Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 17cm Snowfall at base this season 305cm Posted on Friday 5th January 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Morning from Zao. Some decent snowfall to report this morning so things should be fresh and fluffy out there. It's generally cloudy this morning but decent visibility. Should be a good one. Feels like it might actually clear up further. Perhaps some more snowfall tomorrow - though not major - with the next decent snow due Tuesday onwards. Long weekend coming up. Zao Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Friday 5th January 2018 Total snowfall at base 305cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 29 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (on 25th November and 28th December) November 2017 snowfall 66cm observed on 5 days December 2017 snowfall 193cm observed on 19 days January 2018 snowfall 46cm 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 288cm Posted on Thursday 4th January 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Morning from Zao. A few cm of good quality light snow on the ground on this cold morning. Snow falling now with limited visibility in places, but it doesn't look like there should be much so conditions out on the slopes should be very good. Fewer people expected today as the New Year holidays come to an end though next Monday is a national holiday in Japan so we have another "long weekend" coming up... expect Zao to be busy. Zao Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Thursday 4th January 2018 Total snowfall at base 288cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 28 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (on 25th November and 28th December) November 2017 snowfall 66cm observed on 5 days December 2017 snowfall 193cm observed on 19 days January 2018 snowfall 29cm 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 23cm Snowfall at base this season 284cm Posted on Wednesday 3rd January 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning from Zao. Yesterday afternoon turned out to be lovely with blue skies and good visibility. The snow clouds moved back over the area though and this morning there is over 20cm of fresh snowfall to report from base. I'm a bit surprised to see how little the official snow depths have increased (see below), but there you go... All of the lifts and courses are open. Poor visibility and wind means you need to go out prepared. And take extra care too. Things should be calmer tomorrow followed by less snowy days on the forecast. So basically, the more the better during the day today. Lifts and courses: - All open Official snow depths: - Summit area: 105cm - Paradise area: 140cm - Chuo area: 140cm - Utopia area: 145cm - Uwanodai area: 80cm - Oomori area: 80cm Zao Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Wednesday 3rd January 2018 Total snowfall at base 284cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 27 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (on 25th November and 28th December) November 2017 snowfall 66cm observed on 5 days December 2017 snowfall 193cm observed on 19 days January 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 1cm Snowfall at base this season 261cm Posted on Tuesday 2nd January 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning from Zao. Just another slight dusting of snow this cloudy morning. Early this morning the webcams show very limited visibility on the mountain though perhaps that will clear up before the lifts open. Lots of people still around for the New Year of course. All of the lifts are operating with all courses at Zao Onsen open. I'd like to see some decent fresh snow fall and a look at the forecast shows that we can possibly expect some of that tonight and tomorrow. Onegai shimasu! Lifts and courses: - All open Official snow depths: - Summit area: 105cm - Paradise area: 130cm - Chuo area: 130cm - Utopia area: 135cm - Uwanodai area: 75cm - Oomori area: 75cm Zao Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Tuesday 2nd January 2018 Total snowfall at base 261cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 26 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (on 25th November and 28th December) November 2017 snowfall 66cm observed on 5 days December 2017 snowfall 193cm observed on 19 days January 2018 snowfall 2cm 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 260cm Posted on Monday 1st January 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning from Zao. Happy New Year! Just a dusting of snow this morning but I am awarding 1cm to the report this morning (adding in the other 'dustings' up until now, feeling generous). Visibility looks limited to poor in places at the moment out on the mountain. Heavy snow due tomorrow. We don't have any snow problems but could do with a nice decent deep layer of fresh snow to freshen things up. It's that never ending need for fresh, isn't it. All lifts operating and all courses open. Lifts and courses: - All open Official snow depths: - Summit area: 105cm - Paradise area: 130cm - Chuo area: 130cm - Utopia area: 135cm - Uwanodai area: 75cm - Oomori area: 75cm Zao Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Monday 1st January 2018 Total snowfall at base 260cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 25 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (on 25th November and 28th December) November 2017 snowfall 66cm observed on 5 days December 2017 snowfall 193cm observed on 19 days January 2018 snowfall 1cm observed on 1 day Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Zao Onsen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 19cm Snowfall at base this season 192cm Posted on Wednesday 27th December 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Morning Not as much snow on the ground as I was expecting - 19cm - but I think the strong winds are to blame for some of that, blowing it all around. It is lovely and light. Snow and wind is what is on the forecast for today as well, so the numbers should be building up. I think I will be able to bring you more numbers tomorrow. With just a few exceptions, Zao Onsen is pretty much fully open now - though you can't see much of it with the poor visibility. Once the storm passes (in a few days time), we should be in for a treat. Lifts and courses: - Most lifts are now operating and most courses are now open Official snow depths: - Summit area: 90cm - Paradise area: 100cm - Chuo area: 100cm - Utopia area: 100cm - Uwanodai area: 60cm - Oomori area: 40cm Zao Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Wednesday 27th December 2017 Total snowfall at base 192cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 21 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (on 25th November) November 2017 snowfall 66cm observed on 5 days December 2017 snowfall 126cm 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 3cm Snowfall at base this season 173cm Posted on Tuesday 26th December 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Stormy conditions again this morning in Zao with snow falling, strong winds blowing and generally very poor visibility. The wind stopped lifts yesterday and we might well see more of that today. We are set for this kind of conditions to be with us for a few days now so the main hope is that we get a lot of snow out of it. If you are going to get out on the skis or board, be certain to know where you are going and take extra care. Lifts and courses: - Most lifts are now operating and most courses are now open Official snow depths: - Summit area: 70cm - Paradise area: 70cm - Chuo area: 70cm - Utopia area: 70cm - Uwanodai area: 50cm - Oomori area: 40cm Zao Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Tuesday 26th December 2017 Total snowfall at base 173cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 20 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (on 25th November) November 2017 snowfall 66cm observed on 5 days December 2017 snowfall 107cm 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 2cm Snowfall at base this season 170cm Posted on Wednesday 20th December 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning from Zao. Alas, not much to report from yesterday and this morning we are seeing some sun shining through with improved visibility. I'm taking a look at the forecast and there's not much sign of snowfall over the next 4-5 days or so. Christmas Day is when the next snow looks set to move in and be delivered personally by good old Santa. Until then we are due a mix of sun and cloud and generally rather milder temperatures. Fingers crossed it won't warm up too much - the weekend looks like the mildest conditions expected. Zao Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Wednesday 20th December 2017 Total snowfall at base 170cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 19 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (on 25th November) November 2017 snowfall 66cm observed on 5 days December 2017 snowfall 104cm 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 9cm Snowfall at base this season 168cm Posted on Tuesday 19th December 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Morning from Zao. It's snowing! Hopefully it still will be when I get back from Sendai later today and I can report more tomorrow. Operating lifts: - Most areas now at least part open Official snow depths: - Summit area: 65cm - Paradise area: 70cm - Chuo area: 70cm - Utopia area: 90cm - Uwanodai area: 50cm - Oomori area: 55cm Zao Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Tuesday 19th December 2017 Total snowfall at base 168cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 18 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (on 25th November) November 2017 snowfall 66cm observed on 5 days December 2017 snowfall 102cm 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 2cm Snowfall at base this season 159cm Posted on Monday 18th December 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Morning from Zao. A very cold morning. And while there is cloud on some areas of the mountain down here at base there's also some blue sky. Looks like it might be mixed weather conditions this morning. Not much snow really since my last report and I notice that just the Uwanodai area is adding 5cm of snow to the official snow depth data while the others remain the same. Perhaps more snow coming tomorrow but I wouldn't expect anything major over the coming few days. Good to see the Omori quad lift now operating as well. We're still not 'deep' and could do with some prolonged snowfall to build on the base, but most areas of Zao Onsen are now at least part open. Operating lifts: - Most lifts and areas now at least part open Official snow depths: - Summit area: 65cm - Paradise area: 70cm - Chuo area: 70cm - Utopia area: 80cm - Uwanodai area: 50cm - Oomori area: 50cm Zao Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Monday 18th December 2017 Total snowfall at base 159cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 17 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (on 25th November) November 2017 snowfall 66cm observed on 5 days December 2017 snowfall 93cm 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 23cm Snowfall at base this season 157cm Posted on Sunday 17th December 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good news this Sunday morning. 23cm of fresh snow on the ground to report as it continues to pile up. It's cold and visibility is limited. Hopefully the snow will continue through the day today, as it is due to ease off for tomorrow. Perhaps more snow clouds moving in on Tuesday. Operating lifts: - Chuo Number 1 pair - Chuo Number 2 pair - Zao Paradise Pair AB - Shobunuma Number 2 pair - Katakai triple - Mikaeri pair - Utopia Number 2 pair - Astraea Number 3 pair - Kurobishi Number 1 quad - Onsen Number 1 pair - Onsen Number 2 quad - Yokokura Number 1 pair A - Zao Ropeway - Zao Chuo Ropeway - Sky Cable Official snow depths: - Summit area: 65cm - Paradise area: 70cm - Chuo area: 70cm - Utopia area: 80cm - Uwanodai area: 45cm - Oomori area: 50cm Zao Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Sunday 17th December 2017 Total snowfall at base 157cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 16 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (on 25th November) November 2017 snowfall 66cm observed on 5 days December 2017 snowfall 91cm 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 9cm Snowfall at base this season 134cm Posted on Thursday 14th December 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . The snowy conditions continue here in Zao, with 9cm more snow to report at base. I'm a bit surprise that the official snow numbers aren't a bit higher, but anyway. I have no official word but I would hope that there will be some more of the mountain open from this weekend. Not much in terms of snow due until it comes back on Saturday night which is currently tagged as 'heavy snow' on the forecast. Looks like it might be strong winds too... Zao Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Thursday 14th December 2017 Total snowfall at base 134cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 15 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (on 25th November) November 2017 snowfall 66cm observed on 5 days December 2017 snowfall 68cm 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