Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 563cm Posted on Sunday 11th February 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Not the reason why I had to miss a report but the queues for the Ropeway were looking pretty scary when I went past in the morning yesterday. I am hearing that there were waits of well over 1 hour for it. Yikes. That's a 3 day long weekend in peak season for you and today should be busy too. It was a nice day and I didn't have any snow to report. This morning it is keeping quite mild but temperatures are due to drop during the day and into tomorrow. Snow is falling and visibility is poor on parts of the mountain, just limited by base at the moment. There's some wind as well. Hoping for more fresh snow over the next few days. Fresh snow would be good - lots of people... lots of tracks! Lifts and course info: - All lifts appear to be opening as scheduled - Note: the Karamatsu pair lift usually only operates on weekends - All areas open Official snow depths: - Summit area: 170cm - Paradise area: 200cm - Chuo area: 200cm - Utopia area: 200cm - Uwanodai area: 135cm - Oomori area: 140cm Zao Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Sunday 11th February 2018 Total snowfall at base 563cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 50 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 34cm (on 10th January) 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 29cm 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 2cm Snowfall at base this season 561cm Posted on Friday 9th February 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning from Zao. Lots of cloud around this morning with limited visibility in places on the mountain. Perhaps some sun tomorrow along with warmer conditions, getting back to colder conditions from around Sunday along with fresh snowfall. It's a 3 day weekend coming up as Monday is a national holiday (the holiday for National Foundation Day, which is actually on Sunday) - it is usually one of the most popular weekends of the season, so expect quite a few other fellow skiers and snowboarders! Zao Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Friday 9th February 2018 Total snowfall at base 561cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 49 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 34cm (on 10th January) 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 27cm 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 10cm Snowfall at base this season 559cm Posted on Thursday 8th February 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning from Zao. Some more snow on the ground this morning with light snow easing off. As with what looks like most of Japan, temperatures are set to rise a little around Saturday but that shouldn't be lasting long with a quick dip back down due along with fresh snow... we should be starting the new week with snow on the ground;. Lifts and course info: - All lifts appear to be opening as scheduled - Note: the Karamatsu pair lift usually only operates on weekends - All areas open Official snow depths: - Summit area: 170cm - Paradise area: 200cm - Chuo area: 200cm - Utopia area: 220cm - Uwanodai area: 135cm - Oomori area: 140cm Zao Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Thursday 8th February 2018 Total snowfall at base 559cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 48 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 34cm (on 10th January) 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 25cm 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 3cm Snowfall at base this season 549cm Posted on Wednesday 7th February 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning from Zao. Snow is back this morning with a few cm on the ground and more falling as I write this; hopefully it will build up more during the day. Regular snow is forecast for todaty and tomorrow and then once again late weekend - which may bring us some decent numbers. Forecast as it current is, of course. There was an incident yesterday with two boarders needing to be rescued. This is all hear-say but I believe the search apparently involved helicopters and a fair number of ski patrol and other folk. Stay safe out there. Zao Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Wednesday 7th February 2018 Total snowfall at base 549cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 47 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 34cm (on 10th January) 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 15cm 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 12cm Snowfall at base this season 546cm Posted on Monday 5th February 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning all from Zao on this Monday morning. Things are quieter once again after the weekend, but we have a good 10+cm of fresh snow on the ground and the courses should be at least partially reset. Visibility looks limited early on and we can expect more snow today. On and off over the next few days actually. Lifts and course info: - All lifts appear to be opening as scheduled - Note: the Karamatsu pair lift usually only operates on weekends - All areas open Official snow depths: - Summit area: 170cm - Paradise area: 200cm - Chuo area: 200cm - Utopia area: 200cm - Uwanodai area: 120cm - Oomori area: 140cm Zao Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Monday 5th February 2018 Total snowfall at base 546cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 46 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 34cm (on 10th January) 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 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 1cm Snowfall at base this season 534cm Posted on Wednesday 31st January 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning from Zao. Just a dusting of snow to report this morning, I can just about justify 1cm for the report. And it is just cloudy at the moment. Perhaps some fresh snow today with clearer skies forecast tomorrow and Friday. If you plan to be here for the weekend though, come prepared for potentially good snowfall Friday night into Saturday. You might have seen on the news about the volcano alert level at the nearby crater being raised yesterday. Hmmm. No other information for you on that, other than... life goes on as normal and there has been no 'events' to relay. Zao Onsen village is about 5km away from the area concerned and the tourism office has issued an announcement that we are 'unaffected'. We live with these things here in Japan! Lifts and course info: - All lifts appear to be opening as scheduled - Note: the Karamatsu pair lift usually only operates on weekends - All areas open Official snow depths: - Summit area: 170cm - Paradise area: 200cm - Chuo area: 200cm - Utopia area: 220cm - Uwanodai area: 120cm - Oomori area: 145cm Zao Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Wednesday 31st January 2018 Total snowfall at base 534cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 45 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 34cm (on 10th January) November 2017 snowfall 66cm observed on 5 days December 2017 snowfall 193cm observed on 19 days January 2018 snowfall 275cm observed on 21 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 13cm Snowfall at base this season 533cm Posted on Tuesday 30th January 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning from Zao. More snow again this morning - over 10cm - with light snow falling early morning and not much wind. It should be a fine morning out there. The snow clouds might remain over us until tomorrow with clearer conditions currently expected Thursday and Friday. More decent snowfall as we enter the weekend perhaps? Lifts and course info: - All lifts appear to be opening as scheduled - Note: the Karamatsu pair lift usually only operates on weekends - All areas open Official snow depths: - Summit area: 165cm - Paradise area: 200cm - Chuo area: 200cm - Utopia area: 240cm - Uwanodai area: 120cm - Oomori area: 145cm Zao Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Tuesday 30th January 2018 Total snowfall at base 533cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 44 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 34cm (on 10th January) November 2017 snowfall 66cm observed on 5 days December 2017 snowfall 193cm observed on 19 days January 2018 snowfall 274cm observed on 20 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 14cm Snowfall at base this season 520cm Posted on Monday 29th January 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning from Zao. Another 14cm of snow to add to the report from here at base this morning with snow falling and forecast to be never far away over the next few days. Visibility is ok down by base but limited higher up with cloud/fog covering the mountain. Monday morning and so with the weekend folk returning things should be relatively quiet out there. Lifts and course info: - All lifts appear to be opening as scheduled - Note: the Karamatsu pair lift usually only operates on weekends - All areas open Official snow depths: - Summit area: 165cm - Paradise area: 180cm - Chuo area: 180cm - Utopia area: 230cm - Uwanodai area: 120cm - Oomori area: 145cm Zao Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Monday 29th January 2018 Total snowfall at base 520cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 43 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 34cm (on 10th January) November 2017 snowfall 66cm observed on 5 days December 2017 snowfall 193cm observed on 19 days January 2018 snowfall 261cm observed on 19 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 24cm Snowfall at base this season 506cm Posted on Saturday 27th January 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning from Zao. It has been a bit of a wild morning for myself, coping with the snow and some friends who are visiting. I have 24cm of fresh snowfall to report to you this morning as the mid-winter conditions continue. The snowfall over the last few days has really changed things up. The cold and snow are not letting up just yet but maybe we are getting towards the end of it and those sticking around for tomorrow might be treated to less wind and potentially better visibility and clearer skies. Can't wait to get out there and check it all out myself. All open. Zao Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Saturday 27th January 2018 Total snowfall at base 506cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 42 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 34cm (on 10th January) November 2017 snowfall 66cm observed on 5 days December 2017 snowfall 193cm observed on 19 days January 2018 snowfall 247cm observed on 18 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 482cm Posted on Friday 26th January 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . It's another very cold morning here in Zao and I have over 10cm of fresh snow to report. The top summit station of the resort is recording a shiver-tastic -18C and it's almost minus double digits down at base too. Very cold. This morning it looks like other than the Zao Paradise lift, all is open but there may well be some disruption depending on how that wind goes during the day. Snow is forecast through tomorrow. Conditions should be great for the weekend; but be ready for cold and windy weather! Zao Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Friday 26th January 2018 Total snowfall at base 482cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 41 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 34cm (on 10th January) November 2017 snowfall 66cm observed on 5 days December 2017 snowfall 193cm observed on 19 days January 2018 snowfall 223cm observed on 17 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Zao Onsen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 24cm Snowfall at base this season 470cm Posted on Thursday 25th January 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning from Zao. This storm is really delivering - and is forecast to continue delivering. Perhaps the heaviest today and less so from tomorrow but snow clouds are there on the forecast into early next week. It is really cold this morning. The coldest yet this season. The top summit station is reporting -19C just after 7am with lower slopes also into minus double digits. Visibility is limited at best and really poor at worst and it's windy too... some lifts are going to be affected by the conditions. These are not the friendliest of conditions to be out skiing or snowboarding; so be well prepared. All this fresh snow is most welcome, though! Lifts and course info: - Some lifts may well be affected by winds this morning - too early for info - All areas open (if lifts are moving) Official snow depths: - Summit area: 160cm - Paradise area: 180cm - Chuo area: 180cm - Utopia area: 210cm - Uwanodai area: 110cm - Oomori area: 130cm Zao Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Thursday 25th January 2018 Total snowfall at base 470cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 40 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 34cm (on 10th January) November 2017 snowfall 66cm observed on 5 days December 2017 snowfall 193cm observed on 19 days January 2018 snowfall 211cm observed on 16 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Zao Onsen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 24cm Snowfall at base this season 446cm Posted on Wednesday 24th January 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning from Zao. It's white-out full on snow and wind conditions here this morning. Lots of fresh snow with more on the way and I reckon a day when lots of people will choose to soak in an onsen. Once the storm passes, things should be totally refreshed and in excellent conditions. Keep an eye on the forecast... Zao Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Wednesday 24th January 2018 Total snowfall at base 446cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 39 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 34cm (on 10th January) November 2017 snowfall 66cm observed on 5 days December 2017 snowfall 193cm observed on 19 days January 2018 snowfall 187cm 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