Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 187cm Posted on Saturday 16th January 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Just 1cm of snow to report to you since my last report and a cloudy start to the day with I hear light snow falling on upper areas of the mountain early on and poor visibility due to early morning fog and cloud. Late tomorrow into Monday is looking like it might be exciting. Heavy snowfall ahoy! Fingers crossed everyone. It should be another busy January weekend here - all of the lifts are moving. All we need now really to complete the picture is that snow. All of the lifts at Zao Onsen are operating today. All areas of Zao Onsen are open. Note that there is still less snow than usual and it is thin on the ground especially on lower course areas of the resort. Official snow depths: Utopia: 70cm Chuo: 85cm Paradise: 60cm Uwanodai: 40cm Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Saturday 16th January 2016 Total snowfall at base 187cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 26 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 22cm (on 27th December) November 2015 snowfall 22cm observed on 2 days December 2015 snowfall 96cm observed on 12 days January 2016 snowfall 69cm 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 11cm Snowfall at base this season 186cm Posted on Thursday 14th January 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Hello from Zao and there's some more snow this morning again. Another modest 11cm of snowfall outside my place. It doesn't feel quite as cold this morning but temperatures remaining below zero which is where we want them to be. The forecast is looking pretty decent at the moment with light snow over the next few days, and then some heavier snowfall promised for early in the week. Keep your eye on Monday and Tuesday for a snowstorm that looks like it will bring with it lots of potential. All of the lifts at Zao Onsen are operating (except the Karamatsu pair lift which is closed weekdays). All areas of Zao Onsen are now mostly open. Note that there is still less snow than usual and it is thin on the ground especially on lower course areas of the resort. Official snow depths: Utopia: 65cm Chuo: 85cm Paradise: 60cm Uwanodai: 40cm Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Thursday 14th January 2016 Total snowfall at base 186cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 25 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 22cm (on 27th December) November 2015 snowfall 22cm observed on 2 days December 2015 snowfall 96cm observed on 12 days January 2016 snowfall 68cm 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 4cm Snowfall at base this season 175cm Posted on Wednesday 13th January 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Morning from Zao where it seems that more courses have now opened up this morning with less of the 'part open' on the official course map. It looks like we are at the stage where can say that almost all of the resort is open. I will need to go and do some investigative work this morning I think! It is a mix of cloud and blue sky this morning so some decent visibility to enjoy as well. There's not much of a wind at all, it is keeping cold and there is 4cm of fresh snow outside my place here by the base. Most snowfall is actually on the forecast for today and hopefully tomorrow too. We have received gradual and fairly modest snowfall this last week or so but we still need more. Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Wednesday 13th January 2016 Total snowfall at base 175cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 24 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 22cm (on 27th December) November 2015 snowfall 22cm observed on 2 days December 2015 snowfall 96cm observed on 12 days January 2016 snowfall 57cm 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

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 3cm Snowfall at base this season 171cm Posted on Tuesday 12th January 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . White-out conditions again, higher up in particular, this morning.... and another cold day is on the cards. Cold conditions, snow falling on and off and some gusty wind as well especially up there on the higher slopes. Snow is expected to ease or just be light for the rest of the day today and tomorrow until later on in the day tomorrow - decent snowfall Thursday and Friday? Looking likely... expect the cold temps to continue as well. Consistent mid-winter like conditions sounds good! Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Tuesday 12th January 2016 Total snowfall at base 171cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 23 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 22cm (on 27th December) November 2015 snowfall 22cm observed on 2 days December 2015 snowfall 96cm observed on 12 days January 2016 snowfall 53cm 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 11cm Snowfall at base this season 168cm Posted on Monday 11th January 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Morning from Zao. Another 11cm of fresh this morning so the snow is slowly but surely coming. As have the people this weekend, with lots of them around. So we do actually need 'refils' as well as 'base'! Yesterday the Omori lift started its season and that area of the resort part opened. That means that all of the areas of Zao Onsen are now at least part open, though with some courses not open just yet. I am very much looking forward to the day when I can actually say that 'Zao Onsen is fully open'. It is evidently a gradual process this year though; hopefully it won't be long. Forecast has quite regular snowfall lined up for our mountain here. Looks towards later on Thursday in particular for potentially heavy snowfall. You know how quickly forecasts can change though... Back to this morning though and it is cold. Wrap up well and some decent snow to be found. It is interesting to note that on the official website where they usually mention snow conditions in the different areas of Zao from 'S' (powder snow) through to 'E' ('inferior' snow), they don't seem to have been updating that at all yet this season... All of the lifts at Zao Onsen are operating. All areas of Zao Onsen are now at least part open. Note that there is still less snow than usual and it is thin on the ground especially on lower course areas of the resort. Official snow depths: Utopia: 55cm Chuo: 80cm Paradise: 55cm Uwanodai: 35cm Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Monday 11th January 2016 Total snowfall at base 168cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 22 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 22cm (on 27th December) November 2015 snowfall 22cm observed on 2 days December 2015 snowfall 96cm observed on 12 days January 2016 snowfall 50cm 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 10cm Snowfall at base this season 157cm Posted on Sunday 10th January 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . I have another 10cm of fresh snowfall to report this morning from here in Zao. Good to see that, but we of course need more. Light wind and snow continuing to fall this morning with limited visibility on the mountain with cloud and foggy conditions. Forecast has consistent snowfall over the coming week. What we want is consistent heavy snowfall! Remember that tomorrow is also a holiday in Japan, so it will be busier than a normal Monday. Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Sunday 10th January 2016 Total snowfall at base 157cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 21 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 22cm (on 27th December) November 2015 snowfall 22cm observed on 2 days December 2015 snowfall 96cm observed on 12 days January 2016 snowfall 39cm 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 6cm Snowfall at base this season 147cm Posted on Saturday 9th January 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Hello from Zao on this Saturday morning, the first of the three days in this long weekend. It is snowing outside and I have 6cm to add to the tally this morning. Not a huge amount but as I'm writing this report it is coming down good so I'm hoping for bigger numbers soon. The forecast does look like we are set for consistent snowfall now over the coming week with tomorrow night looking particularly good for heavier snowfall. Might be some stronger winds as well. Consistent snowfall is something that we (and many areas of Japan, at least on Honshu) have been uncharacteristically missing this season and so it will be great if we can get a good healthy run of snowy days under the belt with the snow depths out there seeing consistent increases too. Looking at the official resort information it would seem that today Ryuzan, Nakamori and Kotan are open - I imagine the resort really really wanted those to be joining in the fun for the weekend. So it is just the Omori area that remains closed this morning. Other areas are all at least part open. With this being a long weekend there should be lots of people around. Hope you enjoy it and take care out there! All lifts at Zao Onsen are now operating except for the Omori quad. All areas of Zao Onsen apart from Omori are now at least part open, but snow is still thin on the ground and patchy in some lower areas of the resort. Official snow depths: Utopia: 50cm Chuo: 70cm Paradise: 55cm Uwanodai: 20cm Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Saturday 9th January 2016 Total snowfall at base 147cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 20 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 22cm (on 27th December) November 2015 snowfall 22cm observed on 2 days December 2015 snowfall 96cm observed on 12 days January 2016 snowfall 29cm 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 12cm Snowfall at base this season 141cm Posted on Friday 8th January 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Strong winds and blowy conditions out on the slopes yesterday, but some improved conditions especially on upper slopes areas with snow continuing to fall... and it was cold too. This morning there's 12cm of fresh snow outside since my last report. This new snow has covered some of the patchy lower slopes and things certainly look better, though we of course in need of more snow. I have heard from a friend that the lower Nakamori area is actually skiable but the lifts on that area still appear to be closed (and officially the area is not open). It's calmer this morning and lots of grey cloud around as I am writing this report. Snowfall is expected today and tomorrow... and through the weekend into early week as well. Sunday in particular is looking good for some potentially heavy snowfall. I can't wait to see some of that! It might also be pretty stormy and windy out there with the potential to affect lift operations, hopefully not but something to keep an eye on. Monday 11th January is a national holiday in Japan, making this weekend a popular one so I would expect Zao to be busy. A snowy weekend please! Most of the lifts at Zao Onsen are now operating. Most areas of Zao Onsen are at least part open but snow is still thin on the ground and patchy in lower areas of the resort. The areas that remain 'closed' are Ryuzan, Omori, Kotan and the central run by the Nakamori lifts. Official snow depths: Utopia: 50cm Chuo: 70cm Paradise: 50cm Uwanodai: 20cm Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Friday 8th January 2016 Total snowfall at base 141cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 19 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 22cm (on 27th December) November 2015 snowfall 22cm observed on 2 days December 2015 snowfall 96cm observed on 12 days January 2016 snowfall 23cm 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 1cm Snowfall at base this season 129cm Posted on Thursday 7th January 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning from Zao Onsen where there's just another 1cm or so of snow on the ground since yesterday. There will be more up there on the courses. Precious-as-gold snow that we need should be falling through today, though it's just light at the moment, and then as we get into the weekend it will be getting colder still (almost like mid-winter!). If the forecast is correct, by the end of the weekend things should be looking very different. I really hope so! Unfortunately with news of the snow situation man accommodations have been seeing cancellations etc. Not enough snow pretty much affects everyone. There's be smiles on faces when the snow arrives in style. Most of the lifts at Zao Onsen are now operating. Most areas of Zao Onsen are now at least part open but snow is pretty thin on the ground and patchy in lower areas of the resort. The areas that remain 'closed' are Ryuzan, Omori, Kotan and the central run by the Nakamori lifts. Official snow depths: Utopia: 55cm Chuo: 70cm Paradise: 55cm Uwanodai: 20cm Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Thursday 7th January 2016 Total snowfall at base 129cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 18 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 22cm (on 27th December) November 2015 snowfall 22cm observed on 2 days December 2015 snowfall 96cm observed on 12 days January 2016 snowfall 11cm 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 4cm Snowfall at base this season 128cm Posted on Wednesday 6th January 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Hello from Zao and there was 4cm of fresh snow measured outside my place this morning. Not a huge amount but better than none and there is more on the way according to the forecast. For the moment it is just generally cloudy here with no snow falling. I am pleased to be able to report that is it definitely colder this morning and over the next week it would seem that the temperatures will gradually continue to fall. Wind may be an issue over the coming week as well and it is quite windy this morning. Most importantly, as I said there's snow on the forecast over the coming days. We're just going to have to wait and hope that it's a decent amount... I am hearing comments from lots of locals who have been here longer than I that they cannot remember a New Year with as little snow in Zao as this year. It is worrying. And it seems that the low snow count this season so far is not just this region but most snow resort regions on Honshu, from what I can gather. (Hokkaido seems to be doing pretty good from what I can see on the Now reports from those regions). Here's to a change in that story, and soon! Most of the lifts at Zao Onsen are now operating. Most areas of Zao Onsen are now at least part open but snow is pretty thin on the ground and patchy in lower areas of the resort. The areas that remain 'closed' are Ryuzan, Omori and Kotan. Official snow depths: Utopia: 55cm Chuo: 70cm Paradise: 50cm Uwanodai: 20cm Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Wednesday 6th January 2016 Total snowfall at base 128cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 17 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 22cm (on 27th December) November 2015 snowfall 22cm observed on 2 days December 2015 snowfall 96cm observed on 12 days January 2016 snowfall 10cm 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 1cm Snowfall at base this season 124cm Posted on Tuesday 5th January 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Morning from Zao and it feels more like winter this morning, though we still have some way to go. Snow is falling and it's generally quite poor visibility out there. It's colder too with temperatures now back down all under zero where they should be. The forecast has more snow today - though don't expect much - and then maybe more around Thursday. A cold snowy winter storm is due at the end of the week and over the weekend. I'm sure people who plan on visiting this weekend won't mind me hoping that they'll be experiencing heavy snow...! Most of the lifts at Zao Onsen are now operating. Most areas of Zao Onsen are now at least part open but snow is pretty thin on the ground and patchy in lower areas of the resort. The areas that remain 'closed' are Ryuzan, Omori and Kotan. Official snow depths: Utopia: 55cm Chuo: 70cm Paradise: 50cm Uwanodai: 15cm Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Tuesday 5th January 2016 Total snowfall at base 124cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 16 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 22cm (on 27th December) November 2015 snowfall 22cm observed on 2 days December 2015 snowfall 96cm observed on 12 days January 2016 snowfall 6cm 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 5cm Snowfall at base this season 123cm Posted on Friday 1st January 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Happy New Year! And hello to everyone from here in Zao. There's 5cm of fresh snow outside this morning. It's a cold morning with snow still falling but we expect that to ease off. Tomorrow and Sunday it's going to be getting a little warmer...temps might even venture into + numbers (though hopefully still keep low). The return to a colder situation with the promise of further snowfall looks to be around Tuesday. Official snow depths: Utopia: 60cm Chuo: 70cm Paradise: 50cm Uwanodai: 25cm Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Friday 1st January 2016 Total snowfall at base 123cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 15 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 22cm (on 27th December) November 2015 snowfall 22cm observed on 2 days December 2015 snowfall 96cm observed on 12 days January 2016 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