Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 765cm Posted on Thursday 3rd May 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . That's it folks! Yesterday (2nd May) ended up being the last day of the ski season here in Zao Onsen. There just wasn't enough snow left up there on Chuo to continue on until Sunday as planned. (Today isn't very nice anyway with very poor visibility and rain too). The Ropeways continue to be open of course (they are all year) but it is for sightseeing - not for skiing and boarding. In the meantime, thank you for reading! Zao Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Thursday 3rd May 2018 Total snowfall at base 765cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 66 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 42cm (on 12th February) November 2017 snowfall 66cm observed on 5 days December 2017 snowfall 193cm observed on 19 days January 2018 snowfall 275cm observed on 21 days February 2018 snowfall 195cm observed on 15 days March 2018 snowfall 24cm observed on 5 days April 2018 snowfall 12cm observed on 1 day May 2018 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 0cm Snowfall at base this season 765cm Posted on Thursday 26th April 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Lots of cloud (and fog) and a bit of rain this morning, and no real news to report at the moment regarding lift operations and course opening. Fine weather forecast for the upcoming weekend. 'Golden Week' is approaching. But what exactly is it? Golden Week is a period from the end of April through early May containing a number of national holidays. Those holidays are as follows: - 29th April is 'Showa Day' (Showa-no-hi), the birthday of former Emperor Showa - 3rd May is 'Constitution Day' (Kenpo-kinenbi) - 4th May is 'Greenery Day' (Midori-no-hi) - 5th May is 'Children's Day' (Kodomo-no-hi) What this means for 2018 is that most people will enjoy two long weekends - 3 days this upcoming weekend and then 4 days off the weekend after: Long Weekend #1: Saturday 28th April - Monday 30th April Long Weekend #2: Thursday 3rd - Sunday 6th May Some people may even be lucky enough to have/take Tuesday and Thursday off next week, giving them a long 9 day holiday! The weather is often really good over the Golden Week period and of course the end of Golden Week is also the end of ski lift operations here in Niseko. Course areas open - Chuo - Utopia - Top course (* part) Lifts that are still operating - Utopia Number 2 pair: open daily until 6th May - Chuo Number 1 pair: open daily until 6th May - Chuo Number 2 pair: open 28th, 29th, 30th April & 3rd-6th May - Zao Ropeway: open daily - Zao Chuo Ropeway: open daily - Sky Cable: open daily * The Ropeways operate throughout the year for sightseeing * Earlier than planned closing might be possible - will depend on snow conditions Official snow depths: - Summit area: 35cm - Paradise area: 50cm - Chuo area: 50cm - Utopia area: 65cm - Uwanodai area: 0cm - Oomori area: 0cm Zao Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Thursday 26th April 2018 Total snowfall at base 765cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 66 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 42cm (on 12th February) November 2017 snowfall 66cm observed on 5 days December 2017 snowfall 193cm observed on 19 days January 2018 snowfall 275cm observed on 21 days February 2018 snowfall 195cm observed on 15 days March 2018 snowfall 24cm observed on 5 days April 2018 snowfall 12cm 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 765cm Posted on Monday 9th April 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning from Zao. We had some fresh snow yesterday in a return to winter-like conditions. Always very good to see that happen and a bonus for everyone who was able to be here to enjoy it. Note: the snow I'm recording in this report is from yesterday. This morning it is mostly cloudy with some light snow falling in places. Things should clear up by tomorrow with sunny skies forecast along with temperatures rising a little during the week. Next report due by the weekend. Lift info: Plan to be operating as long as there is enough snow: - Yokokura Number 1 pair A - Kurohime quad - Utopia Number 2 pair Planning to be operating until 15th April: - Paradise pair - Katakai triple Planning to be operating until 6th May: - Chuo Number 1 pair AB - Chuo Number 2 pair AB Operating (for sightseeing) throughout the year: - Zao Ropeway - Zao Chuo Ropeway - Sky Cable Official snow depths: - Summit area: 110cm - Paradise area: 110cm - Chuo area: 100cm - Utopia area: 135cm - Uwanodai area: 30cm - Oomori area: 30cm Zao Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Monday 9th April 2018 Total snowfall at base 765cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 66 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 42cm (on 12th February) November 2017 snowfall 66cm observed on 5 days December 2017 snowfall 193cm observed on 19 days January 2018 snowfall 275cm observed on 21 days February 2018 snowfall 195cm observed on 15 days March 2018 snowfall 24cm observed on 5 days April 2018 snowfall 12cm 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 4cm Snowfall at base this season 753cm Posted on Friday 23rd March 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . I have some fresh snow to report this morning! Almost 3cm here on the ground. It's kind of wet snow with the temperature currently at 3C, but certainly welcome at this stage of the season. Not much of a wind at all and cloudy skies with light snow falling. Once these clouds pass, from tomorrow the forecast is showing that run of clear and fine weather conditions through next week - and it seems like it will be warming up as well particularly as we get to mid week. Lifts and course info: Most course areas remain open. Some lifts affected by weather this morning. The following lifts have now closed for the season: - Zao Paradise Number 3 pair - Diamond Number 1 pair - Zao Kokutai - Ryuzan pair - Karamatsu pair Official snow depths: - Summit area: 175cm - Paradise area: 190cm - Chuo area: 190cm - Utopia area: 175cm - Uwanodai area: 95cm - Oomori area: 90cm Zao Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Friday 23rd March 2018 Total snowfall at base 753cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 65 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 42cm (on 12th February) November 2017 snowfall 66cm observed on 5 days December 2017 snowfall 193cm observed on 19 days January 2018 snowfall 275cm observed on 21 days February 2018 snowfall 195cm observed on 15 days March 2018 snowfall 24cm 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 4cm Snowfall at base this season 749cm Posted on Thursday 22nd March 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Morning. It is snowing (with some on the ground) and strong winds are blowing this morning... affecting a number of higher lifts and gondolas. We may get some more fresh snow by tomorrow morning too. Might it be the last of the season? It may well be - conditions from the weekend are due to calm down and get brighter with sunny skies on the forecast into next week. Come on let's get some more cm! Lifts and course info: Most course areas remain open. Some lifts affected by weather this morning. The following lifts have now closed for the season: - Zao Paradise Number 3 pair - Diamond Number 1 pair - Zao Kokutai - Ryuzan pair - Karamatsu pair Zao Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Thursday 22nd March 2018 Total snowfall at base 749cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 64 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 42cm (on 12th February) November 2017 snowfall 66cm observed on 5 days December 2017 snowfall 193cm observed on 19 days January 2018 snowfall 275cm observed on 21 days February 2018 snowfall 195cm observed on 15 days March 2018 snowfall 20cm 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 3cm Snowfall at base this season 745cm Posted on Tuesday 6th March 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Rain happened, I'm afraid. Never nice to see in winter. The good news is that it turned into snow overnight and there has been a few cm on the ground. Not enough to cover the damage done by the rain surely, but good to see all the same. There's some blue sky on show now too so it feels like it is clearing up. And finer weather is forecast for tomorrow too. Friday is looking ominous. (Heavy) rain again, but hopefully followed by snow on Saturday. Forecasts can change, and hopefully that one will. In the meantime I am going to enjoy this nice weather with a 'spring ski' mindset. Lifts and course info: - All lifts open as planned - All areas open as planned - Note: the Karamatsu pair lift has now closed for the season Official snow depths: - Summit area: 215cm - Paradise area: 240cm - Chuo area: 230cm - Utopia area: 230cm - Uwanodai area: 160cm - Oomori area: 160cm Zao Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Tuesday 6th March 2018 Total snowfall at base 745cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 63 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 42cm (on 12th February) November 2017 snowfall 66cm observed on 5 days December 2017 snowfall 193cm observed on 19 days January 2018 snowfall 275cm observed on 21 days February 2018 snowfall 195cm observed on 15 days March 2018 snowfall 16cm 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 3cm Snowfall at base this season 742cm Posted on Friday 2nd March 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Official sources show all lifts on standby early on due to weather conditions. The resort may get to part open if and when conditions improve. Lifts and course info: - All lifts on standby due to weather conditions - Note: the Karamatsu pair lift usually only operates on weekends - All areas open Official snow depths: - Summit area: 215cm - Paradise area: 240cm - Chuo area: 240cm - Utopia area: 250cm - Uwanodai area: 165cm - Oomori area: 180cm Zao Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Friday 2nd March 2018 Total snowfall at base 742cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 62 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 42cm (on 12th February) November 2017 snowfall 66cm observed on 5 days December 2017 snowfall 193cm observed on 19 days January 2018 snowfall 275cm observed on 21 days February 2018 snowfall 195cm observed on 15 days March 2018 snowfall 13cm 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 10cm Snowfall at base this season 739cm Posted on Thursday 1st March 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Strong winds today and some pretty nasty conditions. Wind, snow (10+cm overnight) and rain in the day. And some lifts and courses not open due to the unfriendly weather. Been a day of panic here with one thing and another. I'm looking forward to tomorrow. Lifts and course info: - All lifts appear to be opening as scheduled - Note: the Karamatsu pair lift usually only operates on weekends - All areas open Official snow depths: - Summit area: 220cm - Paradise area: 240cm - Chuo area: 240cm - Utopia area: 270cm - Uwanodai area: 165cm - Oomori area: 180cm Zao Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Thursday 1st March 2018 Total snowfall at base 739cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 61 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 42cm (on 12th February) November 2017 snowfall 66cm observed on 5 days December 2017 snowfall 193cm observed on 19 days January 2018 snowfall 275cm observed on 21 days February 2018 snowfall 195cm observed on 15 days March 2018 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 13cm Snowfall at base this season 729cm Posted on Wednesday 28th February 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . After the fine blue skies of yesterday (they got blue-er during the day!), this morning there is over 10cm of fresh snow on the ground. And what's more, we have fine weather again this morning making it a fine time to enjoy the fresh. The forecast for the next few days looks ominous... warmer conditions and heavy rain (to snow) and strong winds are likely. Night time light up operations run through until Sunday. The Juhyo are looking good - though they may not once the upcoming storm bullies them! Lifts and course info: - All lifts appear to be opening as scheduled - Note: the Karamatsu pair lift usually only operates on weekends - All areas open Official snow depths: - Summit area: 220cm - Paradise area: 240cm - Chuo area: 240cm - Utopia area: 260cm - Uwanodai area: 165cm - Oomori area: 175cm Zao Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Wednesday 28th February 2018 Total snowfall at base 729cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 60 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 42cm (on 12th February) November 2017 snowfall 66cm observed on 5 days December 2017 snowfall 193cm observed on 19 days January 2018 snowfall 275cm observed on 21 days February 2018 snowfall 195cm observed on 15 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 716cm Posted on Saturday 24th February 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Morning from Zao. It isn't yet, but it looks like it should be snowing before mid morning today, so hope to be able to report some fresh in my next report. Wrap up well and enjoy. Today and tomorrow, the Zao Juhyo Matsuri festival is being held at 6pm, 7pm and 8pm in the Yokokura area. What to expect? The flyer says "Projection Mapping & Extreme Air" and promises "The Coolest Performance EVER". There'll be fireworks too after the last event each day. Talk about setting expectations at a high level! ;) It's free to see, so if you are around might be worth checking out. Lifts and course info: - All lifts appear to be opening as scheduled - Note: the Karamatsu pair lift usually only operates on weekends - All areas open Official snow depths: - Summit area: 215cm - Paradise area: 240cm - Chuo area: 240cm - Utopia area: 260cm - Uwanodai area: 165cm - Oomori area: 185cm Zao Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Saturday 24th February 2018 Total snowfall at base 716cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 59 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 42cm (on 12th February) November 2017 snowfall 66cm observed on 5 days December 2017 snowfall 193cm observed on 19 days January 2018 snowfall 275cm observed on 21 days February 2018 snowfall 182cm 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 11cm Snowfall at base this season 714cm Posted on Wednesday 21st February 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Morning from Zao. It was a snowy start to the day with some light snow falling earlier but that has eased off with the clouds clearing - and there's 11cm of fresh on the ground to report. We might see some sunshine from the start tomorrow though snow clouds shouldn't be too far away as we head into the weekend. Lifts and course info: - All lifts appear to be opening as scheduled - Note: the Karamatsu pair lift usually only operates on weekends - All areas open Official snow depths: - Summit area: 215cm - Paradise area: 240cm - Chuo area: 240cm - Utopia area: 265cm - Uwanodai area: 160cm - Oomori area: 185cm Zao Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Wednesday 21st February 2018 Total snowfall at base 714cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 58 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 42cm (on 12th February) November 2017 snowfall 66cm observed on 5 days December 2017 snowfall 193cm observed on 19 days January 2018 snowfall 275cm observed on 21 days February 2018 snowfall 180cm 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 1cm Snowfall at base this season 703cm Posted on Monday 19th February 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . And the first morning in what seems a while where we can enjoy some sunshine. Some cloud, but lots of blue sky and sun - sunglasses more than goggles this morning. It's keeping cold though and the snow conditions should be good. Just a dusting this morning, less than 1cm. But we have had a few other days like that and so I will take them into account and add 1cm to the report this morning. Lifts and course info: - All lifts appear to be opening as scheduled - Note: the Karamatsu pair lift usually only operates on weekends - All areas open Official snow depths: - Summit area: 215cm - Paradise area: 240cm - Chuo area: 240cm - Utopia area: 265cm - Uwanodai area: 160cm - Oomori area: 185cm Zao Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Monday 19th February 2018 Total snowfall at base 703cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 57 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 42cm (on 12th February) November 2017 snowfall 66cm observed on 5 days December 2017 snowfall 193cm observed on 19 days January 2018 snowfall 275cm observed on 21 days February 2018 snowfall 169cm 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