Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 275cm Weather overview Fine some cloud Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Good Posted on Wednesday 16th January 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Yesterday we had some clearer skies at times and this morning we start off with fast moving clouds but it is bright and the sun has been out at times. Clearing up? Just 1cm of snow to report since last night and a -6C start to the morning. A fine day indeed on the mountain. We are back to normal weekdays now and so for the most part it's fairly quiet out there. More than enough of Zao to spread people around. More snow likely tomorrow and Friday before clearer conditions over the weekend, according to the latest forecast. Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Wednesday 16th January 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 275cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 28 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (9th, 26th December, 3rd and 15th January) November 2012 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day December 2012 snowfall 150cm reported on 15 days January 2013 snowfall 122cm reported 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 5cm Snowfall at base this season 223cm Weather overview Cloud Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Fair Posted on Thursday 10th January 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . I'm afraid the snow didn't get too much later on yesterday as hoped and I don't have any new cm to report this morning. Not in the village but perhaps a thin layer of new out there on the mountain. It's a cloudy start to the day but a cold one out there. Minus ten when I got up and the resort is reporting a coldest temperature of -13C this morning. Looks like after today we are going to have a few days of clearer weather conditions and milder as well over the weekend. No huge snowfalls on the short term radar now. Cold temps are keeping the snow in decent condition though. Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Thursday 10th January 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 223cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 24 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (9th, 26th December and 3rd January) November 2012 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day December 2012 snowfall 150cm reported on 15 days January 2013 snowfall 70cm reported 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 2cm Snowfall at base this season 215cm Weather overview Cloud, light snow Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Variable Posted on Monday 7th January 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . A brighter morning early on in Zao, though cloudier now than it was a while ago when I was first up. It's a cold -7C in the Zao village base area and cold conditions on the mountain keeping the snow in decent condition. We may not have the most but what we get usually keeps good! The 'monsters' are coming on nicely, though a bit to go yet. We always want them to be bigger. OK so just a few cm of fresh snow to report this morning and up to 5cm on the upper areas of the mountain since yesterday. Still look to Wednesday/Thursday for the next proper snowfall. Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Monday 7th January 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 215cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 22 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (9th, 26th December and 3rd January) November 2012 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day December 2012 snowfall 150cm reported on 15 days January 2013 snowfall 62cm reported 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

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 5cm Snowfall at base this season 203cm Weather overview Cloud, light snow Wind Moderate Temperature - Visibility Varied Posted on Friday 4th January 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Just a few more cm of snow this morning since last night but the winds were really blowing a gale yesterday and so there are places of deep snow and others where there's less, so care is needed out there. Perhaps reflected in the snow depths reported from different areas of the resort - some going up today, some going down! It is a very cold morning here. Paradise area recording a low of -16 degrees. An extra layer or two required today. Very grey and cloudy this morning with snow falling in places and moderate winds still with us but not affecting lifts by the looks of things. We seem to be open as normal. We can expect clearer weather conditions over the weekend. Not quite as cold and maybe get to see some blue sky and the sun. Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Friday 4th January 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 203cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 20 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (9th, 26th December and 3rd January) November 2012 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day December 2012 snowfall 150cm reported on 15 days January 2013 snowfall 50cm reported 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 5cm Snowfall at base this season 168cm Weather overview Moderate snow Wind Varied Temperature - Visibility Poor Posted on Wednesday 2nd January 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good news this morning. While I only have a bit of snow to report, looking ahead we have a heavy snow warning in place in the region with lots of snow forecast for the next 24 hours and beyond. Bring it on! Strong winds are already with us and likely to stay for the next few days - for the moment though lifts seem to be unaffected and operating as normal. So, light snow falling now but heavier snow probable as the day moves on, and snow likely to be falling through until the weekend. Would be good. Just watch out for the wind, and colder temperatures over the next few days. Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Wednesday 2nd January 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 168cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 18 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (9th and 26th December) November 2012 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day December 2012 snowfall 150cm reported on 15 days January 2013 snowfall 15cm reported 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 30cm Snowfall at base this season 152cm Weather overview Cloud, snow Wind Moderate to strong Temperature - Visibility Poor Posted on Wednesday 26th December 2012 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good news this morning, 30cm of new snowfall in Zao. It's a cold, snowy morning here with some strong winds as well. -10C early on and hardly above that now. Some lifts were late starting up and right now as I write this it just looks like the top Gondola is not operating due to the conditions but all the rest of the mountain is open.Conditions will have improved a lot today and we hope the snow will condition to fall through into tomorrow. If you are looking for calmer conditions it's probably best to try and be here Friday when it will be less windy, probably clearer skies and milder as well. Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Wednesday 26th December 2012 Total snowfall at base so far 152cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 15 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (9th December) November 2012 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day December 2012 snowfall 149cm reported 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 1cm Snowfall at base this season 119cm Weather overview Cloud, light snow Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Good Posted at 10:30am on Sunday 23rd December 2012 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . None of the heavy snowfall yet here this morning with just 1cm to report in Zao since yesterday. That's not going to help so much! It is definitely colder this morning though and there's some fairly dark clouds up there looking all threatening, and so fingers and toes are crossed that it is on the way. Consistent snowfall is on the forecast from today through until near the end of the week. It is going to stay very cold as well. Look out for strong winds Tuesday-Thursday. Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Sunday 23rd December 2012 Total snowfall at base so far 119cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 13 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (9th December) November 2012 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day December 2012 snowfall 116cm reported 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 0cm Snowfall at base this season 0cm Weather overview - Wind - Temperature - Visibility - Posted at 11:45am on Friday 9th November 2012 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . This year has been great for the autumn colours - the scenery in this region has been truly spectacular this year, and even now in the village area the colours of autumn are doing their thing. It won't be long now before the trees are looking barer and winter is with us. We have had a few short blasts of winter like conditions actually. Around 2nd/3rd November there was a fair amount of white snow cover on the the mountain, though not down to the village area level. Great to see the white cover, but it has now gone for the moment again. The Echo Line road connecting Zao with Miyagi Prefecture is now closed for the season and everyone in the village is busy preparing for the coming winter season. As always Zao will open basically as soon as there is enough snow and we can hope that may be around early December. We will just have to wait and see. I will be posting more in the coming weeks as we approach opening with the latest. Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Friday 9th November 2012 Total snowfall at base so far 0cm 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 3cm Weather overview - Wind - Temperature - Visibility - Posted at 11:45am on Wednesday 28th November 2012 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Things are looking nice and white this morning as we welcome a few cm of fresh snowfall to the village with yesterdays rather stormy conditions. The wind has calmed down this morning and it's just a generally cloudy start to the day. A cold one though, and right now around 0 degrees. There's not a huge amount of snowfall on it's way in the coming week according to the forecast. Best chance around Saturday. The Zao Chuo Ropeway is closed for maintenance at the moment until hopefully the weekend when they will re-open (for sightseeing). Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Wednesday 28th November 2012 Total snowfall at base so far 3cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 1 day Most snowfall observed in 1 day 3cm (28th November) November 2012 snowfall 3cm 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 13cm Weather overview - Wind - Temperature - Visibility - Posted at 9:12am on Sunday 2nd December 2012 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Amazing what a bit of snow can do. Yesterday, the first lift of the season started moving! There's not that much snow out there (30cm according to the resort) and not much course area open, but the Chuo Number 1 pair lift is operating and part of the Chuo area at Zao Onsen is open. I'll bring you more details on Tuesday, when we will get the Zao Now reports into 'daily mode'. Welcome to the 12/13 season! Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Sunday 2nd December 2012 Total snowfall at base so far 13cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 2 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 10cm (2nd December) November 2012 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day December 2012 snowfall 10cm reported 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 Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 751cm Weather overview Cloud, rain, snow Wind Light Temperature - Visibility OK Posted at 11:34am on Sunday 28th April 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . The rain moved in yesterday evening and turned to a wintry mix/snow late last night. Precipitation is falling, but it's a mixed bag at the moment - a little rain mixed with snow in the village, a nice wintry mix at the bottom of the ski resort, and all snow up on the mountain. This might be our last chance for fresh snow before the season ends next weekend. It is certainly a welcome sight. We're at the end of April, and you can still ski the mountain from top to bottom with a 130cm base. Not a bad run after a slightly dry to normal snow season. It's currently 3 degrees with a stiff winding blowing out of the north at 6 m/s. The forecast doesn't call for much warmer temperatures, so be prepared for a small taste of winter if you're up there skiing near the peak of the mountain. Conditions change over to Spring-like snow the further down you go, so be sure to keep that in mind when getting in your last few runs of the season. One more week to go! Furano Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Sunday 28th April 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 751cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 98 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (11th March) November 2012 snowfall 69cm reported on 10 days December 2012 snowfall 162cm reported on 21 days January 2013 snowfall 130cm reported on 20 days February 2013 snowfall 152cm reported on 18 days March 2013 snowfall 219cm reported on 19 days April 2013 snowfall 19cm reported 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 Furano. 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 Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 751cm Weather overview Cloud with scattered showers Wind Varied Temperature - Visibility Fair Posted at 9:15am on Sunday 12th May 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . The Cherry Blossoms may be blooming in Hakodate, but it is still ski season for one last day in Furano. For those of you who have been on the fence about getting out there for that final run, today is your last chance! It's currently 7 degrees with a few scattered showers lingering around Central Hokkaido. The rain is on its way out for the day, but overnight saw a cold, steady rain spread across the area. With lows holding fast in the mid-single digits, only the upper elevations of the mountain had a chance of seeing some appreciable snowfall. The top of the mountain is bristling white, but snow conditions transition quickly over to spring-like as you ski towards the bottom. The good news is that the rain will move out and stay out for the rest of the day. The cloudy weather will most likely be lingering, but temperatures should peak in the low 10's, not too shabby for a mid-May Sunday. Winds are brisk at 6 m/s, but even the wind should calm down a bit for the last afternoon of ski lift operations this season. If you're looking for the best conditions to round out the 2012-13 year, be sure to hit the slopes after lunch. Hope to see you out there! ---- Thank you very much for reading the Furano Now reports this season. Furano Now will be back with you on the other side of summer when the 2013/2014 ski season is once again just around the corner. See you then! Furano Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Sunday 12th May 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 751cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 98 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (11th March) November 2012 snowfall 69cm reported on 10 days December 2012 snowfall 162cm reported on 21 days January 2013 snowfall 130cm reported on 20 days February 2013 snowfall 152cm reported on 18 days March 2013 snowfall 219cm reported on 19 days April 2013 snowfall 19cm reported on 10 days May 2013 snowfall 0cm Previous report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Furano. 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