Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 10cm Snowfall at base this season 393cm Posted on Monday 12th January 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Light snow easing off this morning and fairly decent visibility now. Is that the sun I can just about make out behind some clouds there? And even a bit of blue sky? I think it might be! We're heading into a break from snow and a spell of more settled and clearer weather conditions from tomorrow and that will likely stretch to the end of the week. Personally I'm looking forward to hopefully a few days of sun. Just as long as it doesn't warm up too much - and forecasts tell us it shouldn't - conditions should keep and it should be a great week to be in Zao. Oh yes, 10cm more fresh since yesterday. Official snow depths: Utopia: 190cm Chuo: 200cm Paradise: 190cm Uwanodai: 140cm Zao Onsen is fully open (though note that the Karamatsu pair lift is closed on weekdays). Weather conditions may affect lifts. Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Monday 12th January 2015 Total snowfall at base 393cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 33 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 92cm 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 383cm Posted on Sunday 11th January 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Another cold morning (aren't they all here?!) and just cloudy right now. Snow is forecast for later on in particular though so I should have more than the dusting that we have this morning to report tomorrow. Early report today as I am off on my way to Yamagata city this morning. Lots of people coming up the other way by the looks of things. Official snow depths: Utopia: 190cm Chuo: 200cm Paradise: 190cm Uwanodai: 140cm Zao Onsen is fully open (though note that the Karamatsu pair lift is closed on weekdays). Weather conditions may affect lifts. Night skiing operations at Zao this season.... Uwanodai area: Daily until 22nd March Yokokura area: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from until 15th March Open times from 5pm until 9pm. Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Sunday 11th January 2015 Total snowfall at base 383cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 32 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 82cm 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 2cm Snowfall at base this season 395cm Posted on Friday 16th January 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . A few cm of snow to report this morning from Zao though it's not snowing now and just cloudy. A relatively mild 0C here in the village and no wind. All is calm. Snow is expected tonight and tomorrow, with a chance of fairly strong winds. They're having some practice runs on the ski jump today for the event that officially starts tomorrow. Official snow depths: Utopia: 190cm Chuo: 200cm Paradise: 190cm Uwanodai: 130cm Zao Onsen is fully open (though note that the Karamatsu pair lift is closed on weekdays). Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Friday 16th January 2015 Total snowfall at base 395cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 34 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 94cm 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 15cm Snowfall at base this season 410cm Posted on Sunday 18th January 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Strong winds yesterday meant that in the end the Ski Jumping event was apparently cancelled. I wasn't around but it's a shame when events can't go ahead as planned of course. This morning we have a good 15-20cm of fresh snowfall and once again there's not much to see out of the window other than grey/white. Visibility poor even down here in the village and while it has actually improved a bit in the last hour or so, most certainly poor out on higher areas of the mountain. It's a cold morning with snow still falling and a moderate wind. Not as strong as yesterday, but still a wind chill. Feels very cold out. Forecast tells us it might even clear up to an extent later on today but the snow clouds won't be far away over the next few days. Official snow depths): Utopia: 195cm Chuo: 200cm Paradise: 200cm Uwanodai: 135cm Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Sunday 18th January 2015 Total snowfall at base 410cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 35 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 109cm 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 5cm Snowfall at base this season 415cm Posted on Tuesday 20th January 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . I can actually see stuff this morning! Yes, while there's still lots of cloud about, I can see the mountain for a change this morning. Is that the sun I can see trying to come out from behind the cloud as well?! Moderately windy conditions forecast for today but mostly just cloud with a chance of finer wather later and tomorrow as well. Snow is forecast for the day on Thursday. Official snow depths: Utopia: 200cm Chuo: 200cm Paradise: 200cm Uwanodai: 135cm Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Tuesday 20th January 2015 Total snowfall at base 415cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 36 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 114cm 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 3cm Snowfall at base this season 419cm Posted on Saturday 31st January 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Hello and good morning from a snowy Zao. Just a few cm of fresh snow to report but more is expected through the day today, tonight and also into tomorrow. It's not crazy cold this morning. Foggy conditions on the mountain with poor visibility all round unfortunately. One of those mornings when you can't see much at all of anything. It's the Festival tonight... over at Uwanodai if you are around. Might see you there. (If the fog clears up enough!) Heavy snow once the festival has finished please! Official snow depths: Utopia: 190cm Chuo: 200cm Paradise: 200cm Uwanodai: 135cm Zao Onsen is fully open (though note that the Karamatsu pair lift is closed on weekdays). Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Saturday 31st January 2015 Total snowfall at base 419cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 38 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 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 416cm Posted on Wednesday 28th January 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Back to winter this morning! Nice and cold once again after that rather warm day yesterday in particular, with just a sprinkling of snow on the ground.. I think I can just about report it as 1cm. A light wind. Visibility somewhat limited especially on upper areas of the resort and light snowfall at times. Potentially heavy snowfall is due Friday into the weekend. Keep an eye on that over the next few days... It's the Zao Juhyo Festival coming up on Saturday 31st January. 7:15pm until 8:30pm at the stage area by the Base Center at Uwanodai - be there for some traditional snow and fire themed festival fun. Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Wednesday 28th January 2015 Total snowfall at base 416cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 37 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 115cm 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 15cm Snowfall at base this season 449cm Posted on Monday 2nd February 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . The sun is out at the moment this morning with more blue sky appearing. Large shadows in places due to lots of cloud still around up there but it's a feel-good morning weather wise. Keeping good and cold and so snow conditions on the slopes should be great this morning with a nice new layer to enjoy. Over the next few days a varied menu of cloud, sun, light snow showers (nothing major) seems to be forecast. Looks quiet after the busy weekend. Official snow depths: Utopia: 210cm Chuo: 200cm Paradise: 200cm Uwanodai: 150cm Zao Onsen is fully open (* note that the Karamatsu pair lift is closed on weekdays). Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Monday 2nd February 2015 Total snowfall at base 449cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 40 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 30cm 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 15cm Snowfall at base this season 434cm Posted on Sunday 1st February 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . The festival did take place last night with snow falling all around us - the stormy conditions didn't spoil things and it went ahead as did the fireworks. So yes, new snowfall. There's at least 15cm of fresh overnight giving the mountain a good refresh for this morning. It's a cold start to the day and just cloudy conditions now with the snow easing off. Snowfall on and off for the day forecast though and as I look out it's another day of limited visibility. Similar conditions on the local forecast for tomorrow. Official snow depths: Utopia: 190cm Chuo: 200cm Paradise: 200cm Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Sunday 1st February 2015 Total snowfall at base 434cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 39 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 15cm 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

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 330cm Posted on Monday 1st February 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning from Zao. More limited visibility on the mountain again this morning but it's not snowing - more like a cloudy and foggy situation. There has been a bit of snow since yesterday but it's rather wet and heavy. I had fun out there yesterday but my knees and thighs definitely took a good workout and we could really be doing with a new decent delivery of snow to liven things up and freshen things up. Which brings me to... I am finding myself disagreeing with the snow quality code that the resort is publishing at the moment. The available codes are as below: S - powder snow A - very good B - fairly good C - normal/average D - fairly poor E - poor The resort today is claiming 'S' as the mountain-wide quality of snow this morning. If today is 'S', then how do we compare that with when there's 40cm of fresh light dry powder out there? Today is not 'S'. Anyway, enough of that hopefully we should get a bit of snowfall tomorrow and then after that it's probably going to be the end of the week before we get much more. Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Monday 1st February 2016 Total snowfall at base 330cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 40 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 211cm observed on 25 days February 2016 snowfall 1cm 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

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 5cm Snowfall at base this season 354cm Posted on Saturday 6th February 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . It's snowing again this morning. 5cm on the ground around my base area here and more falling as I write this - I think it's going to be limited visibility up on the slopes once again this morning. It might well be snowing right now but not a whole lot of snow is expected over the next few days, so says the updated forecast. After Monday when sunny skies are expected, the next decent snowfall would seem to be due around Tuesday/Wednesday and we might get some strong winds blowing about as well then. Still it should keep cold each day. Tonight it's the Juhyo Matsuri (festival) tonight with amongst other things a firework display from 9pm. And welcome to all of the guests who are now here in Zao for the Chinese New Year. All lifts are operating this morning. Official snow depths: Utopia: 125cm Chuo: 160cm Paradise: 140cm Uwanodai: 110cm Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Saturday 6th February 2016 Total snowfall at base 354cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 44 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 211cm observed on 25 days February 2016 snowfall 25cm observed on 5 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Zao Onsen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 355cm Posted on Monday 8th February 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Morning from Zao Onsen, and it's a really cold one - possibly the coldest morning of the season, certainly one of them. My thermometer earlier on was saying -7 degrees. Wonder how much colder it is up on the mountain right now?! (Resort is reporting -12 degrees as of 8:30am). There was some cloud around earlier as well but it's mostly blue sky now and the sun shining brightly. Lovely. Still due to be snowing tomorrow and into Wednesday and hopefully strong winds won't cause us any problems. Lots of Japan looks like it's due something of a warm up this coming weekend and it might well bring with it some rain. Here's to avoiding that lot! All lifts are operating this morning. Official snow depths: Utopia: 125cm Chuo: 160cm Paradise: 140cm Uwanodai: 110cm Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Monday 8th February 2016 Total snowfall at base 355cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 45 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 211cm observed on 25 days February 2016 snowfall 26cm 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