Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 18cm Snowfall at base this season 365cm Posted on Tuesday 18th January 2022 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . It is a very grey morning but with a fresh batch of snow. However: Winds started to appear yesterday at midday and today we have a storm warning broadcast. Expect strong winds and potential for lift closures which are usually the Zao Sky Cable, Zao Ropeway, Omori and Kurohime Quads. It should snow lightly throughout the day and be much calmer tomorrow. Enjoy what you can! Official snow depth Summit: 100cm Paradise: 180cm Chuo: 180cm Utopia: 210cm Uwanodai: 130cm All areas are opening as planned but some lifts and areas subject to close today due to wind. Zao Now 2021-2022 season Data as of Tuesday 18th January 2022 Total snowfall at base 365cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 32 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (on 27th and 28th December) November 2021 snowfall 38cm observed on 3 days December 2021 snowfall 160cm observed on 14 days January 2022 snowfall 167cm 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 347cm Posted on Monday 17th January 2022 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . A very peaceful morning with the few currently on the mountain concentrated on the Chuo slopes. It started off half 'n' half but cloud has come up from the valley. Visibility is fine but views are restricted to the top. If you're a groomer fan, a perfect day for you! It should start to snow towards the end of the day modestly. Official snow depth Summit: 100cm Paradise: 170cm Chuo: 170cm Utopia: 200cm Uwanodai: 130cm All areas are opening as planned. Zao Now 2021-2022 season Data as of Monday 17th January 2022 Total snowfall at base 347cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 31 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (on 27th and 28th December) November 2021 snowfall 38cm observed on 3 days December 2021 snowfall 160cm observed on 14 days January 2022 snowfall 149cm 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 10cm Snowfall at base this season 346cm Posted on Saturday 15th January 2022 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning and it certainly started off that way with the peaks set against a clear sky. An encouraging start. However, cloud has now come down over the peaks but it is sunny lower down. Basically cloudy with sunny spells today I imagine. With the snow having stopped, visibility is therefore improved upon but still variable in areas along with wind. A big improvement nevertheless over the past number of days and weekenders will enjoy the good amount of snow which has been steadily increased. Official snow depth at Utopia hitting 200cm at last! Official snow depth Summit: 100cm Paradise: 170cm Chuo: 170cm Utopia: 200cm Uwanodai: 130cm All areas are open. Zao Now 2021-2022 season Data as of Saturday 15th January 2022 Total snowfall at base 346cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 30 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (on 27th and 28th December) November 2021 snowfall 38cm observed on 3 days December 2021 snowfall 160cm observed on 14 days January 2022 snowfall 148cm 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 20cm Snowfall at base this season 336cm Posted on Friday 14th January 2022 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Ho hum, today is very much the same as yesterday except perhaps for a bit more snow. With the wind still being around plus the extra snow to clear, it is not clear at the moment which lifts will be running and which are late in opening. If you're coming in for the weekend tomorrow, the wind will still be around in the morning but with the day becoming calmer progressively and a good chance of a clear sunny Sunday morning. Official snow depth Summit: 95cm Paradise: 170cm Chuo: 170cm Utopia: 190cm Uwanodai: 130cm Most lifts and course areas are scheduled to be open. Zao Now 2021-2022 season Data as of Friday 14th January 2022 Total snowfall at base 336cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 29 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (on 27th and 28th December) November 2021 snowfall 38cm observed on 3 days December 2021 snowfall 160cm observed on 14 days January 2022 snowfall 138cm 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 10cm Snowfall at base this season 316cm Posted on Thursday 13th January 2022 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning after a very blustery day yesterday with blizzards abounding. Today is a lot calmer but still with medium winds around especially higher up. Visibility has not improved that much and the current light snow is likely to increase as the day goes by. At least the fresh snow is extremely fine like talcum powder. Official snow depth Summit: 95cm Paradise: 160cm Chuo: 160cm Utopia: 190cm Uwanodai: 120cm Zao Now 2021-2022 season Data as of Thursday 13th January 2022 Total snowfall at base 316cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 28 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (on 27th and 28th December) November 2021 snowfall 38cm observed on 3 days December 2021 snowfall 160cm observed on 14 days January 2022 snowfall 118cm 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 12cm Snowfall at base this season 306cm Posted on Wednesday 12th January 2022 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Snow storm warning broadcasted on the phone this morning and there are definitely signs of this about. The Omori/Kurohime sides of the mountain are shut and I am surprised that the others are still showing as being open. More lifts may shut during the day. Very strong winds at mid-level is predicted with temperatures being in the -20s from wind chill. The snow should continue to fall during the day with more anticipated for tomorrow but high winds still forecasted through Saturday. Could be a good day for the Onsen?! Official snow depth Summit: 90cm Paradise: 150cm Chuo: 150cm Utopia: 185cm Uwanodai: 115cm Zao Now 2021-2022 season Data as of Wednesday 12th January 2022 Total snowfall at base 306cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 27 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (on 27th and 28th December) November 2021 snowfall 38cm observed on 3 days December 2021 snowfall 160cm observed on 14 days January 2022 snowfall 108cm 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 8cm Snowfall at base this season 234cm Posted on Sunday 2nd January 2022 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . We gained a bit more snow but most of it yesterday. Tonight should see another good fall. It started off sunny today and, as a result, the tour buses poured in and by 10am there was an hour long queue at the Zao Ropeway to see the juhyo (snowy tree forest/snow monsters). It is now cloudy but without the fog. Other parts of the resort are moving well. It has been a very busy few days, certainly different from last year which tallies with reports on the rest of the country. Official snow depth Summit: 75cm Paradise: 120cm Chuo: 120cm Utopia: 180cm Uwanodai: 80cm Almost all lifts and areas and runs are scheduled to be open. Zao Now 2021-2022 season Data as of Sunday 2nd January 2022 Total snowfall at base 234cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 19 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (on 27th and 28th December) November 2021 snowfall 38cm observed on 3 days December 2021 snowfall 160cm observed on 14 days January 2022 snowfall 36cm 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 1cm Snowfall at base this season 55cm Posted on Monday 13th December 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . I went to bed with a snow storm warning come up on my phone. Sadly the temperature dropped too late to take advantage of the rain, resulting in a meagre 1cm. The good news is that at least the wet ground froze enough to permit this and temperatures are way down today. It is very cold up there with low visibility and high winds. I was considering getting out after the fairly busy weekend on the slopes but it is quite gloomy so will give it a miss. There is a chance of light snowfall during the day but it appears that we will have to wait until the end of the week for anything significant. Promises promises! Areas at least part open: Chuo Diamond Valley Utopia Uwanodai Official snow depth Summit: 30cm Paradise: 30cm Chuo: 30cm Utopia: 30cm Uwanodai: 20cm Zao Now 2021-2022 season Data as of Monday 13th December 2021 Total snowfall at base 55cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 6 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 20cm (on 27th November) November 2021 snowfall 38cm observed on 3 days December 2021 snowfall 17cm observed on 3 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Zao Onsen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 389cm Posted on Wednesday 5th May 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning from Zao. We (along with everywhere else) had a good start to the season following last year's late start. Unfortunately, (or maybe it's just me), the good stuff seemed to end far too quickly - end of February - although it was still possible to ride into May (today, with just part of Chuo open). It was good to see so many locals this year but it is not clear if this was the result of the pandemic and working from home, reduced business hours/being open to the public. See you (hopefully) in November. Zao Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Wednesday 5th May 2021 Total snowfall at base 389cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 51 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 24cm (on 30th January) November 2020 snowfall 0cm December 2020 snowfall 142cm observed on 15 days January 2021 snowfall 146cm observed on 20 days February 2021 snowfall 90cm observed on 14 days March 2021 snowfall 11cm observed on 2 days April 2021 snowfall 0cm Previous 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 0cm Snowfall at base this season 389cm Posted on Saturday 24th April 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Just the Chuo pairs operating now (other than the Ropeways) and that Chuo run. Utopia lift was planned to open through Golden Week but has closed for the season now due to the snow drying up. A high of around 15C is forecast today; tomorrow and Monday should be a bit colder. The following areas remain at least part open, subject to change: - Chuo (part) Official snow depths (as reported by the ski area): - Summit area: 15cm - Chuo area: 50cm - Utopia area: 25cm - Uwanodai area: -cm - Omori: -cm Planned lift closing dates (subject to change): Operating until 5th May: - Chuo Number 1 pair - Chuo Number 2 pair: 24th, 25th, 29th April, 1st-5th May Operating through the year (for sightseeing): - Sky Cable - Chuo Ropeway - Zao Ropeway * Other ski lifts are already closed for the season * All dates subject to change depending on snow conditions Zao Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Saturday 24th April 2021 Total snowfall at base 389cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 51 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 24cm (on 30th January) November 2020 snowfall 0cm December 2020 snowfall 142cm observed on 15 days January 2021 snowfall 146cm observed on 20 days February 2021 snowfall 90cm observed on 14 days March 2021 snowfall 11cm observed on 2 days April 2021 snowfall 0cm 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 0cm Snowfall at base this season 389cm Posted on Saturday 3rd April 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Weekend update. It's a fine spring morning, though we are forecast cloud and some rain later in the day tomorrow. The Diamond ski lift will be finishing the season tomorrow and some more will only now be open on weekends (snow depending). As you can see from the webcam image below, snow has mostly gone from by the base ropeway station. The following areas remain at least part open (other areas now closed): - Chuo - Utopia - Paradise - Diamond Valley Official snow depths (as reported by the ski area): - Summit area: 80cm - Chuo area: 90cm - Utopia area: 100cm - Uwanodai area: -cm - Omori: -cm Planned lift closing dates (subject to change): Operating until 4th April: - Diamond Number 2 pair Operating until 11th April: - Mikaeri pair: daily until 4th April and then 10th, 11th April - Katakai triple: daily until 4th April and then 10th, 11th April - Paradise pair AB: daily until 4th April and then 10th, 11th April - Shobunuma Number 2 pair: only open on 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th April Operating until 5th May: - Chuo Number 1 pair - Chuo Number 2 pair: daily until 11th April and then 17th, 18th, 24th, 25th, 29th April, 1st-5th May - Utopia Number 2 pair Operating through the year (for sightseeing): - Sky Cable - Chuo Ropeway - Zao Ropeway * Other ski lifts are already closed for the season * All dates subject to change depending on snow conditions Zao Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Saturday 3rd April 2021 Total snowfall at base 389cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 51 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 24cm (on 30th January) November 2020 snowfall 0cm December 2020 snowfall 142cm observed on 15 days January 2021 snowfall 146cm observed on 20 days February 2021 snowfall 90cm observed on 14 days March 2021 snowfall 11cm observed on 2 days April 2021 snowfall 0cm 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 9cm Snowfall at base this season 389cm Posted on Saturday 27th March 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . We're now down to end of season. The Sunrise, Nakamori, Omori and Hahnenkamm slopes are un-ridable with only parts of the Kurohime and Yokokura slopes open - lifts are still running there. The Diamond, Chuo and Paradise areas are still ok and temperatures are fortunately still low there. With the continuing warmth, this may be the last decent weekend. All areas at least part open, except: - Ryuzan - Sunrise - Nakamori - Kotan - Omori Official snow depths (as reported by the ski area): - Summit area: 95cm - Paradise area: 115cm - Chuo area: 115cm - Utopia area: 135cm - Uwanodai area: 80cm - Kurohime: 135cm Planned lift closing dates (subject to change): Operating until 31st March: - Yokokura Number 2 pair - Astraea Number 1 pair - Astraea Number 2 pair - Astraea Number 3 pair Operating until 4th April: - Onsen Number 1 pair - Onsen Number 2 quad - Diamond Number 2 pair Operating until 11th April: - Mikaeri pair: daily until 4th April and then 10th, 11th April - Katakai triple: daily until 4th April and then 10th, 11th April - Paradise pair AB: daily until 4th April and then 10th, 11th April - Shobunuma Number 2 pair: daily until 28th March and then 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th April Operating until there is enough snow in April: - Yokokura Number 1 pair AB - Kurohime Number 1 quad Operating until 5th May: - Chuo Number 1 pair - Chuo Number 2 pair: daily until 11th April and then 17th, 18th, 24th, 25th, 29th April, 1st-5th May - Utopia Number 2 pair Operating through the year (for sightseeing): - Sky Cable - Chuo Ropeway - Zao Ropeway * Other ski lifts are already closed for the season * All dates subject to change depending on snow conditions Zao Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Saturday 27th March 2021 Total snowfall at base 389cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 51 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 24cm (on 30th January) November 2020 snowfall 0cm December 2020 snowfall 142cm observed on 15 days January 2021 snowfall 146cm observed on 20 days February 2021 snowfall 90cm observed on 14 days March 2021 snowfall 11cm 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