Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 5cm Snowfall at base this season 70cm Posted on Friday 13th December 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . So much for last night's forecast of heavy snow last night... we just got another 5cm or so since my report yesterday. It's a cloudy morning here, just under 0 degrees as of 9am. Just the same 3 lifts moving this morning, Ropeways aside, but it will be interesting to see what the resort does for tomorrow. I would certainly think there is enough snow for more lifts to be operating and more courses open. No official word yet though. Official snow depths: Utopia: 60cm Chuo: 60cm Paradise: 60cm Uwanodai: 30cm Operating lifts: Ropeways and Gondolas Chuo Number 1 Pair Zao Paradise Pair Utopia Number 1 Pair Zao Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Friday 13th December 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 70cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 6 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (on 12th December) November 2013 snowfall 12cm observed on 1 day December 2013 snowfall 58cm 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 20cm Snowfall at base this season 140cm Posted on Monday 16th December 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . And yes, more snow this morning. About another 20cm or so at base areas though it is just cloudy at the moment though the forecast is for cloud and snow on and off through the day. It boggles the mind how they still only have 50cm at Uwanodai officially - I suppose they must just be compacting it like crazy. Take it with a pinch of salt though as there's much more than that falling. They have 130cm as the number coming from Utopia which is more like it... but then again, there's more! Not quite as cold this morning in Zao, but still -3. Up top temp of -8 reported by the resort. From today the Astraea Number 3 lift, Utopia Number 2 lift and the Omori quad lift join in the fun as more of the mountain opens. Though the Chuo Number 2 and Katakai lift will be closed until Friday. It's all very complicated! From Friday lots of the remaining lifts plan to open and then the resort will pretty much be fully open I would expect. The cheaper early season lift tickets are on sale until the 20th, after which it's normal season prices. Official snow depths: Utopia: 130cm Chuo: 90cm Paradise: 95cm Uwanodai: 50cm Planned operating lifts until Thursday this week: Ropeways and Gondolas Onsen Number 1 pair Onsen Number 2 quad Onsen Number 3 parallel Miaeri pair Chuo Number 1 pair Diamond Number 2 Zao Paradise Pair Shobunuma Number 1 triple / 2 pair Omori quad Yokokura Number 1 pair Yokokura Number 2 pair Astraea Number 1 pair Astraea Number 2 pair Astraea Number 3 pair Utopia Number 1 pair Utopia Number 2 pair Kurohime Number 1 quad Zao Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Monday 16th December 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 140cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 9 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (on 12th December) November 2013 snowfall 12cm observed on 1 day December 2013 snowfall 128cm 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 2cm Snowfall at base this season 168cm Posted on Sunday 22nd December 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . -2 degrees this morning early on and snowing, but not much of a wind. Just a bit of new snow to report, with 5cm higher up. Yesterday up top took a look at how the Ice Monsters were coming on, and they seem to be pretty genki considering we still have a week of December left. The local forecast gives us a good chance of clearer skies tomorrow. Would be good to get to see some sun after this run of snow. Just for a short while, you understand! Official snow depths: Utopia: 145cm Chuo: 115cm Paradise: 140cm Uwanodai: 75cm Zao Onsen is pretty much fully 100% open. Zao Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Sunday 22nd December 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 168cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 12 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (on 12th December) November 2013 snowfall 12cm observed on 1 day December 2013 snowfall 156cm 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 10cm Snowfall at base this season 187cm Posted on Sunday 29th December 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . A snowy morning in Zao with at least another 10cm outside here, so hopefully up to double that in higher places on the mountain. It's a cold one and when I glanced at the thermometer outside earlier on it was down below minus 5. Brrrrr. A cold -12 is being posted by the top Ropeway station as well. It's still snowing and poor visibility with a thick fog thing going on outside this morning. Not much to see at all. Hopefully it might be clearer for the evening light up. Lots of people here in Zao this weekend as everyone prepares for New Year. Zao is not famous for having a lot of nightlife (far from it) but there will be lots of things going on in the hotels and ryokans in the villages and the few places where people can go. Snow and possibly strong winds is lined up over the next few days. Official snow depths: Utopia: 150cm Chuo: 140cm Paradise: 150cm Uwanodai: 85cm Zao Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Sunday 29th December 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 187cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 17 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (on 12th December) November 2013 snowfall 12cm observed on 1 day December 2013 snowfall 175cm 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 1cm Snowfall at base this season 171cm Posted on Wednesday 25th December 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Yesterday I was out on the mountain and found lots of packed powder conditions but lots of untouched as well. Much fewer people around as well compared with the long weekend, as you would expect. This morning visibility should be better. I'm writing this report as we see more blue sky coming through the clouds and the sun shining through my window. Oops, no it's gone behind a cloud again. I reckon it'll clear up more. Hardly any wind again this morning and so a good day to be out on the slopes. Look for a dip in temperatures over the weekend and more snowfall, though the snow forecasts seem to have been downgraded somewhat. Official snow depths: Utopia: 145cm Chuo: 130cm Paradise: 140cm Uwanodai: 80cm Zao Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Wednesday 25th December 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 171cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 14 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (on 12th December) November 2013 snowfall 12cm observed on 1 day December 2013 snowfall 159cm 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 5cm Snowfall at base this season 177cm Posted on Saturday 28th December 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . It's a very cold morning in Zao. -5 degrees earlier and not much 'warmer' now! Snow is falling adding to the 5cm that we got overnight and generally quite poor visibility on the mountain. The forecast has little snowmen all nicely lined up all the way through into New Year now, so we should be getting consistent snowfall. Strong winds might be an issue, and indeed this morning there's a fairly strong wind out there but not enough to affect the lifts and gondolas (at time of writing). Evening "light up' - Starto! (See yesterdays report if that is confusing!) Official snow depths: Utopia: 145cm Chuo: 130cm Paradise: 140cm Uwanodai: 85cm Zao Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Saturday 28th December 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 177cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 16 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (on 12th December) November 2013 snowfall 12cm observed on 1 day December 2013 snowfall 165cm observed on 15 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Zao Onsen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 25cm Snowfall at base this season 165cm Posted on Friday 20th December 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Lots more new snow here this morning. Over 20cm outside my place early on. More like 25cm. I can imagine more than that on the mountain too. The forecast is looking good too for more snow today,tomorrow and perhaps Sunday too with clearer conditions perhaps from early in the week. It's a long weekend with Monday being a national holiday in Japan. Zao will be almost fully open from tomorrow, perhaps 100% open with this snow, and conditions should be very nice. Official snow depths (20th December 13): Utopia: 135cm Chuo: 100cm Paradise: 130cm Uwanodai: 65cm Most of the courses and lifts at Zao Onsen will be open from tomorrow. Zao Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Friday 20th December 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 165cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 10 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (on 12th December) November 2013 snowfall 12cm observed on 1 day December 2013 snowfall 153cm 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 1cm Snowfall at base this season 166cm Posted on Saturday 21st December 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . No new snow in terms of cm this morning in Zao but yesterday was impressive. Surely over 50cm on the mountain and some deep conditions to be had. It is actually snowing at the moment too so it's not over yet. Snow likely through today and tomorrow too. Not actually particularly cold this morning either and just under 0 degrees. Perhaps clearer weather conditions from Monday. Enjoy the weekend! Official snow depths: Utopia: 145cm Chuo: 115cm Paradise: 133cm Uwanodai: 70cm Zao Onsen is now close to 100% open. (Yey!) Zao Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Saturday 21st December 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 166cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 11 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (on 12th December) November 2013 snowfall 12cm observed on 1 day December 2013 snowfall 154cm 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 1cm Snowfall at base this season 172cm Posted on Thursday 26th December 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . A cloudy start to the day and just another thin layer of snow down at base, 1cm. Earlier I couldn't see the top of the mountain but clouds seem to be clearing and I expect today will end up a clear, blue sky day with the sun out. Snow and colder temperatures due tomorrow and through the weekend. Perhaps strong winds too. A storm is coming! Official snow depths: Utopia: 145cm Chuo: 130cm Paradise: 140cm Uwanodai: 80cm Zao Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Thursday 26th December 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 172cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 15 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (on 12th December) November 2013 snowfall 12cm observed on 1 day December 2013 snowfall 160cm 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 2cm Snowfall at base this season 170cm Posted on Tuesday 24th December 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . It's a cold* and snowy morning here in Zao. Just a few cm of new snowfall as it continues to fall this morning. Perhaps the snow clouds will clear later though for a brighter Christmas Day but the snow clouds look set to next be that far away through until the New Year. (* It's cold, but not quite as cold as the -43C that Uwanodai reported on the official site... I suspect it's either -3 or -4!) Official snow depths: Utopia: 145cm Chuo: 130cm Paradise: 140cm Uwanodai: 80cm Zao Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Tuesday 24th December 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 170cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 13 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (on 12th December) November 2013 snowfall 12cm observed on 1 day December 2013 snowfall 158cm 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 2cm Snowfall at base this season 189cm Posted on Monday 30th December 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . A few more cm of fresh snowfall this morning to report from Zao Onsen. At the moment it isn't snowing but it's very cloudy with generally poor visibility. It's quite windy as well, though lift operations do not seem to be affected at all. Snow due every day over the next week, with particularly heavy snowfall likely on New Years Day along with strong winds if the forecast turns out to be correct. Might be a good excuse to party that bit more tomorrow night and then have a good soak the next morning in an onsen. For now though, it's busy here in Zao. Very nice snow conditions. Enjoy. Official snow depths: Utopia: 150cm Chuo: 145cm Paradise: 150cm Uwanodai: 90cm Zao Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Monday 30th December 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 189cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 18 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (on 12th December) November 2013 snowfall 12cm observed on 1 day December 2013 snowfall 177cm 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 2cm Snowfall at base this season 193cm Posted on Wednesday 1st January 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Akemashite Omedeto Gozaimasu, and a very Happy New Year to you all. Zao had a pretty good December of course, so here's to a fantastic January, February, March and April too. And May. This morning the New Year brings us a few more cm of snow, it's snowing now but it's not as cold as it often is and just under 0 degrees at the moment. Nice big flakes of snow falling though right now and I suspect that come tomorrows report I'll be able to tell stories of very fine conditions and a good new delivery of snow. Might have to look out for stronger winds later on today though... Official snow depths: Utopia: 155cm Chuo: 150cm Paradise: 155cm Uwanodai: 90cm Zao Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Wednesday 1st January 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 193cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 20 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (on 12th December) November 2013 snowfall 12cm observed on 1 day December 2013 snowfall 179cm observed on 18 days January 2014 snowfall 2cm 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