Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 107cm Posted on Tuesday 22nd December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Morning from Zao. It's a strange day today. Started early but still, at 09:00 I seemed to be the only one up here (writing this on the Sky Cable). Very foggy but it comes and goes with the sun coming out now and then. However, Paradise and above is enveloped. Viz is ok at the Chuo area. A paltry 1cm new snow so it's groomers today and people are now out and about. (There's still a 20m strip of powder on the main Chuo slope.) NB. Sunrise is closed for lift maintenance (already?!). Zao Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Tuesday 22nd December 2020 Total snowfall at base 107cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 10 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 22cm (on 17th December) November 2020 snowfall 0cm December 2020 snowfall 107cm 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 7cm Snowfall at base this season 106cm Posted on Monday 21st December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Well folks, a measly offering this morning of new snow but the good news is that it continues and more decent amount expected tomorrow. (Today it's just those irritating pin-pricks on your face which should be covered anyway because it is quite cold (but also for the gondola waiting areas and cabin right?!). Reflecting back to this time last year, only the Chuo and Utopia slopes were available until nearing new year. The top continues to be foggy, especially at the very top of the Zao Ropeway. In the rush to open for the weekend, the walk to the beginning of the Zangezaka slope is confusing as it winds through a series of trenches so do not be put off. The very beginning part is very narrow with some undergrowth sticking out but it is open (otherwise there'd be rope across). I saw a number of people turning back in the mistaken belief that it was not skiable - it is, but foggy. Lower down, the Kurohime motorway slope has not been groomed so plenty of powder there. Another place to be wary of is the slip path from the top of the Kurohime to the Utopia area. I came whizzing around the corner so that I would not have to slide-skate at the end, only to be confronted with a series of bushes, so came a cropper there and it's waist deep (seems like I was not the first!). Will take a saw up and deal with that. Today's recommendation: stay low - Uwanodai area, Sunrise, Nakamori (triple chair lift at the Chuo Ropeway), Yokokura, Hyakumannin, Kurohime and Omori areas. Zao Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Monday 21st December 2020 Total snowfall at base 106cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 9 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 22cm (on 17th December) November 2020 snowfall 0cm December 2020 snowfall 106cm 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 9cm Snowfall at base this season 82cm Posted on Saturday 19th December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Although it started snowing again yesterday at around 14:00, overall disappointing considering that the forecast said "heavy" - boo! At least it is still coming down, and for the next week, albeit lightly and on and off. The good news is that nearly all the slopes are open - not all the lifts - but at least the whole resort is now open. (Do note that some of the lifts are taking a while to open as the snow and ice build-up is cleared.) Viz is off and on but not dense, with wind also coming and going. Due to the slopes having been groomed last night, there is not a whole lot of powder around but still available. Still, nice and soft so nothing to complain about and really nice if you're not a powder-hound. Not as busy as I expected but probably because people are still coming in, it being a Saturday morning. Lifts operating: - Onsen Number 1 pair - Onsen Number 2 quad - Sunrise pair A - Nakamori Number 1 triple - Mikaeri pair - Chuo Number 1 pair - Chuo Number 2 pair - Katakai triple - Diamond Number 2 pair - Paradise pair AB - Omori quad - Yokokura Number 1 pair A - Astraea Number 1 pair - Astraea Number 2 pair - Utopia Number 2 pair - Astraea Number 3 pair - Kurohime quad - Zao Ropeway (both sections) - Zao Chuo Ropeway - Sky Cable All areas open apart from: - Parts of the Uwanadai area - Parts of the Paradise area Official snow depths (as reported by the ski area): - Summit area: 55cm - Paradise area: 70cm - Chuo area: 95cm - Utopia area: 80cm - Uwanodai area: 55cm - Omori area: 60cm - Kurohime: 70cm Zao Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Saturday 19th December 2020 Total snowfall at base 82cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 7 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 22cm (on 17th December) November 2020 snowfall 0cm December 2020 snowfall 82cm 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 17cm Snowfall at base this season 99cm Posted on Sunday 20th December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Continued to snow last night steadily building up the base all around. The whole mountain is open with the exception of the Ryuzan (far left) and Kotan slopes. It is unclear if the Shobonuma lift will be opening which means that the Renraku course taking you from Utopia across to Paradise cannot be used. It stopped snowing at base at 10:00 and the sun came out. Disappeared again but it is clear skies down below and foggy above. A good day to be on Kurohime and Omori. I spent the morning with the snow plough before all this stuff packs down so have not been able to get out on the mountain yet. Zao Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Sunday 20th December 2020 Total snowfall at base 99cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 8 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 22cm (on 17th December) November 2020 snowfall 0cm December 2020 snowfall 99cm 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 11cm Snowfall at base this season 73cm Posted on Friday 18th December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . It is a glorious day out there with blue skies and people are making the most of it since snow is still forecasted during the day, turning heavy tonight. My first day out this season and it was great to be riding again after 7 months of walking the green slopes. Please do fully wear your mask inside the gondolas and queues (i.e. also covering your nose) where distancing is not really an option. There were quite a few who did not - we do not want a cluster occurring and the decision being taken to stop operating the ropeways. Yes, it's irritating but it would be good if everyone does their bit for that short duration. Gambatte ne! The Astraea no.3 opened today (the one on the Hyakumannin slope) making it 10 lifts operating although the Utopia no.2 and Astraea no.1 are off to a slow start as they de-ice the seats. Most are scheduled to open for the weekend - interestingly the lower slopes of Kurohime and Omori gained the most yesterday. Zao Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Friday 18th December 2020 Total snowfall at base 73cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 6 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 22cm (on 17th December) November 2020 snowfall 0cm December 2020 snowfall 73cm 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 22cm Snowfall at base this season 62cm Posted on Thursday 17th December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Snow plough rumbled by at 04:00 and my ruler on the roof read +22cm (after clearing it has already coming back!) and sufficient to see the Diamond Valley and Uwanodai slopes opening - see recorded snow levels below. Not as much as our friends over at Yuzawa are getting where, sadly, it is reported that a woman snowboarder in her 30s was found perished (asphyxiated) in the deep fresh snow yesterday - not off-piste. The roads are getting narrower as the snow is pushed onto the verges and the forecast is still showing continuing snow through Sunday. I pulled a muscle shovelling blocks of the stuff yesterday so have still not gone out. Anticipate checking out the actual conditions tomorrow for y'all. Lifts operating: - Chuo Number 1 pair - Chuo Number 2 pair - Utopia pair - Diamond Number 2 pair - Zao Ropeway (both sections) - Zao Chuo Ropeway - Sky Cable Ski course areas open: - Chuo (part) - Utopia - Uwanodai (part) - Diamond Valley (part) Official snow depths (as reported by the ski area): - Summit area: 55cm - Paradise area: 60cm - Chuo area: 95cm - Utopia area: 70cm - Uwanodai area: 40cm - Omori area: 40cm - Kurohime: 40cm Zao Now 2020-2021 season Data as of Thursday 17th December 2020 Total snowfall at base 62cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 5 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 22cm (on 17th December) November 2020 snowfall 0cm December 2020 snowfall 62cm 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 18cm Snowfall at base this season 311cm Posted on Thursday 19th March 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Apologies for the missed report yesterday... 'stuff' was happening. And snow was falling. And actually quite a lot too. There was 18cm on the top of my car. While it wasn't the lightest of snow, any variety of snow is lovely to see especially in mid March. It did get milder though and today is going to be warm. It already is with sounds of dripping already. This morning there's blue skies and sunshine. Colder conditions due tomorrow again and we might not yet be done with snow either. Zao Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Thursday 19th March 2020 Total snowfall at base 311cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 50 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (on 7th February) November 2019 snowfall 8cm observed on 3 days December 2019 snowfall 51cm observed on 10 days January 2020 snowfall 88cm observed on 16 days February 2020 snowfall 123cm observed on 15 days March 2020 snowfall 41cm 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 1cm Snowfall at base this season 54cm Posted on Wednesday 25th December 2019 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning and Christmas greetings from Zao. Fine weather on this Christmas morning - the sun is out and there's lots of blue skies. Temperatures are down low though I imagine the sun will have an effect on that later on. Snowfall is forecast again for later tomorrow and into Friday. Lifts operating: - Mikaeri pair - Chuo Number 1 pair AB - Chuo Number 2 pair AB - Utopia Number 2 pair lift - Onsen Number 1 pair - Zao Chuo Ropeway / Zao Ropeway / Sky Cable Ski course areas open: - Chuo (part) - Utopia - Uwanodai (part) Official snow depths (as reported by resort): - Summit area: 30cm - Paradise area: 20cm - Chuo area: 40cm - Utopia area: 35cm - Uwanodai area: 20cm - Oomori area: 5cm Zao Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Wednesday 25th December 2019 Total snowfall at base 54cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 12 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 16cm (on 5th December) November 2019 snowfall 8cm observed on 3 days December 2019 snowfall 46cm 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 3cm Snowfall at base this season 53cm Posted on Tuesday 24th December 2019 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Morning from Zao. Another thin layer of snow after a cold night. Right now it is just cloudy but limited visibility generally on the mountain. Operations remain unchanged for the moment, other than the Chuo Number 2 lift open. Look out for Santa today! Zao Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Tuesday 24th December 2019 Total snowfall at base 53cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 11 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 16cm (on 5th December) November 2019 snowfall 8cm observed on 3 days December 2019 snowfall 45cm 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 3cm Snowfall at base this season 50cm Posted on Monday 23rd December 2019 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning from Zao. Poor visibility this morning but that's all good because it is snowing. It might not las long today but there is more snowfall forecast for tonight and then again later in the week. Currently it looks like Christmas Day is going to be clearer with sunshine and slightly warmer conditions - but not mild like it was a week or two back. Keep cold please. Lifts operating: - Mikaeri pair - Chuo Number 1 pair AB - Utopia Number 2 pair lift - Onsen Number 1 pair - Zao Chuo Ropeway / Zao Ropeway / Sky Cable Ski course areas open: - Chuo (part) - Utopia - Uwanodai (part) Official snow depths (as reported by resort): - Summit area: 25cm - Paradise area: 20cm - Chuo area: 40cm - Utopia area: 30cm - Uwanodai area: 20cm - Oomori area: 5cm Zao Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Monday 23rd December 2019 Total snowfall at base 50cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 10 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 16cm (on 5th December) November 2019 snowfall 8cm observed on 3 days December 2019 snowfall 42cm 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 3cm Snowfall at base this season 47cm Posted on Saturday 21st December 2019 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning from Zao. It turned into snow yesterday and this morning there was a few cm of so of fresh snow down to lower base areas. The clouds have cleared mostly once again though and there is some sunshine and blue clouds showing through this morning. We might get a little more snow overnight tonight but nothing significant. Later in the day on Monday is looking like the best chance of some decent snowfall on the mountain. Three areas remain part open - Uwanodai, Chuo and Utopia. More will open as soon as snowfall allows. Fingers crossed. Zao Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Saturday 21st December 2019 Total snowfall at base 47cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 9 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 16cm (on 5th December) November 2019 snowfall 8cm observed on 3 days December 2019 snowfall 39cm 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 3cm Snowfall at base this season 44cm Posted on Sunday 15th December 2019 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning from Zao. A few cm of fresh snowfall on the ground this morning - hopefully more than that up on the top areas. Tomorrow we are forecast sunshine and a for a few days milder temps once again. A dip back down to cold due later in the week. Zao Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Sunday 15th December 2019 Total snowfall at base 44cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 8 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 16cm (on 5th December) November 2019 snowfall 8cm observed on 3 days December 2019 snowfall 36cm 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