set to snow for the day and hopefully into tomorrow. So, let's see what I can report to you tomorrow morning...! Come on, let's have it. In the meantime visibility will be limited out there if it continues anything like now. Zao Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Wednesday 4th January 2017 Total snowfall at base 114cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 24 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 17cm (on 17th December) November 2016 snowfall 11cm observed on 6 days December 2016 snowfall 98cm observed on 16 days January 2017 snowfall 5cm 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 3cm Snowfall at base this season 112cm Posted on Tuesday 3rd January 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . A few cm of fresh snow to report this morning which is good; though we of course need to be seeing much more than that. The Chuo, Paradise and Uwanodai areas have all added 5cm to their official snow depth numbers this morning so there should be a fresh cover up on the slopes. There is snow on the forecast now so I am hopeful to see snow tomorrow into Thursday. Let's see. For now, resort operations are looking like they are remaining the same as they have been. Sorry, one change I just noticed -- the Sunrise pair lift is moving now. The following lifts are not operating: Kurohime Number 1 quad Zao Kokutai pair Ryuzan pair Karamatsu pair Nakamori Number 1 triple Nakamori Number 2 pair Zao Paradise Number 3 pair Omori quad Official snow depths: Chuo - 65cm Utopia - 35cm Uwanodai - 30cm Paradise - 55cm Juhyo 'Ice Monsters' Light Up night time Zao Ropeway operations January 2017: 3rd, 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd, 27th-31st February 2017: 1st-28th March 2017: 1st-5th Operating from 5pm until 9pm; last ropeway up at 7:50pm. Ropeway return charges are 2,600 yen for adults and 1,300 yen for children. In the event of poor weather conditions, operations are sometimes cancelled. Zao Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Tuesday 3rd January 2017 Total snowfall at base 112cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 23 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 17cm (on 17th December) November 2016 snowfall 11cm observed on 6 days December 2016 snowfall 98cm observed on 16 days January 2017 snowfall 3cm 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 7cm Posted on Friday 25th November 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . And another 2cm of fresh snowfall to add to the report today. It has been a cold morning as well. Surely the coldest morning of the season I would say, with the temperature a few under zero early on. There is not enough snow yet for any lifts to contemplate moving but I am hearing that something will open up just as soon as there is enough. Unfortunately right now the forecast isn't promising too much in terms of snowfall even higher up - it's probably going to be sunny tomorrow and warm up a bit over the weekend as well - so we will need to remain patient for a while longer. Zao Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Friday 25th November 2016 Total snowfall at base 7cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 4 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 2cm (on 10th, 24th and 25th November) November 2016 snowfall 7cm 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 24cm Snowfall at base this season 436cm Posted on Tuesday 1st March 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning from Zao where there's a good new thick carpet of snow on the ground. Yesterday was white-out on the mountain and very cold too. The result from all of that and overnight is 24cm of fresh snow outside my place here and no doubt more than that on the mountain. A very good way to begin March, I must say! This morning conditions are still pretty stormy with cold temperatures, snow falling and importantly quite strong winds. I don't know how the day started but it looks like some lifts are affected at the moment (11am), but are mostly open. The top section of the Zao Ropeway being one of the lifts closed. Tomorrow should be less stormy though the snowfall may continue for another day or so... after that clearer skies and warmer conditions are forecast for the weekend. Lifts closed as of 11am: Top part of Zao Ropeway Onsen Number 4 quad lift Zao Paradise Number 3 pair lift Official snow depths: Utopia: 110cm Chuo: 150cm Paradise: 145cm Uwanodai: 85cm Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Tuesday 1st March 2016 Total snowfall at base 436cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 57 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 46cm (on 19th January) November 2015 snowfall 22cm observed on 2 days December 2015 snowfall 96cm observed on 12 days January 2016 snowfall 211cm observed on 25 days February 2016 snowfall 83cm observed on 17 days March 2016 snowfall 24cm 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