Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 172cm Posted on Thursday 26th December 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . A cloudy start to the day and just another thin layer of snow down at base, 1cm. Earlier I couldn't see the top of the mountain but clouds seem to be clearing and I expect today will end up a clear, blue sky day with the sun out. Snow and colder temperatures due tomorrow and through the weekend. Perhaps strong winds too. A storm is coming! Official snow depths: Utopia: 145cm Chuo: 130cm Paradise: 140cm Uwanodai: 80cm Zao Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Thursday 26th December 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 172cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 15 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (on 12th December) November 2013 snowfall 12cm observed on 1 day December 2013 snowfall 160cm observed 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 2cm Snowfall at base this season 170cm Posted on Tuesday 24th December 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . It's a cold* and snowy morning here in Zao. Just a few cm of new snowfall as it continues to fall this morning. Perhaps the snow clouds will clear later though for a brighter Christmas Day but the snow clouds look set to next be that far away through until the New Year. (* It's cold, but not quite as cold as the -43C that Uwanodai reported on the official site... I suspect it's either -3 or -4!) Official snow depths: Utopia: 145cm Chuo: 130cm Paradise: 140cm Uwanodai: 80cm Zao Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Tuesday 24th December 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 170cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 13 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (on 12th December) November 2013 snowfall 12cm observed on 1 day December 2013 snowfall 158cm 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 2cm Snowfall at base this season 189cm Posted on Monday 30th December 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . A few more cm of fresh snowfall this morning to report from Zao Onsen. At the moment it isn't snowing but it's very cloudy with generally poor visibility. It's quite windy as well, though lift operations do not seem to be affected at all. Snow due every day over the next week, with particularly heavy snowfall likely on New Years Day along with strong winds if the forecast turns out to be correct. Might be a good excuse to party that bit more tomorrow night and then have a good soak the next morning in an onsen. For now though, it's busy here in Zao. Very nice snow conditions. Enjoy. Official snow depths: Utopia: 150cm Chuo: 145cm Paradise: 150cm Uwanodai: 90cm Zao Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Monday 30th December 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 189cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 18 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (on 12th December) November 2013 snowfall 12cm observed on 1 day December 2013 snowfall 177cm observed on 17 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Zao Onsen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 193cm Posted on Wednesday 1st January 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Akemashite Omedeto Gozaimasu, and a very Happy New Year to you all. Zao had a pretty good December of course, so here's to a fantastic January, February, March and April too. And May. This morning the New Year brings us a few more cm of snow, it's snowing now but it's not as cold as it often is and just under 0 degrees at the moment. Nice big flakes of snow falling though right now and I suspect that come tomorrows report I'll be able to tell stories of very fine conditions and a good new delivery of snow. Might have to look out for stronger winds later on today though... Official snow depths: Utopia: 155cm Chuo: 150cm Paradise: 155cm Uwanodai: 90cm Zao Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Wednesday 1st January 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 193cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 20 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (on 12th December) November 2013 snowfall 12cm observed on 1 day December 2013 snowfall 179cm observed on 18 days January 2014 snowfall 2cm 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 40cm Snowfall at base this season 410cm Posted on Saturday 15th February 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . It has been something of a crazy day here in Zao. Both the roads connecting Zao have been closed so people here are kind of stuck and people wanting to get up here... well, perhaps they should give up and plan something else, as none of the lifts are moving at all. Zao Onsen skijo has been very much closed. Mad. Anyway let me just report the 30cm of snow earlier this morning along with more today but winds have been blowing it all around like crazy so a number is difficult. I'll put 40cm down as that seems reasonable. Snow might ease off tomorrow but winds are still probably going to be with us. Probably best to leave thoughts of Zao until this storm passes properly - perhaps Tuesday when a bit of sun might happen. Stay safe out there! Official snow depths: Utopia: 270cm Chuo: 220cm Paradise: 250cm Uwanodai: 165cm Zao Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Saturday 15th February 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 410cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 44 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (on 2nd January and 15th 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 108cm 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 3cm Snowfall at base this season 463cm Posted on Monday 17th February 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Getting back to something like normal here in Zao. The Ropeways are back up and running though it looks like the Kurohime quads and Paradise lifts amongst a few others are still not moving. Not exactly sure why as it is not that windy this morning. Coping with the snow perhaps.... yes, that is what the official site is saying at the moment. They may well open up later. Just a few cm of fresh snow to report, cold temperatures but not much wind. Snow showers at times over the next few days but we may see quickly changeable conditions. Official snow depths: Utopia: 310cm Chuo: 260cm Paradise: 270cm Uwanodai: 180cm Zao Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Monday 17th February 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 463cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 46 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 161cm 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 30cm Snowfall at base this season 350cm Posted on Sunday 9th February 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . We ended up with some very stormy weather yesterday evening - enough to cancel the light up top ropeway operations. Good news is that this morning I can report 30cm or snow down here in the village, meaning more than that on the mountain and some surely excellent conditions this morning. It's a cold morning, -6 degrees, and still snowing though actually it looks like the top of the resort isn't much colder than down here according to the official report posted by the resort. An easing off of these conditions is likely this morning and then we have sun likely tomorrow. Official snow depths: Utopia: 270cm Chuo: 220cm Paradise: 240cm Uwanodai: 165cm Zao Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Sunday 9th February 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 350cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 42 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (on 2nd January) 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 48cm observed on 5 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 473cm Posted on Monday 3rd March 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Fast forward... 5cm of fresh snow this morning. It's cloudy now, with some breaks in those clouds and a bit of blue sky visible. Clearing up? Tomorrow is supposed to be clearer so maybe. After tomorrow though there's snow lined up on the forecast for the week, along with the chance of stronger winds as well. Snow - yes please. Winds - no thanks. But if we need the wind to get the snow, then that's ok. Should be mid-winter cold again towards the end of the week which is good to see. Official snow depths): Utopia: 295cm Chuo: 260cm Paradise: 290cm Uwanodai: 190cm Zao Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Monday 3rd March 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 473cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 48 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 5cm 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 5cm Snowfall at base this season 468cm Posted on Tuesday 18th February 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Morning from Zao as the cold and wintery conditions continued. It might be fun for all the powder hunters on the slopes, but the resort is having to play catch up a bit - I am told that the Kurohime lifts for example are closed due to the road being blocked over to that area. But hopefully they will open that sometime during the day today. Most of the resort is open though now. Cloudy at the moment with a moderate wind. Clearer conditions tomorrow? Official snow depths: Utopia: 310cm Chuo: 260cm Paradise: 300cm Uwanodai: 180cm Zao Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Tuesday 18th February 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 468cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 47 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 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 370cm Posted on Monday 10th February 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Those official numbers don't seem to have budged, but there has been a lot of new snow over the last two days. But we're not complaining, just get out there and ski or board on it. This morning it's cold and earlier was clearer but has clouded over since. The cold should continue but we seem to be headed into a drier spell with no more snow forecast until we close in on the weekend. Expect sunnier skies over the next few days. Official snow depths: Utopia: 270cm Chuo: 220cm Paradise: 240cm Uwanodai: 165cm Zao Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Monday 10th February 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 370cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 43 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (on 2nd January) 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 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

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 50cm Snowfall at base this season 460cm Posted on Sunday 16th February 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Strong winds continue in Zao this morning and it's a fluid situation but there are a few limited lifts operating as of 10am including a few base pairs and the Chuo pairs. More might open if things calm down. Tons of new snow. With the winds blowing it all around it's almost impossible to put a number on it. But I will anyway, 50cm. Ask the next person and they'll probably tell you another story! Official snow depths: Utopia: 310cm Chuo: 260cm Paradise: 270cm Uwanodai: 180cm Zao Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Sunday 16th February 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 460cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 45 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 158cm 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 491cm Posted on Friday 7th March 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Brrrrrr, very cold this morning. Mid winter cold. And we have 10-15cm of fresh snowfall as well in the village, so that and more probably on the mountain this morning. The top ropeway station is logging a temperature of -16 degrees. That really is mid winter! At the moment it is cloudy, some breaks in the cloud, and hardly any wind at all. Which is surprising as we were expecting some stronger winds - maybe there are coming up later in the day. Forecast for the coming week is promising in terms of continued snowfall and cold conditions - just need to keep an eye on the wind. Official snow depths: Utopia: 290cm Chuo: 260cm Paradise: 280cm Uwanodai: 180cm Zao Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Friday 7th March 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 491cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 50 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 23cm 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