Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 10cm Snowfall at base this season 22cm Posted on Saturday 28th November 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Morning from Zao Onsen and we have had more snowfall.... another 10cm or so. All is looking white. There is not enough snow for the ski lifts to open yet though. Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Saturday 28th November 2015 Total snowfall at base 22cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 2 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 12cm (on 26th November) November 2015 snowfall 22cm 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 703cm Posted on Wednesday 25th March 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Lots of cloud today with some clearer skies as well but good and cold too. Warmer conditions going to make themselves known starting tomorrow as we switch back from winter to spring again... maybe for the last time this season? Over the next week it's mostly sunny and warm that is forecast. Official snow depths: Utopia: 240cm Chuo: 210cm Paradise: 220cm Uwanodai: 150cm Zao Onsen is generally open as planned (* note that the Karamatsu pair lift is closed on weekdays). --------------------------------- Planned lift operating dates and closing dates Subject to change. This is what the plans are currently. Until Sunday 22nd March Onsen Zao Kokutai Pair Karamatsu Pair (only 21st and 22nd March) Paradise Number 3 Pair Until Sunday 29th March Onsen Number 3 Parallel AB Onsen Number 4 Quad Ryuzan Pair Nakamori Number 2 Pair Diamond Number 1 Pair (every day until 22nd March, then 28th and 29th March) Diamond Number 2 Pair Until Tuesday 31st March Shobunuma Number 2 Pair Oomori Quad Yokokura Number 2 Pair Astraea Number 2 Pair Astraea Number 3 Pair Until Sunday 5th April Onsen Number 1 Pair Onsen Number 2 Quad Sunrise Pair AB Nakamori Number 1 Triple Mikaeri Pair Until Sunday 12th April Yokokura Number 1 Pair AB Until Sunday 19th April Kurohime Number 1 Quad Until Wednesday 6th May Chuo Number 1 Pair AB Chuo Number 2 Pair AB Katakai Triple (every day until 5th April, then holidays and Golden Week) Paradise Pair AB (every day until 5th April, then holidays and Golden Week) Utopia Number 2 Pair Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Wednesday 25th March 2015 Total snowfall at base 703cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 63 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 103cm 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 10cm Snowfall at base this season 698cm Posted on Tuesday 24th March 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Fresh snow to report from Zao this morning. And a good 10cm of it as well. Decent quality to, with cold temperatures really helping this morning. Last blast of winter? Very possibly. This may last until tomorrow morning, but after that spring is going to come back and take control once again. Should be a great morning out there though, given it's late March! Official snow depths: Utopia: 225cm Chuo: 210cm Paradise: 220cm Uwanodai: 135cm Zao Onsen is generally open as planned (* note that the Karamatsu pair lift is closed on weekdays). Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Tuesday 24th March 2015 Total snowfall at base 698cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 62 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 98cm 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 5cm Snowfall at base this season 688cm Posted on Saturday 14th March 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning from the village here at the base of Zao and some new snowfall to report, another 5cm since yesterday. Temperatures remaining cold for now and just cloudy conditions at the start of the day. Weather conditions are set to clear and calm properly starting from tomorrow leaving us with lots of clear skies and sun. Warmth too and a real spring feel in the air seems inevitable come Monday/Tuesday. Still, feels more winter like this morning and conditions should be very good. Who knows it the snow of the last few days will be the last significant snow of the season or not. Just in case, best to get the boots and strap the board on and get out to enjoy it. Official snow depths: Utopia: 275cm Chuo: 230cm Paradise: 225cm Uwanodai: 170cm Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Saturday 14th March 2015 Total snowfall at base 688cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 61 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 88cm 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 15cm Snowfall at base this season 683cm Posted on Friday 13th March 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . There's less wind this morning and the resort looks like it's all back to open as normal. Winter is still here with another 15+cm of snow since yesterday. The coming weekend should be great. Spring is due back next week. Official snow depths: Utopia: 275cm Chuo: 230cm Paradise: 225cm Uwanodai: 170cm Zao Onsen is generally open as planned (* note that the Karamatsu pair lift is closed on weekdays). Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Friday 13th March 2015 Total snowfall at base 683cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 60 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 83cm 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 14cm Snowfall at base this season 668cm Posted on Thursday 12th March 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Morning from Zao. More snow this morning"! Less lifts are affected this morning but still the Ropeway to the top of the mountain is closed early on along with a few other lifts. Snowfall forecast to contiunue today and into tomorrow too. Once we get to Sunday the skies should have properly cleared and we'll be back to sunny, probably spring-like weather conditions. I forgot to mention in the report yesterday and was meaning to. March 11th four years ago was a very bad day. It seems a long time ago, but at the same time I have vivid memories of it all. I was taking a look back over the archive reports from around then and it makes for an interesting read. Do take a look. Here's to never having to go through that kind of situatuion again... Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Thursday 12th March 2015 Total snowfall at base 668cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 59 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 68cm 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 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