Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 283cm Posted on Sunday 24th January 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Morning from Zao. I can see storms affecting lots of areas this morning but not here in Zao. Just 2cm of snowfall (just about) since my last report and not much of a wind. It's whiteout conditions on the mountain though with fog making visibility very poor. Still all lifts are go and the resort remains open. Just take care where you're going! We are forecast snow for today and maybe more tomorrow but things should ease off from Tuesday in terms of snow but there might be some strong winds this coming week. All planned lifts are operating this morning Official snow depths: Utopia: 110cm Chuo: 140cm Paradise: 135cm Uwanodai: 95cm Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Sunday 24th January 2016 Total snowfall at base 283cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 33 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 165cm 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 281cm Posted on Saturday 23rd January 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . It's another cold morning here in Zao, just 1cm of snow this morning to report. No wind, thin clouds and a bit of sun trying to break through at times... generally quite calm conditions this morning. The only other thing to mention this busy Saturday morning is that potentially heavy snow is still due later on tomorrow, with the lighter variety forecast to start later on today. Fresh snow always sounds good. Lots please! All planned lifts are operating this morning Official snow depths: Utopia: 110cm Chuo: 140cm Paradise: 135cm Uwanodai: 95cm Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Saturday 23rd January 2016 Total snowfall at base 281cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 32 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 163cm 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 8cm Snowfall at base this season 280cm Posted on Thursday 21st January 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Morning from Zao where there's 8cm of new snowfall since my last report. There appears to be less wind today and it is just cloudy. The resort is open as normal. All is good. The forecast has us down for light snow today and tomorrow, perhaps some clearer periods, and then colder still conditions and moderate to heavy snowfall around Sunday. So if you are planning for the weekend, Saturday might be the better choice. Or not, if you like the stormy conditions. The risk is that if it's windy there may be disruptions to the lift operations. Over at the Ski Jump later on today there will be over 50 ladies competing. Always fun to watch. The competition starts at 5:30pm. All planned lifts operating (Karamatsu pair lift is weekend-only) Official snow depths: Utopia: 110cm Chuo: 130cm Paradise: 130cm Uwanodai: 95cm Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Thursday 21st January 2016 Total snowfall at base 280cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 31 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 162cm 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 12cm Snowfall at base this season 272cm Posted on Wednesday 20th January 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Morning from Zao. After that huge amount of snow yesterday, this morning there's another 12cm to report. A few lifts seem to be not operating at the time of writing, but they shouldn't affect the courses that are available and hopefully will start chugging along soon enough. Conditions should be really great on the slopes this morning, though wind-chill will very probably be a factor this morning so wrap up good. Regular snowfall on the forecast and so we can expect some decent top-ups in the coming week. Most lifts open this morning. Official snow depths: Utopia: 110cm Chuo: 130cm Paradise: 130cm Uwanodai: 90cm Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Wednesday 20th January 2016 Total snowfall at base 272cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 30 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 154cm 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 26cm Snowfall at base this season 214cm Posted on Monday 18th January 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Morning from Zao. And heavy snow it is! Strong winds mean that there's less/more in different places but a few measurements in places round the back of my place tell me 26cm is a fair representation of what has fallen since my last report. That's more like it, isn't it? It is a cold, windy and snowy morning here in Zao but having to shovel snow is not stopping people from smiling as this kind of snow is exactly what we need. A few days of it and things should be full on. Today does look like it might bring the most snow during this storm but snow clouds are due over the mountain for at least the next few days. It might remain windy as well. At the time of writing all of the Ropeways are stopped and all of the lifts - except it would appear the Onsen Number 1, 2 and 3 lifts. Whiteout conditions out there. Time for a good soak in an onsen I think. More... more... more... please! All lifts apart from three Onsen lifts are closed as of 9am. Official snow depths: Utopia: 70cm Chuo: 90cm Paradise: 70cm Uwanodai: 45cm Uwanodai: 40cm Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Monday 18th January 2016 Total snowfall at base 214cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 28 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 26cm (on 18th January) November 2015 snowfall 22cm observed on 2 days December 2015 snowfall 96cm observed on 12 days January 2016 snowfall 96cm 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 1cm Snowfall at base this season 188cm Posted on Sunday 17th January 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Morning from Zao where there has been just another small amount of snow since my last report... just about enough to clock in 1cm. Light snow is falling now and it's foggy with poor visibility up on the mountain I hear. It is a cold morning too. All is open. Now, let's have that heavy snow to really get us in the mood! We can expect stormy conditions tomorrow meaning hopefully heavy snowfall (very heavy snowfall?!) as well as strong winds that may well affect lift operations. It might be cruel for the people here just now but heavy snowfall is something that I think everyone will want us to be getting. Bring it on! 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 Sunday 17th January 2016 Total snowfall at base 188cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 27 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 70cm 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 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