Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 3cm Snowfall at base this season 41cm Posted on Friday 13th December 2019 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . It is a colder morning and generally cloudy - some very light snow falling. There might be some sunshine this morning and there is a good chance of more snow later on tomorrow. Not looking like it's the dumpage we all want. From what I can see most of Japan seems to be in the same boat in that respect at the moment... 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 (for sightseeing) Courses open: - Chuo (part) - Utopia - Uwanodai (part) Official snow depths (as reported by resort): - Summit area: 25cm - Paradise area: 20cm - Chuo area: 40cm - Utopia area: 40cm - Uwanodai area: 25cm - Oomori area: 15cm Night time operations: Nighta in the Uwanodai area is scheduled daily from 28th December 2019 until 1st March 2020 and then 7th, 14th, 20th and 21st March 2020. 5:00pm until 9:00pm. Nighta in the Yokokura area is scheduled for New Year (28th December 2019 until 5th January 2020); and also on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays between 10th January and 7th March 2020. 5:00pm until 9:00pm. The Zao Ropeway opens in the evenings on the below dates for 'Light Up' sightseeing purposes - to go and see the Juhyo monsters (not for skiing or boarding) on the following dates: December 2019: 28th, 29th, 30th, 31st January 2020: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 10th-12th, 17th-19th, 24th-27th, 29h-31st February 2020: all days apart from Tuesdays There is an extra charge for this night time Ropeway operation. Zao Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Friday 13th December 2019 Total snowfall at base 41cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 7 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 16cm (on 5th December) November 2019 snowfall 8cm observed on 3 days December 2019 snowfall 33cm observed on 4 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 38cm Posted on Sunday 8th December 2019 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning from Zao. We got some breaks in the cloud and even some blue sky and sunshine yesterday for the official opening ceremony of Zao Onsen. Lots of official looking folks lined up as well as the traditional things going on. This morning back to some snow falling and the upper part of the mountain is shrouded in cloud (fog?) - visibility looks pretty limited up there. Clouds should be clearing again by tomorrow and we're on for a run of a few days of clearer weather if the forecast is right. I just hope it doesn't warm up too much. We shall see... Zao Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Sunday 8th December 2019 Total snowfall at base 38cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 6 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 16cm (on 5th December) November 2019 snowfall 8cm observed on 3 days December 2019 snowfall 30cm 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 12cm Snowfall at base this season 36cm Posted on Friday 6th December 2019 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning from Zao. I have more snowfall to report. 12cm of it outside base areas. And... Utopia is open! Yes, the Utopia Number 2 pair lift is operating and while it is very limited of course, we are now officially 'season in'! They plan to have the Utopia Nunber 1 lift open tomorrow and part of the Chuo area of the resort should also be open tomorrow. Opening ceremony in the Uwanodai area tomorrow at 11:00am. Feels like it is all starting proper now! Lifts operating: - Utopia Number 2 pair lift - Zao Chuo Ropeway / Zao Ropeway / Sky Cable Courses open: - Utopia Official snow depths (as reported by resort): - Summit area: 25cm - Paradise area: 20cm - Chuo area: 20cm - Utopia area: 45cm - Uwanodai area: -cm - Oomori area: 25cm Zao Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Friday 6th December 2019 Total snowfall at base 36cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 5 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 16cm (on 5th December) November 2019 snowfall 8cm observed on 3 days December 2019 snowfall 28cm 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 32cm Snowfall at base this season 273cm Posted on Wednesday 9th January 2019 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . ...and good numbers I can indeed report. Heavy snowfall with me being able to report 32cm at my base measuring point. I know, the official snow depth numbers don't reflect that, but don't mind about that... there's a thick layer of fresh snow out there. Whiteout and blowy conditions outside, I think lots of people will be waiting for things to calm down. Perhaps some sun tomorrow. Conditions are going to be really great. Operation info from official sources: - All lifts operating apart from the Karamatsu pair and Yokokura Number 2 pair lifts - All courses open Official snow depths (as reported by resort): - Summit area: 100cm - Paradise area: 130cm - Chuo area: 130cm - Utopia area: 100cm - Uwanodai area: 90cm - Oomori area: 100cm Zao Now 2018-2019 season Data as of Wednesday 9th January 2019 Total snowfall at base 273cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 26 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 43cm (on 29th December) November 2018 snowfall 7cm observed on 3 days December 2018 snowfall 218cm observed on 18 days January 2019 snowfall 48cm 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 17cm Snowfall at base this season 76cm Posted on Tuesday 18th December 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning from Zao and I have good news... 17cm of fresh snow on the ground. It is colder this morning and with this lighter snow falling the conditions out there should be pretty good this morning. Things were a bit 'heavy going' yesterday with some rather mild conditions and the snow being affected by that. If we can get some more today - as per forecast - perhaps more lifts and courses will be opened? Lifts and course info: - Chuo Number 1 - Chuo Number 2 - Mikaeri pair - Onsen Number 1 pair - Utopia Number 2 pair - Zao Ropeway - Zao Chuo Ropeway - Sky Cable * Chuo area part open * Utopia area part open * Uwanodai area part open Official snow depths (as reported by resort): - Summit area: 25cm - Paradise area: 35cm - Chuo area: 50cm - Utopia area: 50cm - Uwanodai area: 35cm - Oomori area: 25cm Zao Now 2018-2019 season Data as of Tuesday 18th December 2018 Total snowfall at base 76cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 12 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 17cm (on 18th December) November 2018 snowfall 7cm observed on 3 days December 2018 snowfall 69cm 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 12cm Snowfall at base this season 88cm Posted on Wednesday 19th December 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning from Zao. Another 10+cm of fresh snow this morning to report. And hopefully there might be more in my report tomorrow as well, because after that there's a spell of milder temps due as we get into the coming weekend. Might we see more lifts and courses open from Friday, when the 'regular season' lift ticket prices kick in? It would be nice. No specific news on that front for the moment, let's see... Lifts and course info: - Chuo Number 1 - Chuo Number 2 - Mikaeri pair - Onsen Number 1 pair - Utopia Number 2 pair - Zao Ropeway - Zao Chuo Ropeway - Sky Cable * Chuo area part open * Utopia area part open * Uwanodai area part open Official snow depths (as reported by resort): - Summit area: 25cm - Paradise area: 35cm - Chuo area: 50cm - Utopia area: 50cm - Uwanodai area: 35cm - Oomori area: 25cm Zao Now 2018-2019 season Data as of Wednesday 19th December 2018 Total snowfall at base 88cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 13 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 17cm (on 18th December) November 2018 snowfall 7cm observed on 3 days December 2018 snowfall 81cm 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 0cm Snowfall at base this season 765cm Posted on Thursday 3rd May 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . That's it folks! Yesterday (2nd May) ended up being the last day of the ski season here in Zao Onsen. There just wasn't enough snow left up there on Chuo to continue on until Sunday as planned. (Today isn't very nice anyway with very poor visibility and rain too). The Ropeways continue to be open of course (they are all year) but it is for sightseeing - not for skiing and boarding. In the meantime, thank you for reading! Zao Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Thursday 3rd May 2018 Total snowfall at base 765cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 66 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 42cm (on 12th February) November 2017 snowfall 66cm observed on 5 days December 2017 snowfall 193cm observed on 19 days January 2018 snowfall 275cm observed on 21 days February 2018 snowfall 195cm observed on 15 days March 2018 snowfall 24cm observed on 5 days April 2018 snowfall 12cm observed on 1 day May 2018 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 765cm Posted on Thursday 26th April 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Lots of cloud (and fog) and a bit of rain this morning, and no real news to report at the moment regarding lift operations and course opening. Fine weather forecast for the upcoming weekend. 'Golden Week' is approaching. But what exactly is it? Golden Week is a period from the end of April through early May containing a number of national holidays. Those holidays are as follows: - 29th April is 'Showa Day' (Showa-no-hi), the birthday of former Emperor Showa - 3rd May is 'Constitution Day' (Kenpo-kinenbi) - 4th May is 'Greenery Day' (Midori-no-hi) - 5th May is 'Children's Day' (Kodomo-no-hi) What this means for 2018 is that most people will enjoy two long weekends - 3 days this upcoming weekend and then 4 days off the weekend after: Long Weekend #1: Saturday 28th April - Monday 30th April Long Weekend #2: Thursday 3rd - Sunday 6th May Some people may even be lucky enough to have/take Tuesday and Thursday off next week, giving them a long 9 day holiday! The weather is often really good over the Golden Week period and of course the end of Golden Week is also the end of ski lift operations here in Niseko. Course areas open - Chuo - Utopia - Top course (* part) Lifts that are still operating - Utopia Number 2 pair: open daily until 6th May - Chuo Number 1 pair: open daily until 6th May - Chuo Number 2 pair: open 28th, 29th, 30th April & 3rd-6th May - Zao Ropeway: open daily - Zao Chuo Ropeway: open daily - Sky Cable: open daily * The Ropeways operate throughout the year for sightseeing * Earlier than planned closing might be possible - will depend on snow conditions Official snow depths: - Summit area: 35cm - Paradise area: 50cm - Chuo area: 50cm - Utopia area: 65cm - Uwanodai area: 0cm - Oomori area: 0cm Zao Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Thursday 26th April 2018 Total snowfall at base 765cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 66 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 42cm (on 12th February) November 2017 snowfall 66cm observed on 5 days December 2017 snowfall 193cm observed on 19 days January 2018 snowfall 275cm observed on 21 days February 2018 snowfall 195cm observed on 15 days March 2018 snowfall 24cm observed on 5 days April 2018 snowfall 12cm 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 12cm Snowfall at base this season 765cm Posted on Monday 9th April 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning from Zao. We had some fresh snow yesterday in a return to winter-like conditions. Always very good to see that happen and a bonus for everyone who was able to be here to enjoy it. Note: the snow I'm recording in this report is from yesterday. This morning it is mostly cloudy with some light snow falling in places. Things should clear up by tomorrow with sunny skies forecast along with temperatures rising a little during the week. Next report due by the weekend. Lift info: Plan to be operating as long as there is enough snow: - Yokokura Number 1 pair A - Kurohime quad - Utopia Number 2 pair Planning to be operating until 15th April: - Paradise pair - Katakai triple Planning to be operating until 6th May: - Chuo Number 1 pair AB - Chuo Number 2 pair AB Operating (for sightseeing) throughout the year: - Zao Ropeway - Zao Chuo Ropeway - Sky Cable Official snow depths: - Summit area: 110cm - Paradise area: 110cm - Chuo area: 100cm - Utopia area: 135cm - Uwanodai area: 30cm - Oomori area: 30cm Zao Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Monday 9th April 2018 Total snowfall at base 765cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 66 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 42cm (on 12th February) November 2017 snowfall 66cm observed on 5 days December 2017 snowfall 193cm observed on 19 days January 2018 snowfall 275cm observed on 21 days February 2018 snowfall 195cm observed on 15 days March 2018 snowfall 24cm observed on 5 days April 2018 snowfall 12cm 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 4cm Snowfall at base this season 753cm Posted on Friday 23rd March 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . I have some fresh snow to report this morning! Almost 3cm here on the ground. It's kind of wet snow with the temperature currently at 3C, but certainly welcome at this stage of the season. Not much of a wind at all and cloudy skies with light snow falling. Once these clouds pass, from tomorrow the forecast is showing that run of clear and fine weather conditions through next week - and it seems like it will be warming up as well particularly as we get to mid week. Lifts and course info: Most course areas remain open. Some lifts affected by weather this morning. The following lifts have now closed for the season: - Zao Paradise Number 3 pair - Diamond Number 1 pair - Zao Kokutai - Ryuzan pair - Karamatsu pair Official snow depths: - Summit area: 175cm - Paradise area: 190cm - Chuo area: 190cm - Utopia area: 175cm - Uwanodai area: 95cm - Oomori area: 90cm Zao Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Friday 23rd March 2018 Total snowfall at base 753cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 65 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 42cm (on 12th February) November 2017 snowfall 66cm observed on 5 days December 2017 snowfall 193cm observed on 19 days January 2018 snowfall 275cm observed on 21 days February 2018 snowfall 195cm observed on 15 days March 2018 snowfall 24cm 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 4cm Snowfall at base this season 749cm Posted on Thursday 22nd March 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Morning. It is snowing (with some on the ground) and strong winds are blowing this morning... affecting a number of higher lifts and gondolas. We may get some more fresh snow by tomorrow morning too. Might it be the last of the season? It may well be - conditions from the weekend are due to calm down and get brighter with sunny skies on the forecast into next week. Come on let's get some more cm! Lifts and course info: Most course areas remain open. Some lifts affected by weather this morning. The following lifts have now closed for the season: - Zao Paradise Number 3 pair - Diamond Number 1 pair - Zao Kokutai - Ryuzan pair - Karamatsu pair Zao Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Thursday 22nd March 2018 Total snowfall at base 749cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 64 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 42cm (on 12th February) November 2017 snowfall 66cm observed on 5 days December 2017 snowfall 193cm observed on 19 days January 2018 snowfall 275cm observed on 21 days February 2018 snowfall 195cm observed on 15 days March 2018 snowfall 20cm observed on 4 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 745cm Posted on Tuesday 6th March 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Rain happened, I'm afraid. Never nice to see in winter. The good news is that it turned into snow overnight and there has been a few cm on the ground. Not enough to cover the damage done by the rain surely, but good to see all the same. There's some blue sky on show now too so it feels like it is clearing up. And finer weather is forecast for tomorrow too. Friday is looking ominous. (Heavy) rain again, but hopefully followed by snow on Saturday. Forecasts can change, and hopefully that one will. In the meantime I am going to enjoy this nice weather with a 'spring ski' mindset. Lifts and course info: - All lifts open as planned - All areas open as planned - Note: the Karamatsu pair lift has now closed for the season Official snow depths: - Summit area: 215cm - Paradise area: 240cm - Chuo area: 230cm - Utopia area: 230cm - Uwanodai area: 160cm - Oomori area: 160cm Zao Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Tuesday 6th March 2018 Total snowfall at base 745cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 63 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 42cm (on 12th February) November 2017 snowfall 66cm observed on 5 days December 2017 snowfall 193cm observed on 19 days January 2018 snowfall 275cm observed on 21 days February 2018 snowfall 195cm observed on 15 days March 2018 snowfall 16cm 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