Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 118cm Posted on Wednesday 30th December 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Just a few cm of new snowfall here in Zao Onsen village since yesterday and it's another cold start to the day. The good news is that more of the resort has opened including the Kurohime quad and associated area. The Omori and Ryuzan lifts aren't moving yet but as of this morning all other areas of Zao Onsen are now (at least part) open. There are still some restrictions and areas closed off due to the snow situation. There may be some more snow as we enter the New Year, but right now there's no major snowfall on the forecast into the early part of next week. I expect things to be busy over the next few days with lots of people here for the New Year holidays. Official snow depths: Utopia: 60cm Chuo: 70cm Paradise: 50cm Uwanodai: 25cm Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Wednesday 30th December 2015 Total snowfall at base 118cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 14 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 22cm (on 27th December) November 2015 snowfall 22cm observed on 2 days December 2015 snowfall 96cm 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 10cm Snowfall at base this season 116cm Posted on Tuesday 29th December 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . 10cm of fresh snow this morning in Zao Onsen, here in the village. As always expect more in higher areas on the mountain. A few more lifts are open today including the Yokokura Number 2 pair and Astraea lifts. Note that the Ryuzan, Kurohime and Omori areas of the resort are not yet open. Bottom line - more snow needed. Still a large part of the resort is now open and it's more connected now than it has been. Another one or two decent snowfalls and we should be there. Let's take a look at the forecast. After today - should be snowing into this afternoon - there's not that much on the forecast for the coming week I'm afraid. It should remain cold over the next few days, perhaps a bit of snow on New Years Eve, but it is forecast to generally get a bit milder once we get into the first few days of January. Lifts that are planned to be operating at Zao Onsen: - Sky Cable (gondola) - Zao Chuo Ropeway - Zao Ropeway - Onsen Number 1 pair - Onsen Number 2 quad - Onsen Number 3 Parallel AB - Mikaeri pair - Chuo Number 1 pair AB - Chuo Number 1 pair AB - Katakai triple - Diamond Number 1 pair - Diamond Number 2 - Zao Paradise pair AB - Shobunuma Number 1 triple - Shobunuma Number 2 pair - Yokokura Number 1 pair AB - Yokokura Number 2 pair - Utopia Number 2 pair - Astraea Number 3 pair Official snow depths: Utopia: 60cm Chuo: 60cm Paradise: 50cm Uwanodai: 25cm Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Tuesday 29th December 2015 Total snowfall at base 116cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 13 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 22cm (on 27th December) November 2015 snowfall 22cm observed on 2 days December 2015 snowfall 94cm 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 1cm Snowfall at base this season 106cm Posted on Monday 28th December 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . It is a very cold start to the day today... coldest of the season so far? Very probably. Too cold for snow? Maybe. Just 1cm this morning to report which is somewhat disappointing of course. More of the resort opening up gradually with parts of Yokokura now joining the other areas that are open. Zao Onsen is a big place, and while there's a fair choice now we are far from fully open and 'connected' so far. It's all a bit disconnected. Nighta from tonight over on the Uwanodai area, but please do note that they will only have the Onsen Number 1 lift operating. So we wait for more snow to fall. Maybe and hopefully tonight and early tomorrow morning. After that it's looking more likely that we will have clearer skies and not quite as cold conditions rather than lots of snow into the New Year. Lifts that are planned to be operating at Zao Onsen: - Sky Cable (gondola) - Zao Chuo Ropeway - Zao Ropeway - Onsen Number 1 pair - Onsen Number 2 quad - Onsen Number 3 Parallel AB - Mikaeri pair - Chuo Number 1 pair AB - Chuo Number 1 pair AB - Katakai triple - Diamond Number 1 pair - Diamond Number 2 - Zao Paradise pair AB - Shobunuma Number 1 triple - Shobunuma Number 2 pair - Yokokura Number 1 pair AB - Utopia Number 2 pair Official snow depths: Utopia: 60cm Chuo: 60cm Paradise: 50cm Uwanodai: 20cm Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Monday 28th December 2015 Total snowfall at base 106cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 12 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 22cm (on 27th December) November 2015 snowfall 22cm observed on 2 days December 2015 snowfall 84cm 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 22cm Snowfall at base this season 105cm Posted on Sunday 27th December 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning. 22cm of snow piled up outside my place here this morning. Utopia area adding 35cm to their snow depth this morning; if that is an accurate reflection of how much fresh snow there is up there... I'm on my way! Whatever, it is good news this morning with a good snow refresh and more on the way. I would expect more lifts and courses to be open soon - perhaps even within today. Very cold this morning and fairly strong winds at times and forecast. Tomorrow should be calmer and maybe a break in the snow before more Monday night into Tuesday. Lifts that are planned to be operating at Zao Onsen: - Sky Cable (gondola) - Zao Chuo Ropeway - Zao Ropeway - Onsen Number 1 pair - Mikaeri pair - Chuo Number 1 pair AB - Chuo Number 1 pair AB - Katakai triple - Diamond Number 1 pair - Diamond Number 2 - Zao Paradise pair AB - Shobunuma Number 1 triple - Shobunuma Number 2 pair - Utopia Number 2 pair Official snow depths: Utopia: 60cm Chuo: 60cm Paradise: 50cm Uwanodai: 20cm Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Sunday 27th December 2015 Total snowfall at base 105cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 11 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 22cm (on 27th December) November 2015 snowfall 22cm observed on 2 days December 2015 snowfall 83cm 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 20cm Snowfall at base this season 62cm Posted on Saturday 5th December 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . There's another 20cm of snow on the ground here in Zao since yesterday as we feel the effects of this storm coming across northern Japan. There is enough for the resort to be part open from today. Yes, Zao is open. What we seem to have open is as follows: - Ropeways - Onsen Number 1 pair lift - Chuo Number 1 pair AB - Utopia Number 2 pair ...so a few different parts of the mountain open (Uwanodai, Chuo and Utopia). It's limited and fragmented at this stage of course, but it is a start and cause for celebration. Lighter wind just at the moment but snow and wind is forecast for the day today again with things starting to calm down from tomorrow. After that calm and clear weather forecast for mid week. Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Saturday 5th December 2015 Total snowfall at base 62cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 4 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 20cm (on 4th and 5th December) November 2015 snowfall 22cm observed on 2 days December 2015 snowfall 40cm 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 20cm Snowfall at base this season 42cm Posted on Friday 4th December 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . After the calmer weather of yesterday, it's snowy conditions here in Zao this morning. I got my ruler out and measured 22cm of fresh snowfall outside by abode here in the village. Strong winds are blowing and so the snow is less or more in places but I reckon 20cm is a good representation of the snowfall overnight. The resort is reporting 30cm in the Chuo area. What's better is that lifts are being prepared to open... though not clear exactly when that will happen. Perhaps not today with this wind as well, but surely tomorrow is being targeted as the first day of the season. Hopefully less wind but continued snow! Forecast is for snow to continue today and tomorrow with clearer skies as we enter next week. Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Friday 4th December 2015 Total snowfall at base 42cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 3 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 20cm (on 4th December) November 2015 snowfall 22cm observed on 2 days December 2015 snowfall 20cm 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 10cm Snowfall at base this season 22cm Posted on Saturday 28th November 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Morning from Zao Onsen and we have had more snowfall.... another 10cm or so. All is looking white. There is not enough snow for the ski lifts to open yet though. Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Saturday 28th November 2015 Total snowfall at base 22cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 2 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 12cm (on 26th November) November 2015 snowfall 22cm 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 5cm Snowfall at base this season 703cm Posted on Wednesday 25th March 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Lots of cloud today with some clearer skies as well but good and cold too. Warmer conditions going to make themselves known starting tomorrow as we switch back from winter to spring again... maybe for the last time this season? Over the next week it's mostly sunny and warm that is forecast. Official snow depths: Utopia: 240cm Chuo: 210cm Paradise: 220cm Uwanodai: 150cm Zao Onsen is generally open as planned (* note that the Karamatsu pair lift is closed on weekdays). --------------------------------- Planned lift operating dates and closing dates Subject to change. This is what the plans are currently. Until Sunday 22nd March Onsen Zao Kokutai Pair Karamatsu Pair (only 21st and 22nd March) Paradise Number 3 Pair Until Sunday 29th March Onsen Number 3 Parallel AB Onsen Number 4 Quad Ryuzan Pair Nakamori Number 2 Pair Diamond Number 1 Pair (every day until 22nd March, then 28th and 29th March) Diamond Number 2 Pair Until Tuesday 31st March Shobunuma Number 2 Pair Oomori Quad Yokokura Number 2 Pair Astraea Number 2 Pair Astraea Number 3 Pair Until Sunday 5th April Onsen Number 1 Pair Onsen Number 2 Quad Sunrise Pair AB Nakamori Number 1 Triple Mikaeri Pair Until Sunday 12th April Yokokura Number 1 Pair AB Until Sunday 19th April Kurohime Number 1 Quad Until Wednesday 6th May Chuo Number 1 Pair AB Chuo Number 2 Pair AB Katakai Triple (every day until 5th April, then holidays and Golden Week) Paradise Pair AB (every day until 5th April, then holidays and Golden Week) Utopia Number 2 Pair Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Wednesday 25th March 2015 Total snowfall at base 703cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 63 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 80cm (on 3rd December) November 2014 snowfall 20cm observed on 2 days December 2014 snowfall 281cm observed on 21 days January 2015 snowfall 118cm observed on 15 days February 2015 snowfall 181cm observed on 15 days March 2015 snowfall 103cm 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 10cm Snowfall at base this season 698cm Posted on Tuesday 24th March 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Fresh snow to report from Zao this morning. And a good 10cm of it as well. Decent quality to, with cold temperatures really helping this morning. Last blast of winter? Very possibly. This may last until tomorrow morning, but after that spring is going to come back and take control once again. Should be a great morning out there though, given it's late March! Official snow depths: Utopia: 225cm Chuo: 210cm Paradise: 220cm Uwanodai: 135cm Zao Onsen is generally open as planned (* note that the Karamatsu pair lift is closed on weekdays). Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Tuesday 24th March 2015 Total snowfall at base 698cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 62 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 80cm (on 3rd December) November 2014 snowfall 20cm observed on 2 days December 2014 snowfall 281cm observed on 21 days January 2015 snowfall 118cm observed on 15 days February 2015 snowfall 181cm observed on 15 days March 2015 snowfall 98cm 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 5cm Snowfall at base this season 688cm Posted on Saturday 14th March 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning from the village here at the base of Zao and some new snowfall to report, another 5cm since yesterday. Temperatures remaining cold for now and just cloudy conditions at the start of the day. Weather conditions are set to clear and calm properly starting from tomorrow leaving us with lots of clear skies and sun. Warmth too and a real spring feel in the air seems inevitable come Monday/Tuesday. Still, feels more winter like this morning and conditions should be very good. Who knows it the snow of the last few days will be the last significant snow of the season or not. Just in case, best to get the boots and strap the board on and get out to enjoy it. Official snow depths: Utopia: 275cm Chuo: 230cm Paradise: 225cm Uwanodai: 170cm Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Saturday 14th March 2015 Total snowfall at base 688cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 61 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 80cm (on 3rd December) November 2014 snowfall 20cm observed on 2 days December 2014 snowfall 281cm observed on 21 days January 2015 snowfall 118cm observed on 15 days February 2015 snowfall 181cm observed on 15 days March 2015 snowfall 88cm observed on 8 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Zao Onsen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 15cm Snowfall at base this season 683cm Posted on Friday 13th March 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . There's less wind this morning and the resort looks like it's all back to open as normal. Winter is still here with another 15+cm of snow since yesterday. The coming weekend should be great. Spring is due back next week. Official snow depths: Utopia: 275cm Chuo: 230cm Paradise: 225cm Uwanodai: 170cm Zao Onsen is generally open as planned (* note that the Karamatsu pair lift is closed on weekdays). Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Friday 13th March 2015 Total snowfall at base 683cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 60 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 80cm (on 3rd December) November 2014 snowfall 20cm observed on 2 days December 2014 snowfall 281cm observed on 21 days January 2015 snowfall 118cm observed on 15 days February 2015 snowfall 181cm observed on 15 days March 2015 snowfall 83cm observed on 7 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Zao Onsen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 14cm Snowfall at base this season 668cm Posted on Thursday 12th March 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Morning from Zao. More snow this morning"! Less lifts are affected this morning but still the Ropeway to the top of the mountain is closed early on along with a few other lifts. Snowfall forecast to contiunue today and into tomorrow too. Once we get to Sunday the skies should have properly cleared and we'll be back to sunny, probably spring-like weather conditions. I forgot to mention in the report yesterday and was meaning to. March 11th four years ago was a very bad day. It seems a long time ago, but at the same time I have vivid memories of it all. I was taking a look back over the archive reports from around then and it makes for an interesting read. Do take a look. Here's to never having to go through that kind of situatuion again... Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Thursday 12th March 2015 Total snowfall at base 668cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 59 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 80cm (on 3rd December) November 2014 snowfall 20cm observed on 2 days December 2014 snowfall 281cm observed on 21 days January 2015 snowfall 118cm observed on 15 days February 2015 snowfall 181cm observed on 15 days March 2015 snowfall 68cm observed on 6 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Zao Onsen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com