Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 3cm Snowfall at base this season 112cm Posted on Tuesday 3rd January 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . A few cm of fresh snow to report this morning which is good; though we of course need to be seeing much more than that. The Chuo, Paradise and Uwanodai areas have all added 5cm to their official snow depth numbers this morning so there should be a fresh cover up on the slopes. There is snow on the forecast now so I am hopeful to see snow tomorrow into Thursday. Let's see. For now, resort operations are looking like they are remaining the same as they have been. Sorry, one change I just noticed -- the Sunrise pair lift is moving now. The following lifts are not operating: Kurohime Number 1 quad Zao Kokutai pair Ryuzan pair Karamatsu pair Nakamori Number 1 triple Nakamori Number 2 pair Zao Paradise Number 3 pair Omori quad Official snow depths: Chuo - 65cm Utopia - 35cm Uwanodai - 30cm Paradise - 55cm Juhyo 'Ice Monsters' Light Up night time Zao Ropeway operations January 2017: 3rd, 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd, 27th-31st February 2017: 1st-28th March 2017: 1st-5th Operating from 5pm until 9pm; last ropeway up at 7:50pm. Ropeway return charges are 2,600 yen for adults and 1,300 yen for children. In the event of poor weather conditions, operations are sometimes cancelled. Zao Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Tuesday 3rd January 2017 Total snowfall at base 112cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 23 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 17cm (on 17th December) November 2016 snowfall 11cm observed on 6 days December 2016 snowfall 98cm observed on 16 days January 2017 snowfall 3cm 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 2cm Snowfall at base this season 7cm Posted on Friday 25th November 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . And another 2cm of fresh snowfall to add to the report today. It has been a cold morning as well. Surely the coldest morning of the season I would say, with the temperature a few under zero early on. There is not enough snow yet for any lifts to contemplate moving but I am hearing that something will open up just as soon as there is enough. Unfortunately right now the forecast isn't promising too much in terms of snowfall even higher up - it's probably going to be sunny tomorrow and warm up a bit over the weekend as well - so we will need to remain patient for a while longer. Zao Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Friday 25th November 2016 Total snowfall at base 7cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 4 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 2cm (on 10th, 24th and 25th November) November 2016 snowfall 7cm 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 24cm Snowfall at base this season 436cm Posted on Tuesday 1st March 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning from Zao where there's a good new thick carpet of snow on the ground. Yesterday was white-out on the mountain and very cold too. The result from all of that and overnight is 24cm of fresh snow outside my place here and no doubt more than that on the mountain. A very good way to begin March, I must say! This morning conditions are still pretty stormy with cold temperatures, snow falling and importantly quite strong winds. I don't know how the day started but it looks like some lifts are affected at the moment (11am), but are mostly open. The top section of the Zao Ropeway being one of the lifts closed. Tomorrow should be less stormy though the snowfall may continue for another day or so... after that clearer skies and warmer conditions are forecast for the weekend. Lifts closed as of 11am: Top part of Zao Ropeway Onsen Number 4 quad lift Zao Paradise Number 3 pair lift Official snow depths: Utopia: 110cm Chuo: 150cm Paradise: 145cm Uwanodai: 85cm Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Tuesday 1st March 2016 Total snowfall at base 436cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 57 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 46cm (on 19th January) November 2015 snowfall 22cm observed on 2 days December 2015 snowfall 96cm observed on 12 days January 2016 snowfall 211cm observed on 25 days February 2016 snowfall 83cm observed on 17 days March 2016 snowfall 24cm 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 18cm Snowfall at base this season 329cm Posted on Saturday 30th January 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . More snow! It was good to see the forecast right with some heavy snow last night and close to 18cm of fresh falling here at base and certainly more than that up on the mountain. It wasn't the lightest of snow, bit heavy, but I'm sure it'll feel good under those skis and boards this morning. It has been snowing still this morning but just at the moment has eased and I can see a few patches of blue sky up there as well. Maybe it might even clear up a bit? Earlier on visibility was limited on the mountain but I expect that to be improved by now. Tomorrow the forecast tell us to expect a mix of cloud, sun and perhaps light snow in the evening. After that there's more snowfall due around Tuesday when strong winds may also be a factor. Back to today and it should be a fine morning. All planned lifts are operating this morning. Official snow depths: Utopia: 125cm Chuo: 160cm Paradise: 140cm Uwanodai: 110cm Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Saturday 30th January 2016 Total snowfall at base 329cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 39 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 46cm (on 19th January) November 2015 snowfall 22cm observed on 2 days December 2015 snowfall 96cm observed on 12 days January 2016 snowfall 211cm observed on 25 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 311cm Posted on Friday 29th January 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Morning from Zao where there's just another 2cm or so of snow on the ground but it is snowing now and forecast to be for the day and tonight - heavy snow due tonight? Hopefully I'll have a decent number to report to you for the beginning of the weekend. Lots of cloud around and fog covering the mountain this morning so I expect visibility to be limited to poor up there today. As yesterday it's not particularly cold (for Zao in late January) and should be getting colder again over the weekend. Things are pretty quiet here at the moment weekdays. Not quite sure why, though I would expect things to be busy for the coming weekend. As always an early start is recommended. Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Friday 29th January 2016 Total snowfall at base 311cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 38 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 46cm (on 19th January) November 2015 snowfall 22cm observed on 2 days December 2015 snowfall 96cm observed on 12 days January 2016 snowfall 193cm observed on 24 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 309cm Posted on Thursday 28th January 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Whiteout conditions continuing here in Zao though not a huge amount of snow with it unfortunately - I have just a few more cm to report this morning. It's relatively mild as well this morning with a temperature right now of +1C. Poor visibility on mountain and in the village this morning. The ever present hunger for fresh snow remains strong of course and perhaps tomorrow according to the forecast we will get some decent snowfall. Skies will probably be a bit clearer over the weekend. We've had a few modest refreshes since but it has been over a week since that heavy snowfall around 18th-19th and so we look forward to another significant reset. Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Thursday 28th January 2016 Total snowfall at base 309cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 37 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 46cm (on 19th January) November 2015 snowfall 22cm observed on 2 days December 2015 snowfall 96cm observed on 12 days January 2016 snowfall 191cm observed on 23 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 307cm Posted on Wednesday 27th January 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Snow is falling this morning and there's just a few cm on the ground here at base to report. It is noticeably not as cold this morning with the temperature currently hanging around 0C. Snow showers are forecast for the day today and certainly at the start of the day it's poor visibility out there. A chance of more snow showers tomorrow but nothing significant is expected - maybe more on Friday when it should be getting a bit colder. All planned lifts are operating this morning Official snow depths: Utopia: 120cm Chuo: 150cm Paradise: 135cm Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Wednesday 27th January 2016 Total snowfall at base 307cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 36 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 46cm (on 19th January) November 2015 snowfall 22cm observed on 2 days December 2015 snowfall 96cm observed on 12 days January 2016 snowfall 189cm observed on 22 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 305cm Posted on Tuesday 26th January 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Some fine conditions to enjoy out on the slopes here in Zao yesterday - my body is recalling it all and reminding me this morning! There was more snow falling during the day but no more overnight. This morning it's cloudy but bright with the sun breaking through in places. We might get to see some sunshine over the next few days, perhaps a bit of light snow sprinkles as well. Thursday seems to be Japan getting warmer generally, hopefully by not too much here, and the next snow due later Friday into Saturday. All planned lifts are operating this morning Official snow depths: Utopia: 115cm Chuo: 140cm Paradise: 135cm Uwanodai: 100cm Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Tuesday 26th January 2016 Total snowfall at base 305cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 35 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 46cm (on 19th January) November 2015 snowfall 22cm observed on 2 days December 2015 snowfall 96cm observed on 12 days January 2016 snowfall 187cm 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 12cm Snowfall at base this season 295cm Posted on Monday 25th January 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Morning from Zao where we have more snow - 12cm of it at base by my measurements - so I would expect up to 20cm or so in higher areas. This morning snow is still falling. It's cold and there's a moderate wind but the resort is open as planned - all lifts moving except the weekend-only Karamatsu lift. The Jukkii Snow Park has been opened by the Omori car park from Saturday. Jukkii-kun is the loveable 'juhyo' character, and he (?) and his (?) friends were to be seen over their being friendly and cute. Kawaii! The Snow Park is free to use. All planned lifts are operating this morning Official snow depths: Utopia: 115cm Chuo: 140cm Paradise: 135cm Uwanodai: 100cm Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Monday 25th January 2016 Total snowfall at base 295cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 34 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 46cm (on 19th January) November 2015 snowfall 22cm observed on 2 days December 2015 snowfall 96cm observed on 12 days January 2016 snowfall 177cm 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 2cm Snowfall at base this season 283cm Posted on Sunday 24th January 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Morning from Zao. I can see storms affecting lots of areas this morning but not here in Zao. Just 2cm of snowfall (just about) since my last report and not much of a wind. It's whiteout conditions on the mountain though with fog making visibility very poor. Still all lifts are go and the resort remains open. Just take care where you're going! We are forecast snow for today and maybe more tomorrow but things should ease off from Tuesday in terms of snow but there might be some strong winds this coming week. All planned lifts are operating this morning Official snow depths: Utopia: 110cm Chuo: 140cm Paradise: 135cm Uwanodai: 95cm Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Sunday 24th January 2016 Total snowfall at base 283cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 33 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 46cm (on 19th January) November 2015 snowfall 22cm observed on 2 days December 2015 snowfall 96cm observed on 12 days January 2016 snowfall 165cm 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 1cm Snowfall at base this season 281cm Posted on Saturday 23rd January 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . It's another cold morning here in Zao, just 1cm of snow this morning to report. No wind, thin clouds and a bit of sun trying to break through at times... generally quite calm conditions this morning. The only other thing to mention this busy Saturday morning is that potentially heavy snow is still due later on tomorrow, with the lighter variety forecast to start later on today. Fresh snow always sounds good. Lots please! All planned lifts are operating this morning Official snow depths: Utopia: 110cm Chuo: 140cm Paradise: 135cm Uwanodai: 95cm Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Saturday 23rd January 2016 Total snowfall at base 281cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 32 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 46cm (on 19th January) November 2015 snowfall 22cm observed on 2 days December 2015 snowfall 96cm observed on 12 days January 2016 snowfall 163cm 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 8cm Snowfall at base this season 280cm Posted on Thursday 21st January 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Morning from Zao where there's 8cm of new snowfall since my last report. There appears to be less wind today and it is just cloudy. The resort is open as normal. All is good. The forecast has us down for light snow today and tomorrow, perhaps some clearer periods, and then colder still conditions and moderate to heavy snowfall around Sunday. So if you are planning for the weekend, Saturday might be the better choice. Or not, if you like the stormy conditions. The risk is that if it's windy there may be disruptions to the lift operations. Over at the Ski Jump later on today there will be over 50 ladies competing. Always fun to watch. The competition starts at 5:30pm. All planned lifts operating (Karamatsu pair lift is weekend-only) Official snow depths: Utopia: 110cm Chuo: 130cm Paradise: 130cm Uwanodai: 95cm Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Thursday 21st January 2016 Total snowfall at base 280cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 31 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 46cm (on 19th January) November 2015 snowfall 22cm observed on 2 days December 2015 snowfall 96cm observed on 12 days January 2016 snowfall 162cm 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