Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 35cm Snowfall at base this season 538cm Weather overview Cloud, sun in places, light snow Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Variable Posted on Saturday 23rd February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Yesterday we went from that lovely start to white-out snowy conditions within the day. Love it when that happens (only when the whiteout happens late on in the day of course). This morning lots of new snowfall to tell you about. Over 30cm here in village and probably over 40cm on the mountain. Still a lot of cloud around but the snow seems to be easing at the moment. From here by Zao Ropeway it is still poor visibility but just over by Uwanodai there's some blue sky on show and the sun coming down so variable conditions for the moment. The local forecast is for snow showers today and tomorrow with a clearing pattern from Monday. Anyway it's a brilliant start to the weekend. Snow should be awesome. Remember to avoid those bottlenecks for the smoothest lift rides. Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Saturday 23rd February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 538cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 54 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 50cm (27th January) November 2012 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day December 2012 snowfall 150cm reported on 15 days January 2013 snowfall 243cm reported on 21 days February 2013 snowfall 142cm reported on 17 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Zao Onsen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 15cm Snowfall at base this season 502cm Weather overview Cloud, snow Wind Moderate Temperature - Visibility Poor Posted on Thursday 21st February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . It is a very cold morning in Zao. And I have over 15cm of new snow to report from the village base area, with more surely falling higher up. Temperatures down to minus double figures earlier on this morning and not much of a warm up happening either. The Paradise area of the resort is recording a lot of -15C. Snow continues and there is a moderate wind, but all of the resort is open as planned from what I can tell. The snow depth on the Utopia area is now recorded as 275cm, the highest of the season so far. At the moment I can just see the lower slopes from the base, anything higher up is shrouded in cloud. Earlier on it was better, but once again has reduced as the morning goes on. Snowfall is still forecast for the next few days and through the coming weekend and it is going to stay cold too. Come prepared! Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Thursday 21st February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 502cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 52 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 50cm (27th January) November 2012 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day December 2012 snowfall 150cm reported on 15 days January 2013 snowfall 243cm reported on 21 days February 2013 snowfall 106cm reported 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 1cm Snowfall at base this season 485cm Weather overview Cloud, light snow Wind Moderate Temperature - Visibility Fair Posted on Tuesday 19th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Just a cm or so of snow overnight in Zao and light snow falling earlier on this morning. Fairly strong wind making itself heard and colder conditions than yesterday for sure. For now as I write this report the snow has eased up and it's just cloudy. Fast moving clouds actually and even some breaks opening up to show us the sky. Could it clear up? The forecast for the coming days is a mix of snow, cloud and wind. Looks like the moderate to strong winds will be persistent through the week, but hopefully bring some decent snowfall as well from time to time. It should be keeping nice and cold through into at least early next week. Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Tuesday 19th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 485cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 50 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 50cm (27th January) November 2012 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day December 2012 snowfall 150cm reported on 15 days January 2013 snowfall 243cm reported on 21 days February 2013 snowfall 89cm reported 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 25cm Snowfall at base this season 563cm Weather overview Snow Wind Strong Temperature - Visibility Poor Posted on Sunday 24th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . It's whiteout here in Zao this morning. Crazy wind blowing about at least 20cm of fresh since yesterday. Limited operations this morning on the mountain, with Utopia and Kurohime areas closed and the chance of others during the day. It doesn't look like it's going to let up. Once this storm passes, going to be awesome conditions. Late February sometimes brings us a mixed bag, but we are ending February this year in style. Just a shame for the people here for the day today and not able to use all the mountain and not see much of anything at all. The onsens are probably going to be busy today! Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Sunday 24th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 563cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 55 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 50cm (27th January) November 2012 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day December 2012 snowfall 150cm reported on 15 days January 2013 snowfall 243cm reported on 21 days February 2013 snowfall 167cm reported 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 1cm Snowfall at base this season 503cm Weather overview Clear and sunny Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Excellent Posted on Friday 22nd February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Did I say snowfall forecast for today?! Well.... not quite! This morning there are blue skies all around. It's a beautiful morning. Keeping nice and cold and hardly any wind at all just a slight breeze really. A really great day to be out on the slopes. So the forecast got it somewhat wrong for today, but checking around they do agree that it should be snowing again by the end of the day today and over the weekend we will see a chance of continued snow showers and possibly strong winds. Let's see what happens. Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Friday 22nd February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 503cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 53 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 50cm (27th January) November 2012 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day December 2012 snowfall 150cm reported on 15 days January 2013 snowfall 243cm reported on 21 days February 2013 snowfall 107cm reported 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 2cm Snowfall at base this season 487cm Weather overview Cloud Wind Slight Temperature - Visibility Good Posted on Wednesday 20th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Another case of blue skies we were seeing a bit earlier getting covered by cloud this morning. It's a cold start to the day and we do have a few cm since yesterday. No wind and generally just cloudy but bright. That's about it this morning. Snow is forecast for today and then from the Friday again so it should be fresh conditions for the weekend. Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Wednesday 20th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 487cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 51 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 50cm (27th January) November 2012 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day December 2012 snowfall 150cm reported on 15 days January 2013 snowfall 243cm reported on 21 days February 2013 snowfall 91cm 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 50cm Snowfall at base this season 613cm Weather overview Fine, cloud Wind Varied Temperature - Visibility Good Posted on Monday 25th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . This weekend just gone has probably turned out to be the maddest of the season so far. The coldest morning of the season and the most snowfall with another 50cm of new snow. It really came down yesterday and the wind made for some 'challenging' conditions outside. It's change for this morning though with suddenly clearer skies (some cloud still around) and less wind. All lifts scheduled to be open. Snow conditions and weather today couldn't be better. Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Monday 25th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 613cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 56 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 50cm (27th January and 25th February) November 2012 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day December 2012 snowfall 150cm reported on 15 days January 2013 snowfall 243cm reported on 21 days February 2013 snowfall 217cm reported 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 614cm Weather overview Cloud Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Good Posted on Tuesday 26th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Just a dusting of snow in Zao since yesterday and it is a much cloudier start to the day though decent visibility on the slopes. A cold start to the day though not quite as cold as yesterday. Finer weather is forecast for the next 2-3 days, especially a warming up around Friday. But that is due to be followed by snow into the weekend. Yesterday was amazing. Let's hope there's lots more of those yet this season. Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Tuesday 26th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 614cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 57 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 50cm (27th January and 25th February) November 2012 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day December 2012 snowfall 150cm reported on 15 days January 2013 snowfall 243cm reported on 21 days February 2013 snowfall 218cm reported 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 Naeba region of Niigata New snowfall at base 10cm Snowfall at base this season 103cm Weather overview Light snow Wind Varied Temperature - Visibility Very good Posted on Wednesday 12th December 2012 This is an archived report. The latest Naeba Now report can be found here . Yesterday sure was an interesting one weather wise. Starting off with blue skies and those lasting most of the morning, but we were back to snow by the time things were darker and this morning Kagura has signed the delivery note on 20-30cm of new snow up top. It is a cold start to the morning and light snow has been falling from the skies this morning though easing off as I write this and it is quite bright now here in Naeba. Glimpses of the sun again? Though not like yesterday with those blue skies early on. While snow clouds are forecast to be around today and perhaps into tomorrow, it will be the last of new snow for a bit as things are destined to clear up. In fact it looks like we might even get some rain at the weekend - even higher up - so fingers crossed that won't happen but it does seem likely that things are going to warm up a bit come the weekend. Naeba are hoping to open the famous Daishamen course this weekend and hopefully more - will let you know. For the moment it is still just the No5 lift on the lower slopes that is open. Nighta at Naeba should open from 22nd December but the resort has decided to open for a one night special this coming Saturday - the No5 lift will be operating from 5pm - 8:30pm. Kagura continues to be almost fully open. Official resort snow depth: Naeba - 90cm Kagura - 200cm Naeba Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Wednesday 12th December 2012 Total snowfall at base so far 103cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 5 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 60cm (10th December) November 2012 snowfall 3cm observed on 1 day December 2013 snowfall 100cm 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 Naeba. 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 Naeba region of Niigata New snowfall at base 15cm Snowfall at base this season 128cm Weather overview Light snow Wind Varied Temperature - Visibility Fair to poor Posted on Wednesday 19th December 2012 This is an archived report. The latest Naeba Now report can be found here . I think this morning the news is better than expected. Up to 30cm of fresh snow being reported from Kagura this morning along with a nice cold temperature of -10C. Here in Naeba we have 10-15cm of new snow in village and 20cm or so on the mountain. Just to recap on the courses open at Naeba - Downhill course, Takenokodaira course, Daishamen course and the lower No4 and No5 course areas. The Malibu Terrain Park plans to open up from this coming Saturday (22nd December). The snowfall is forecast to continue today though will ease off into tomorrow to be followed by a few more clearer days of weather with temperatures getting slightly milder again over the weekend, though perhaps not as mild as last weekend. Should be very nice conditions on the slopes today, fingers crossed I can report more snowfall tomorrow. Official resort snow depth: Naeba - 90cm Kagura - 200cm Lifts operating at Naeba: Prince Number 2 Gondola No5 high speed lift No4 romance lift Takenokodaira romance lift Daishamen romance lift Almost all of Kagura is open. Naeba Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Wednesday 19th December 2012 Total snowfall at base so far 128cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 7 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 60cm (10th December) November 2012 snowfall 3cm observed on 1 day December 2013 snowfall 125cm 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 Naeba. 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 Naeba region of Niigata New snowfall at base 10cm Snowfall at base this season 138cm Weather overview Bit of sun Wind Varied Temperature - Visibility Good Posted on Thursday 20th December 2012 This is an archived report. The latest Naeba Now report can be found here . The sun is out! While it is still snowing to the north this morning, here in Naeba and above Kagura the sun is out and the skies are clearing up. The local forecast still says 'snow', but I reckon it might just be a very fine day out there. Those clouds could always move back in of course, but don't look like doing so right now. For the moment though, it is a fine morning to be sliding down the slopes here. 15cm of fresh snowfall at Kagura and another 5-10cm or so at Naeba since yesterday. It's a cold morning but the next few days promise to be slightly milder before temperatures plummet once again late weekend and hopefully bring with them a good new dumpage of snow Sunday through Monday. Official resort snow depth: Naeba - 90cm Kagura - 200cm Lifts operating at Naeba: Prince Number 2 Gondola No5 high speed lift No4 romance lift Takenokodaira romance lift Daishamen romance lift Naeba Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Thursday 20th December 2012 Total snowfall at base so far 138cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 8 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 60cm (10th December) November 2012 snowfall 3cm observed on 1 day December 2013 snowfall 135cm 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 Naeba. 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 Naeba region of Niigata New snowfall at base 20cm Snowfall at base this season 93cm Weather overview Clear and sunny Wind Varied Temperature - Visibility Very good Posted on Tuesday 11th December 2012 This is an archived report. The latest Naeba Now report can be found here . Another 10cm or so of snow to report since last night and add another 10cm on top of that and we probably have had 20cm since my report yesterday. It certainly has been a good weekend and start to the week. With the sun out this morning, it should be pretty excellent conditions out there for the lucky ones sliding. Yes the sun is out we have a few white fluffy clouds hanging about it everywhere looks amazing and I'm sure the snow is top quality this morning. Doesn't look busy either. Kagura open as planned today. The same lower lifts at Naeba open but I would hope that we will soon be seeing more of Naeba opening soon. Light snow is actually forecast for today and so it will either turn up later or the forecast have got it wrong. I'll let you know which of those happens in my report tomorrow morning! Official resort snow depth: Naeba - 80cm Kagura - 200cm Naeba Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Tuesday 11th December 2012 Total snowfall at base so far 93cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 4 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 60cm (10th December) November 2012 snowfall 3cm observed on 1 day December 2013 snowfall 90cm 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 Naeba. 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