Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 3cm Snowfall at base this season 553cm Posted on Monday 17th March 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . A few cm of snow from yesterday, but today the sun is out and it's going to be a beautiful blue sky day when the remaining clouds clear, I can tell. Quite cold early but it's going to warm up during the day in the sun. It's going to be warmer still tomorrow, and we are expecting strong winds and... rain, unfortunately. Later in the week though, colder conditions should be back with us and they may bring some fresh snowfall. Official snow depths): Utopia: 320cm Chuo: 260cm Paradise: 290cm Uwanodai: 180cm Zao Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Monday 17th March 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 553cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 55 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 50cm (on 16th February) November 2013 snowfall 12cm observed on 1 day December 2013 snowfall 179cm observed on 18 days January 2014 snowfall 111cm observed on 18 days February 2014 snowfall 166cm observed on 10 days March 2014 snowfall 85cm 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 5cm Snowfall at base this season 341cm Posted on Saturday 3rd January 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . It sure is staying cold at the moment! Foggy conditions as well with continued poor visibility and moderate winds on the mountain. I think quite a lot of people are hoping that it will clear up today and there does seem to be a chance of that, and a better still chance of that tomorrow and Monday. The grip of the bitter cold should ease as well with slightly warmer (I use that word loosely!) temps due for a few days. Official snow depths: Utopia: 170cm Chuo: 200cm Paradise: 170cm Uwanodai: 135cm Zao Onsen is fully open. Night skiing operations at Zao this season Uwanodai area: Daily until 22nd March Yokokura area: From Friday 26th December until 4th January; Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Friday 9th January until 15th March Open times from 5pm until 9pm. Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Saturday 3rd January 2015 Total snowfall at base 341cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 26 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 40cm observed on 3 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Zao Onsen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 3cm Snowfall at base this season 344cm Posted on Sunday 4th January 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . A calm morning here - in the village at least - but still can't see any of the mountain with a thick fog and cloud preventing us seeing much of anything at all really. A few more cm of snow on the ground. When might we get to see the mountain then? Tomorrow is still looking like a good candidate for clear blue skies and the sun shining down. The people going back at the end of their New Year holidays today might look on annoyed at that! For those staying though, tomorrow looks like it should be a real treat. Official snow depths: Utopia: 170cm Chuo: 200cm Paradise: 170cm Uwanodai: 135cm Zao Onsen is fully open. Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Sunday 4th January 2015 Total snowfall at base 344cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 27 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 43cm 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 0cm Snowfall at base this season 579cm Posted on Monday 28th April 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Busy over the weekend in Zao. Of course, there's only limited upper areas remaining open now, so everyone's heading to the same place. But still, a fair amount of terrain open - Chuo, Paradise, Utopia and the top Zangezaka course. Tomorrow is a holiday again, but sadly there's a good chance of rain and for the following few days as well. Hopefully conditions might clear up for the upcoming long - and last - weekend. Snow continues to quickly dry up from the lower parts of the mountain. The Zao Echoline road is now open. It seems that until some time in early May they will be closing the road from 5pm until 8am the next morning but during the day time it's open to enjoy. Operating ski lifts at Zao (* subject to change): Daily until 6th May: Ropeways and Gondolas (open through the year) Chuo Number 1 Pair Chuo Number 2 Pair Utopia Number 2 Pair Katakai Triple Paradise Pair AB Official snow depths: Utopia: 120cm Chuo: 110cm Paradise: 120cm Uwanodai: 0cm Zao Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Monday 28th April 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 579cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 59 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 50cm (on 16th February) November 2013 snowfall 12cm observed on 1 day December 2013 snowfall 179cm observed on 18 days January 2014 snowfall 111cm observed on 18 days February 2014 snowfall 166cm observed on 10 days March 2014 snowfall 107cm observed on 11 days April 2014 snowfall 4cm 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 4cm Snowfall at base this season 579cm Posted on Monday 7th April 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Some snowfall over the weekend, along with cold temperatures again. Felt a bit like winter! This morning it is cloudy with some blue sky to see but feels like we might be on for a clear up. Spring is due to be back this week with clearer conditions, sun and a bit of warmth returning. From today, less lifts are open but lift tickets get cheaper making it now 3000 yen for a 1 day lift adult ticket. Operating ski lifts at Zao (* subject to change): Sometime in April, depending on snow conditions: Yokokura Number 1 Pair Kurohime Number 1 Quad Until 6th May: Ropeways and Gondolas (open through the year) Chuo Number 1 Pair Utopia Number 2 Pair Chuo Number 2 Pair (every day until 13th April, then holidays) Katakai Triple (every day until 13th April, then holidays) Paradise Pair (every day until 13th April, then holidays) Official snow depths: Utopia: 200cm Chuo: 200cm Paradise: 200cm Uwanodai: 90cm Zao Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Monday 7th April 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 579cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 59 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 50cm (on 16th February) November 2013 snowfall 12cm observed on 1 day December 2013 snowfall 179cm observed on 18 days January 2014 snowfall 111cm observed on 18 days February 2014 snowfall 166cm observed on 10 days March 2014 snowfall 107cm observed on 11 days April 2014 snowfall 4cm 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 563cm Posted on Friday 21st March 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . 10cm of fresh snow at base this morning. More on the mountain, surely. A good way to celebrate the lower ticket prices for spring as I mentioned in previous reports. It's still snowing and should be for the day. Fairly strong winds though, hopefully that won't affect the lifts. Seems to be ok as I just checked. Poor visibility though with the snow falling and a rather foggy mountain. Snow should ease from tomorrow and then it's looking like spring might finally take a grip on things from early week. Much warmer conditions are expected with lots of sun - if the forecast is right the big melt will begin. Official snow depths: Utopia: 300cm Chuo: 260cm Paradise: 290cm Uwanodai: 180cm Zao Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Friday 21st March 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 563cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 56 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 50cm (on 16th February) November 2013 snowfall 12cm observed on 1 day December 2013 snowfall 179cm observed on 18 days January 2014 snowfall 111cm observed on 18 days February 2014 snowfall 166cm observed on 10 days March 2014 snowfall 95cm 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 10cm Snowfall at base this season 575cm Posted on Sunday 23rd March 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Well, the snowfall hasn't dried up yet! Over 10cm of heavy snow outside this morning and temperatures remaining in the negative. From the looks of the forecasts though, this might well be it as it's going to hot up this week and by the end of the week we might be experiencing temperatures of over 10 degrees in the village. The big melt will be on then. For now though, some new snow to play in once again today. Official snow depths: Utopia: 300cm Chuo: 260cm Paradise: 290cm Uwanodai: 180cm Zao Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Sunday 23rd March 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 575cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 58 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 50cm (on 16th February) November 2013 snowfall 12cm observed on 1 day December 2013 snowfall 179cm observed on 18 days January 2014 snowfall 111cm observed on 18 days February 2014 snowfall 166cm observed on 10 days March 2014 snowfall 107cm 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 2cm Snowfall at base this season 565cm Posted on Saturday 22nd March 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . A few cm of snow at base here, though it's kind of heavy rather than light and fluffy. Still it is keeping cold and light snow is falling this morning still. After today, no snow on the forecast for the week. Is that the end? Could be, but expect more sun and much warmer conditions from Monday. Official snow depths: Utopia: 300cm Chuo: 260cm Paradise: 290cm Uwanodai: 180cm Zao Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Saturday 22nd March 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 565cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 57 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 50cm (on 16th February) November 2013 snowfall 12cm observed on 1 day December 2013 snowfall 179cm observed on 18 days January 2014 snowfall 111cm observed on 18 days February 2014 snowfall 166cm observed on 10 days March 2014 snowfall 97cm 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 0cm Snowfall at base this season 579cm Posted on Tuesday 6th May 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . It's the last day of Golden Week and the last day of the ski and snowboard season in Zao Onsen. It's over five months since the first ski lifts of the season opened back at the end of November 2013. It seems a long time ago, but then again the season has also gone very quickly. There have been a few ups and downs this year. Rain spoilt things a bit around early February, but Zao made a good comeback after that and we have enjoyed lots of snow deep into spring this season. The monsters recovered well as well and put on a good show. You can look back over the archive reports from the season (and indeed other seasons) using the links at the bottom of this page. The 3 Ropeways in Zao are open throughout the year, just closing for periods of maintenance - the latest info available on spring/early summer maintenance is posted below. That's it from me. Hope you have enjoyed reading the reports from Zao this season and they were helpful if you were planning a visit. No doubt we'll be back on the other side of summer in the run up to next season. See you then! ------------------------------------------------------------ Zao Ropeway Lower section & Utopia Number 1 summer lift: Closed from Wednesday 7th May until Wednesday 4th June (* but will open on 24th and 25th May) Upper section: Closed from Wednesday 7th May until Thursday 19th June (* but will open on 14th, 15th and 16th June) Zao Chuo Ropeway Closed from Wednesday 7th May until Friday 13th June Zao Sky Cable Closed from Saturday 14th June Zao Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Tuesday 6th May 2014 Total snowfall at base 579cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 59 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 50cm (on 16th February) November 2013 snowfall 12cm observed on 1 day December 2013 snowfall 179cm observed on 18 days January 2014 snowfall 111cm observed on 18 days February 2014 snowfall 166cm observed on 10 days March 2014 snowfall 107cm observed on 11 days April 2014 snowfall 4cm observed on 1 day Previous 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 30cm Posted on Tuesday 2nd December 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Morning from Zao. Snowing properly this morning with 10cm or so of fresh snow on the ground here in the village areas and more on the way over the next few days and maybe into the weekend as well. I have heard some reports of 60cm of snow just in the next 24 hours. That would be nice if true! A few days of that kind of snowfall and I would expect lifts to be up and running quite quickly. Proper opening to the season just around the corner by the looks.... Will give you an update tomorrow. Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Tuesday 2nd December 2014 Total snowfall at base 30cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 3 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 10cm (on 14th, 18th November and 2nd December) November 2014 snowfall 20cm observed on 2 days December 2014 snowfall 10cm 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 20cm Posted on Tuesday 18th November 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . The sun has been out for a bit this morning and showing off all of the "white" on show with I would say a good 20+cm on the middle slopes of the resort. It's all looking like we could be sliding soon. Not much snow on the forecast over the coming week though, as it stands anyway. Hopefully it will remain cold. Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Tuesday 18th November 2014 Total snowfall at base 20cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 2 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 10cm (on 14th and 18th November) November 2014 snowfall 20cm 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 80cm Snowfall at base this season 110cm Posted on Wednesday 3rd December 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . I bring good snowy but also windy news! Loads of snow in Zao at the moment with this impressive winter storm really delivering. I'm not kidding there must have been 80cm of snow since my report yesterday. Full on. I am hearing rumours of the ski lifts might get to be moving today - if they can get round the strong winds as well - but haven't had any confirmation yet and the official website is now showing any changes. Whether things can get started today or not, once the storm settles we will surely have enough for a nearly full opening. Exciting stuff. I'll update you tomorrow morning. Official snow depths: Utopia: -cm Chuo: 50cm Paradise: -cm Uwanodai: -cm Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Wednesday 3rd December 2014 Total snowfall at base 110cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 4 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 80cm (on 3rd December) November 2014 snowfall 20cm observed on 2 days December 2014 snowfall 90cm 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