Independent snow and weather reporting from the Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 740cm Weather overview Cloudy Wind Calm Temperature - Visibility OK Posted at 1:11pm on Friday 12th April 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . It looks like winter again in Furano village with a fresh snowfall this morning that accumulated throughout the village. Although only very light in the village there will be a decent new layer of snow up on the mountain which will refresh things nicely for the weekend ahead. Furano Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Friday 12th April 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 740cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 91 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (11th March) November 2012 snowfall 69cm reported on 10 days December 2012 snowfall 162cm reported on 21 days January 2013 snowfall 130cm reported on 20 days February 2013 snowfall 152cm reported on 18 days March 2013 snowfall 219cm reported on 19 days April 2013 snowfall 8cm reported 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 Furano. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 748cm Weather overview Overcast, snow shower Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Fair Posted at 12:40am on Saturday 20th April 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . We got another round of snow this morning as winter continues to linger in Furano. Even so, the snowpack on the bottom of the mountain has taken a hit this week. You can still ski all the way to the foot of the resort, but Prince Romance Lift and Furano Downhill 1 Highspeed Lift have been officially retired for the rest of the season, which runs for a few more weeks until May 6th. The upper half of the resort is still going strong with a 150cm base, so no worries for those of you who have yet to get in your late-season skiing. Temperatures dipped bit below freezing overnight but have risen gently throughout the morning. It's currently 4 degrees Celsius with a light breeze coming out of the south, southeast. It's been snowing off and on, and there's a chance that could mix with a little rain, so be sure to dress appropriately when out on the mountain! The forecast for tomorrow calls for warmer temperatures with afternoon highs in the upper single digits and rain towards the latter half of the day. Furano Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Saturday 20th April 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 748cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 96 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (11th March) November 2012 snowfall 69cm reported on 10 days December 2012 snowfall 162cm reported on 21 days January 2013 snowfall 130cm reported on 20 days February 2013 snowfall 152cm reported on 18 days March 2013 snowfall 219cm reported on 19 days April 2013 snowfall 16cm reported on 8 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Furano. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 748cm Weather overview Blue sky Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Very good Posted at 10:30am on Sunday 21st April 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . After a brisk morning with lows dropping all the way into the lower minus single digits, the temperatures have rebounded nicely over the last few hours. The sun is out and the breeze is from south - both important factors for today. It's currently all blue skies and 8 above freezing, but these conditions will rapidly deteriorate due a large weather system approaching from the south. The rain is expected to move in around dinner time and then transition to a wintry mix before returning to an all-rain event. If the temperatures stay low enough, we may see some significant snow accumulations on the upper slopes of the resort - so here's keeping our fingers crossed! In other news, you can still ski all the way to the bottom of the mountain on the Ropeway, Downhill Romance 2 and Downhill Romance 3 lifts. There's still so much snow on the mountain, especially this late into the season. Be prepared for Spring-like conditions, as the sun is out softening things up. Furano Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Sunday 21st April 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 749cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 97 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (11th March) November 2012 snowfall 69cm reported on 10 days December 2012 snowfall 162cm reported on 21 days January 2013 snowfall 130cm reported on 20 days February 2013 snowfall 152cm reported on 18 days March 2013 snowfall 219cm reported on 19 days April 2013 snowfall 17cm reported 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 Furano. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 14cm Posted on Saturday 7th December 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Just a few cm of snow here at base in Zao this morning. It is still snowing though so we can hopefully expect some more during the day. It's -1C at the moment. The Utopia Number 1 Pair lift joins the Chuo and Zao Paradise pair lifts today opening up a bit more once again, but it remains very limited this weekend as we continue to wait for snowfall. Official snow depths (7th December 13) Utopia: 30cm Chuo: 40cm Paradise: 30cm Uwanodai: -cm Operating lifts (7th December 13) All Ropeways (Skycable, Zao Chuo Ropeway, Zao Ropeway) operating. Chuo Number 1 Pair Zao Paradise Pair lift Utopia Number 1 Pair lift Zao Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Saturday 7th December 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 14cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 2 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 12cm (on 29th November) November 2013 snowfall 12cm observed on 1 day December 2013 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 1cm Snowfall at base this season 35cm Posted on Wednesday 11th December 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Just a bit of snowfall overnight, let's put it at 1cm, but the day started off cloudy with a moderate wind. Snow is due from tonight and hopefully will be with us until the end of the weekend. This might be the storm we are waiting for... Official snow depths (11th December 13) Utopia: 45cm Chuo: 50cm Paradise: 45cm Uwanodai: 10cm Operating lifts (11th December 13) Ropeways and Gondolas Chuo Number 1 Pair Zao Paradise Pair Zao Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Wednesday 11th December 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 35cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 4 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 20cm (on 8th December) November 2013 snowfall 12cm observed on 1 day December 2013 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

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 30cm Snowfall at base this season 65cm Posted on Thursday 12th December 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . 30cm of fresh snow in the village this morning. Yes, thirty. Oh yes. I like it. It's piled up on top of the car this morning but I will happily get out there and shovel it off. Minus 2 degrees, not much of a wind at all, and the snow continuing to fall. I reckon those official numbers I have posted below are being rather conservative. Patrol saying there's up to 1m in places up there this morning so I hear. Anyway, looks like winter has arrived and while at the time of writing I can't confirm any further lifts opening, I would totally expect more opening very very soon. Snow is forecast through the end of the weekend. Official snow depths (12th December 13) Utopia: 60cm Chuo: 60cm Paradise: 60cm Uwanodai: 30cm Operating lifts (12th December 13) Ropeways and Gondolas Chuo Number 1 Pair Zao Paradise Pair Zao Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Thursday 12th December 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 65cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 5 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (on 12th December) November 2013 snowfall 12cm observed on 1 day December 2013 snowfall 53cm 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 5cm Snowfall at base this season 70cm Posted on Friday 13th December 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . So much for last night's forecast of heavy snow last night... we just got another 5cm or so since my report yesterday. It's a cloudy morning here, just under 0 degrees as of 9am. Just the same 3 lifts moving this morning, Ropeways aside, but it will be interesting to see what the resort does for tomorrow. I would certainly think there is enough snow for more lifts to be operating and more courses open. No official word yet though. Official snow depths: Utopia: 60cm Chuo: 60cm Paradise: 60cm Uwanodai: 30cm Operating lifts: Ropeways and Gondolas Chuo Number 1 Pair Zao Paradise Pair Utopia Number 1 Pair Zao Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Friday 13th December 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 70cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 6 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (on 12th December) November 2013 snowfall 12cm observed on 1 day December 2013 snowfall 58cm 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 30cm Snowfall at base this season 100cm Posted on Saturday 14th December 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . More find and hearty greetings from Zao where we have been blessed with lots more snow overnight once again. 30cm outside my place early on to add to what we had yesterday. It's all making for a good picture this weekend with some very fine snow conditions on offer out on the mountain. The coldest morning of the season so far as well. It was -8 degrees when I reluctantly got up this morning. It didn't take me long to get used to the idea of being up though when I saw the snow! Utopia now reporting 100cm of snow base. With this new snowfall, more lifts are operating this morning - down to base as well. There's much more area to slide down now with the runs down to Uwanodai now open and part of the runs by the Zao Ropeway open as well. Official snow depths: Utopia: 100cm Chuo: 80cm Paradise: 75cm Uwanodai: 40cm Operating lifts: Ropeways and Gondolas Onsen Number 1 pair Onsen Number 2 quad Onsen Number 3 parallel Miaeri pair Chuo Number 1 pair Chuo Number 2 pair Katakai triple Diamond Number 2 Zao Paradise Pair Shobunuma Number 1 triple / 2 pair Utopia Number 1 pair Zao Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Saturday 14th December 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 100cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 7 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (on 12th December) November 2013 snowfall 12cm observed on 1 day December 2013 snowfall 88cm 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 20cm Snowfall at base this season 140cm Posted on Monday 16th December 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . And yes, more snow this morning. About another 20cm or so at base areas though it is just cloudy at the moment though the forecast is for cloud and snow on and off through the day. It boggles the mind how they still only have 50cm at Uwanodai officially - I suppose they must just be compacting it like crazy. Take it with a pinch of salt though as there's much more than that falling. They have 130cm as the number coming from Utopia which is more like it... but then again, there's more! Not quite as cold this morning in Zao, but still -3. Up top temp of -8 reported by the resort. From today the Astraea Number 3 lift, Utopia Number 2 lift and the Omori quad lift join in the fun as more of the mountain opens. Though the Chuo Number 2 and Katakai lift will be closed until Friday. It's all very complicated! From Friday lots of the remaining lifts plan to open and then the resort will pretty much be fully open I would expect. The cheaper early season lift tickets are on sale until the 20th, after which it's normal season prices. Official snow depths: Utopia: 130cm Chuo: 90cm Paradise: 95cm Uwanodai: 50cm Planned operating lifts until Thursday this week: Ropeways and Gondolas Onsen Number 1 pair Onsen Number 2 quad Onsen Number 3 parallel Miaeri pair Chuo Number 1 pair Diamond Number 2 Zao Paradise Pair Shobunuma Number 1 triple / 2 pair Omori quad Yokokura Number 1 pair Yokokura Number 2 pair Astraea Number 1 pair Astraea Number 2 pair Astraea Number 3 pair Utopia Number 1 pair Utopia Number 2 pair Kurohime Number 1 quad Zao Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Monday 16th December 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 140cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 9 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (on 12th December) November 2013 snowfall 12cm observed on 1 day December 2013 snowfall 128cm 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 2cm Snowfall at base this season 168cm Posted on Sunday 22nd December 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . -2 degrees this morning early on and snowing, but not much of a wind. Just a bit of new snow to report, with 5cm higher up. Yesterday up top took a look at how the Ice Monsters were coming on, and they seem to be pretty genki considering we still have a week of December left. The local forecast gives us a good chance of clearer skies tomorrow. Would be good to get to see some sun after this run of snow. Just for a short while, you understand! Official snow depths: Utopia: 145cm Chuo: 115cm Paradise: 140cm Uwanodai: 75cm Zao Onsen is pretty much fully 100% open. Zao Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Sunday 22nd December 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 168cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 12 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (on 12th December) November 2013 snowfall 12cm observed on 1 day December 2013 snowfall 156cm 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 10cm Snowfall at base this season 187cm Posted on Sunday 29th December 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . A snowy morning in Zao with at least another 10cm outside here, so hopefully up to double that in higher places on the mountain. It's a cold one and when I glanced at the thermometer outside earlier on it was down below minus 5. Brrrrr. A cold -12 is being posted by the top Ropeway station as well. It's still snowing and poor visibility with a thick fog thing going on outside this morning. Not much to see at all. Hopefully it might be clearer for the evening light up. Lots of people here in Zao this weekend as everyone prepares for New Year. Zao is not famous for having a lot of nightlife (far from it) but there will be lots of things going on in the hotels and ryokans in the villages and the few places where people can go. Snow and possibly strong winds is lined up over the next few days. Official snow depths: Utopia: 150cm Chuo: 140cm Paradise: 150cm Uwanodai: 85cm Zao Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Sunday 29th December 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 187cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 17 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (on 12th December) November 2013 snowfall 12cm observed on 1 day December 2013 snowfall 175cm observed 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 1cm Snowfall at base this season 171cm Posted on Wednesday 25th December 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Yesterday I was out on the mountain and found lots of packed powder conditions but lots of untouched as well. Much fewer people around as well compared with the long weekend, as you would expect. This morning visibility should be better. I'm writing this report as we see more blue sky coming through the clouds and the sun shining through my window. Oops, no it's gone behind a cloud again. I reckon it'll clear up more. Hardly any wind again this morning and so a good day to be out on the slopes. Look for a dip in temperatures over the weekend and more snowfall, though the snow forecasts seem to have been downgraded somewhat. Official snow depths: Utopia: 145cm Chuo: 130cm Paradise: 140cm Uwanodai: 80cm Zao Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Wednesday 25th December 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 171cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 14 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (on 12th December) November 2013 snowfall 12cm observed on 1 day December 2013 snowfall 159cm 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