Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 25cm Snowfall at base this season 654cm Posted on Wednesday 11th March 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Welcome back winter! We really like you, so stick around please. Over 20cm of snowfall outside this morning, and a cold morning it is too. Proper winter conditions with snow still falling. March sure can be unpredictable, but we love it when it throws up conditions like these. Well apart from strong wind that affects lifts and it looks like many are indeed affected. In fact it seems only a limited area is open this morning mostly on the left side of the mountain around Sky Cable. You might notice the snow depth number for Utopia has jumped 35cm this morning, whether there actually is that much new snow up there I can't confirm but it sounds reasonable. Might have to go check once the lifts open... Official snow depths: Utopia: 260cm Chuo: 220cm Paradise: 215cm Uwanodai: 160cm Zao Onsen is generally open as planned (* note that the Karamatsu pair lift is closed on weekdays). Many lifts affected by strong wind this morning. Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Wednesday 11th March 2015 Total snowfall at base 654cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 58 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 80cm (on 3rd December) November 2014 snowfall 20cm observed on 2 days December 2014 snowfall 281cm observed on 21 days January 2015 snowfall 118cm observed on 15 days February 2015 snowfall 181cm observed on 15 days March 2015 snowfall 54cm 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 10cm Snowfall at base this season 301cm Posted on Wednesday 31st December 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . It's another day when visibility is poor, though we do have another 10+cm of snow on the ground. Kind of heavy wet snow rather than light and fluffy but with lots of areas suffering from rain yesterday it's preferred! Snow is expected to continue today through tomorrow and wind will probably not be too far away in the coming few days. It's remaining quite mild today but for the first day of the new year the temps are set to plummet for at least a few days. Until tomorrow! Official snow depths: Utopia: 170cm Chuo: 180cm Paradise: 160cm Uwanodai: 135cm Zao Onsen is fully open. Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Wednesday 31st December 2014 Total snowfall at base 301cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 23 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 80cm (on 3rd December) November 2014 snowfall 20cm observed on 2 days December 2014 snowfall 281cm observed on 21 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 291cm Posted on Saturday 27th December 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . A few more cm of snow since yesterday and this morning we actually get to see a bit of sunshine. Keeping suitably cold though. The Ryuzan Pair lift open from today for the holidays meaning that - Yokokura no kabe aside - the resort is completely open. Night time 'light up' operations to go see the Ice Monsters at the top of the mountain start tonight. See below for full details on dates. Looks like the first night should be quite clear. Tomorrow forecast to be fine and sunny... slightly less cold. Official snow depths: Utopia: 170cm Chuo: 180cm Paradise: 170cm Uwanodai: 135cm Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Saturday 27th December 2014 Total snowfall at base 291cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 22 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 80cm (on 3rd December) November 2014 snowfall 20cm observed on 2 days December 2014 snowfall 271cm observed on 20 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 289cm Posted on Friday 26th December 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . More snow. Around another 10cm of fresh as winds howl and it continues to fall. Doesn't seem to be affecting lifts though but visibility is poor (very poor) out on the mountain this morning. The webcam isn't really showing much many days is it really?! It will be good to have one of those rare blue sky days soon. Perhaps tomorrow, with a high chance of clear skies on Sunday. It should be a good weekend. Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Friday 26th December 2014 Total snowfall at base 289cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 21 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 80cm (on 3rd December) November 2014 snowfall 20cm observed on 2 days December 2014 snowfall 269cm observed on 19 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 276cm Posted on Wednesday 24th December 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Just a dusting of fresh snow this morning in my report. Not as cold this morning, just under 0 degrees, and it's calm out there. Cloudy conditions with the upper mountain covered in early morning fog so visibility right now poor up there. Might be a hint of clearer skies once that sorts itself out but we are expecting snow showers later on today and overnight and possibly tomorrow too. It will be a very white Christmas. Got to keep an eye out for possibly stronger winds though. Should be a fine day. Official snow depths: Utopia: 170cm Chuo: 170cm Paradise: 170cm Uwanodai: 125cm Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Wednesday 24th December 2014 Total snowfall at base 276cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 19 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 80cm (on 3rd December) November 2014 snowfall 20cm observed on 2 days December 2014 snowfall 256cm observed on 17 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 279cm Posted on Thursday 25th December 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Just a few more cm of snow to report this morning from Zao where it is snowing on and off at the moment and quite foggy in places. That's basically what the forecast is saying as well for the day today and for tomorrow as well, before the skies clear up by maybe Saturday or more definitely Sunday. We're not seeing that many clear days this month so far, so it will be good to have a run of them when the resort is busy. Unfortunately, the famous Yokokura-no-kabe steel mogul course is closed due to avalanche danger at the moment. No word on when that will be able to re-open. Other than that and the Ryuzan area, all of the areas of Zao are now open and enjoying some fine conditions. Official snow depths: Utopia: 170cm Chuo: 180cm Paradise: 170cm Uwanodai: 130cm Night skiing operations at Zao this season Uwanodai area: Daily until 22nd March Yokokura area: From Friday 26th December until 4th January; Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Friday 9th January until 15th March Open times from 5pm until 9pm. Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Thursday 25th December 2014 Total snowfall at base 279cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 20 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 80cm (on 3rd December) November 2014 snowfall 20cm observed on 2 days December 2014 snowfall 259cm observed on 18 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 20cm Snowfall at base this season 275cm Posted on Tuesday 23rd December 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good haul of fresh snow this morning with over 20cm here in the village area and no doubt more than that up at higher elevations. Fresh snow wherever you decide to ski or board this morning. It's also blowing around a lot with strong winds and poor visibility, but looks like the resort is open as planned. Going to clear a bit later on and tomorrow? Official snow depths: Utopia: 170cm Chuo: 170cm Paradise: 170cm Uwanodai: 125cm Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Tuesday 23rd December 2014 Total snowfall at base 275cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 18 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 80cm (on 3rd December) November 2014 snowfall 20cm observed on 2 days December 2014 snowfall 255cm observed on 16 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 10cm Posted on Friday 14th November 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning everyone and welcome back to my Zao Now reports, coming to you once again directly from this lovely little village nestled at the bottom of the ski runs. And it's something of a snowy morning as well here I'm happy to report. The official opening and safety ceremony for the skijo this season will be held at 11am on Saturday 6th December, but hopefully there will be lifts moving before then. Quite when that will be, we don't know yet but they usually get some lifts moving as soon as is possible in late November. This snow very likely will not last much beyond today though it does seem set to remain cold into next week with the chance of some sprinklings. Exciting stuff. Let it be a fine, long and powdery season of the most excellent kind! Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Friday 14th November 2014 Total snowfall at base 10cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 1 day Most snowfall observed in 1 day 10cm (on 14th November) November 2014 snowfall 10cm observed on 1 day Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Zao Onsen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 3cm Snowfall at base this season 476cm Posted on Wednesday 5th March 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . It is mild this morning in Zao, but some snow is falling. The snow is a bit heavy and wet, but there's about 3cm or so down in the village so far but from tomorrow we should be having much colder conditions. Looks like it might well drop down to peak season winter-like conditions again. Obviously that would be great. Snow still on the forecast to and beyond the weekend. Still wind on the forecast too. Official snow depths: Utopia: 290cm Chuo: 260cm Paradise: 280cm Uwanodai: 180cm Zao Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Wednesday 5th March 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 476cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 49 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 50cm (on 16th February) November 2013 snowfall 12cm observed on 1 day December 2013 snowfall 179cm observed on 18 days January 2014 snowfall 111cm observed on 18 days February 2014 snowfall 166cm observed on 10 days March 2014 snowfall 8cm 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 320cm Posted on Saturday 8th February 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . It might be snowing more in Tokyo than Zao this morning. Which seems odd, but hopefully very soon change! We do have a few cm of snow but it is just a cloudy morning for now. So when's this promised snow coming? By tonight hopefully and it looks like potentially quite a lot of it. We'll have to see. Just cloudy now then but cold. Official snow depths: Utopia: 250cm Chuo: 200cm Paradise: 230cm Uwanodai: 140cm Zao Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Saturday 8th February 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 320cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 41 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (on 2nd January) November 2013 snowfall 12cm observed on 1 day December 2013 snowfall 179cm observed on 18 days January 2014 snowfall 111cm observed on 18 days February 2014 snowfall 18cm 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 318cm Posted on Friday 7th February 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . A few cm of fresh snow this morning on the ground outside my place at base and earlier on the sun was out but it has since clouded over somewhat. Snow this morning seems really light and I expect conditions on the slopes to very good. We're looking at more snow to fall as well tomorrow and probably Sunday as well. Weekend visitors - come prepared! Official snow depths: Utopia: 250cm Chuo: 200cm Paradise: 230cm Uwanodai: 140cm Zao Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Friday 7th February 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 318cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 40 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (on 2nd January) November 2013 snowfall 12cm observed on 1 day December 2013 snowfall 179cm observed on 18 days January 2014 snowfall 111cm observed on 18 days February 2014 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 10cm Snowfall at base this season 315cm Posted on Thursday 6th February 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Morning from a snowy and windy Zao again. Over 10cm of fresh snow on the ground, cold, strong winds blowing it about and poor visibility is the story of the day here. Lifts seem to be moving ok though. We are due to see calmer conditions tomorrow and maybe even some breaks in the cloud but come weekend and we are back to snow. Possibly heavy snow as well, even though it doesn't look like it will be quite as cold as it is the last few days. Official snow depths: Utopia: 250cm Chuo: 195cm Paradise: 230cm Uwanodai: 140cm Zao Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Thursday 6th February 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 315cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 39 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (on 2nd January) November 2013 snowfall 12cm observed on 1 day December 2013 snowfall 179cm observed on 18 days January 2014 snowfall 111cm observed on 18 days February 2014 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