Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 255cm Posted on Monday 22nd December 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . A few cm of new snowfall this morning in Zao along with cold temperatures (-6C when I got up this morning), morning fog and generally poor visibility both at base and on the slopes. Hardly any wind though... for the moment. Very nice snow conditions out there with more fresh snow on the way today and forecast stronger winds. Clearer weather is probably tomorrow before we get back into fresh snow falling for Christmas. All of Zao is now open apart from the Ryuzan area (and the Karamatsu lift which is closed on weekdays). Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Monday 22nd December 2014 Total snowfall at base 255cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 17 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 80cm (on 3rd December) November 2014 snowfall 20cm observed on 2 days December 2014 snowfall 235cm observed 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 30cm Snowfall at base this season 331cm Posted on Thursday 1st January 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Happy New Year. 2015 has started off with a lot of snowfall to report. About 30cm outside my base here in the village area, so I expect more in places on the mountain. Seems nice and light too and so conditions should be very good on the runs this morning with lots of deep to find. Poor visibility on the mountain as well with an early morning (?) fog as well as the cloud covering the mountain. Snow and moderate winds expected to continue through tomorrow as well as very low temperatures. By the end of the weekend another milder spell with calmer conditions is forecast. Official snow depths: Utopia: 170cm Chuo: 200cm Paradise: 165cm Uwanodai: 135cm Zao Onsen is fully open. Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Thursday 1st January 2015 Total snowfall at base 331cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 24 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 30cm 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 336cm Posted on Friday 2nd January 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Up to 5cm of snow again this morning I'd say and while early morning I could see the mountain.... it's covered in cloud again now. Not the best of timing for people coming hoping to take spectacular blue sky photos, that's for sure! It remains very cold this morning and snow showers likely through into tomorrow. From Sunday we can look forward to an easing off of the snow and colder conditions and maybe some sunshine. Please note that unfortunately the Yokokura wall run remains closed for the moment. Official snow depths: Utopia: 170cm Chuo: 200cm Paradise: 170cm Uwanodai: 135cm Zao Onsen is fully open. Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Friday 2nd January 2015 Total snowfall at base 336cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 25 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 35cm 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 3cm Snowfall at base this season 352cm Posted on Wednesday 7th January 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Quite wild conditions this morning in Zao. Strong winds, snow, fog, very cold, poor visibility. I think the onsen might be a bit more crowded than usual this morning! Just a few cm of snow so far but it's blowing about so maybe more has fallen and surely more during the day today if this continues. Conditions may improve come tomorrow but looks like it'll be windy to some extent through the week. Too early for the resort to update their report this morning but there's a chance of lifts being disrupted due to the conditions. Official snow depths: Utopia: 175cm Chuo: 200cm Paradise: 180cm Uwanodai: 130cm Zao Onsen is fully open (though note that the Karamatsu pair lift is closed on weekdays). Weather conditions may affect lifts. Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Wednesday 7th January 2015 Total snowfall at base 352cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 29 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 51cm 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 5cm Snowfall at base this season 349cm Posted on Monday 5th January 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Not as cold this morning in Zao and I can actually see the mountain, the lower parts anyway. Cloudy start to this Monday morning but more sky appearing over the last hour or so - perhaps we'll still get to see more of that and the sun later on. Tomorrow also should be on the milder side but come Wednesday we're due a return to very cold though the forecast doesn't give us much in terms of snowfall in the coming week. Official snow depths: Utopia: 175cm Chuo: 200cm Paradise: 170cm Uwanodai: 130cm Zao Onsen is fully open (though note that the Karamatsu pair lift is closed on weekdays). Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Monday 5th January 2015 Total snowfall at base 349cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 28 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 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 20cm Snowfall at base this season 372cm Posted on Thursday 8th January 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . There was lots of fresh snow out on the mountain yesterday, and it was being blown about by some sometimes very strong winds. Not the most 'friendly' of conditions. I have logged in 20cm as the new snow for the day which includes the few cm overnight as well as what we got yesterday - though difficult to pinpoint a number with all that wind. Not as windy this morning though there's still a wind with us. Cold conditions, moderate wind and snow showers seems to be what is forecast for the coming few days. From today, and every Thursday until 26th March, some of us can take advangage of a special 'Ladies Day' 1 day ticket at the reduced cost of 3500 yen. You need to be a lady though - sorry guys! Official snow depths: Utopia: 175cm Chuo: 200cm Paradise: 180cm Uwanodai: 135cm Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Thursday 8th January 2015 Total snowfall at base 372cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 30 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 71cm 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 10cm Snowfall at base this season 382cm Posted on Saturday 10th January 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . 10cm of fresh snowfall this morning in the village on this calm but cold morning. Light snow showers forecast for today and more volume of snow expected tomorrow and similar conditions will probably carry on into early Monday. Once we get into next week that's when we might get to see one of those fabulous blue-sky days. For now though it's all about the snow conditions on the slopes which are pretty good! Enjoy. Official snow depths: Utopia: 190cm Chuo: 200cm Paradise: 190cm Uwanodai: 140cm Zao Onsen is fully open (though note that the Karamatsu pair lift is closed on weekdays). Weather conditions may affect lifts. Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Saturday 10th January 2015 Total snowfall at base 382cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 31 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 81cm 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 10cm Snowfall at base this season 393cm Posted on Monday 12th January 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Light snow easing off this morning and fairly decent visibility now. Is that the sun I can just about make out behind some clouds there? And even a bit of blue sky? I think it might be! We're heading into a break from snow and a spell of more settled and clearer weather conditions from tomorrow and that will likely stretch to the end of the week. Personally I'm looking forward to hopefully a few days of sun. Just as long as it doesn't warm up too much - and forecasts tell us it shouldn't - conditions should keep and it should be a great week to be in Zao. Oh yes, 10cm more fresh since yesterday. Official snow depths: Utopia: 190cm Chuo: 200cm Paradise: 190cm Uwanodai: 140cm Zao Onsen is fully open (though note that the Karamatsu pair lift is closed on weekdays). Weather conditions may affect lifts. Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Monday 12th January 2015 Total snowfall at base 393cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 33 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 92cm 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 1cm Snowfall at base this season 383cm Posted on Sunday 11th January 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Another cold morning (aren't they all here?!) and just cloudy right now. Snow is forecast for later on in particular though so I should have more than the dusting that we have this morning to report tomorrow. Early report today as I am off on my way to Yamagata city this morning. Lots of people coming up the other way by the looks of things. Official snow depths: Utopia: 190cm Chuo: 200cm Paradise: 190cm Uwanodai: 140cm Zao Onsen is fully open (though note that the Karamatsu pair lift is closed on weekdays). Weather conditions may affect lifts. Night skiing operations at Zao this season.... Uwanodai area: Daily until 22nd March Yokokura area: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from until 15th March Open times from 5pm until 9pm. Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Sunday 11th January 2015 Total snowfall at base 383cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 32 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 82cm 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 2cm Snowfall at base this season 395cm Posted on Friday 16th January 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . A few cm of snow to report this morning from Zao though it's not snowing now and just cloudy. A relatively mild 0C here in the village and no wind. All is calm. Snow is expected tonight and tomorrow, with a chance of fairly strong winds. They're having some practice runs on the ski jump today for the event that officially starts tomorrow. Official snow depths: Utopia: 190cm Chuo: 200cm Paradise: 190cm Uwanodai: 130cm Zao Onsen is fully open (though note that the Karamatsu pair lift is closed on weekdays). Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Friday 16th January 2015 Total snowfall at base 395cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 34 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 94cm observed on 11 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Zao Onsen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 15cm Snowfall at base this season 410cm Posted on Sunday 18th January 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Strong winds yesterday meant that in the end the Ski Jumping event was apparently cancelled. I wasn't around but it's a shame when events can't go ahead as planned of course. This morning we have a good 15-20cm of fresh snowfall and once again there's not much to see out of the window other than grey/white. Visibility poor even down here in the village and while it has actually improved a bit in the last hour or so, most certainly poor out on higher areas of the mountain. It's a cold morning with snow still falling and a moderate wind. Not as strong as yesterday, but still a wind chill. Feels very cold out. Forecast tells us it might even clear up to an extent later on today but the snow clouds won't be far away over the next few days. Official snow depths): Utopia: 195cm Chuo: 200cm Paradise: 200cm Uwanodai: 135cm Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Sunday 18th January 2015 Total snowfall at base 410cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 35 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 109cm 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 5cm Snowfall at base this season 415cm Posted on Tuesday 20th January 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . I can actually see stuff this morning! Yes, while there's still lots of cloud about, I can see the mountain for a change this morning. Is that the sun I can see trying to come out from behind the cloud as well?! Moderately windy conditions forecast for today but mostly just cloud with a chance of finer wather later and tomorrow as well. Snow is forecast for the day on Thursday. Official snow depths: Utopia: 200cm Chuo: 200cm Paradise: 200cm Uwanodai: 135cm Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Tuesday 20th January 2015 Total snowfall at base 415cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 36 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 114cm observed 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