Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 367cm Posted on Monday 15th February 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Ah, it's good to see signs of winter returning after that strange and not very nice weekend. Fairly cold this morning with a moderate wind and a dusting of snow on the slopes I would imagine - just 1cm here at base - but it is still snowing. I would expect some board-rattling conditions this morning so we'd like a nice soft fluffy layer on top of that please. Sadly due to the weather attacking our lovely ice monsters and affecting their conditions, the night time light up evening service is not operating now... officially 'for the time being'. Will we see it back up and running? I suppose it will all depend on the weather and what snow we get from now. We are due light snow today and tomorrow with forecast heavier snow around Wednesday. Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Monday 15th February 2016 Total snowfall at base 367cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 49 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 46cm (on 19th January) November 2015 snowfall 22cm observed on 2 days December 2015 snowfall 96cm observed on 12 days January 2016 snowfall 211cm observed on 25 days February 2016 snowfall 38cm 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 22cm Snowfall at base this season 390cm Posted on Wednesday 17th February 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . And a decent amount it is! 22cm of snow outside my place here this morning so that means that and more on the mountain for a very welcome decent refresh. There's some other good news this morning - the evening 'Light Up' Ropeway service is going to be re-starting from this evening - though the Ropeway folk are being clear up front that the ice monsters did take a hit over the weekend and are once again 'starting to grow' with this new snowfall. Basically, don't expect them to be perfect. Clearer skies due tomorrow with a return of the snow clouds at the weekend. All planned lifts are operating this morning. The Karamatsu pair lift does not operate on weekdays. Official snow depths: Utopia: 85cm Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Wednesday 17th February 2016 Total snowfall at base 390cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 51 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 46cm (on 19th January) November 2015 snowfall 22cm observed on 2 days December 2015 snowfall 96cm observed on 12 days January 2016 snowfall 211cm observed on 25 days February 2016 snowfall 61cm 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 8cm Snowfall at base this season 365cm Posted on Wednesday 10th February 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning from a snowy Zao where it has been coming down at quite the rate at times this morning. There's 8cm of fresh to report and more coming down now. This snowfall is probably going to ease off today and over the next few days some sunshine is forecast. Warmth and rain is still a possibility for Saturday - here as in many places through Japan by the looks of things - so the weekend is not looking good unless the forecast changes. Fingers crossed for that. Next few days should be good though. All planned lifts are operating this morning. The Karamatsu pair lift does not operate on weekdays. Official snow depths: Utopia: 125cm Chuo: 160cm Paradise: 140cm Uwanodai: 115cm Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Wednesday 10th February 2016 Total snowfall at base 365cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 47 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 46cm (on 19th January) November 2015 snowfall 22cm observed on 2 days December 2015 snowfall 96cm observed on 12 days January 2016 snowfall 211cm observed on 25 days February 2016 snowfall 36cm 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 1cm Snowfall at base this season 368cm Posted on Tuesday 16th February 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning from Zao. It's a cold morning and there's just a light sprinkling of snow to report. Lots of cloud but also some sunshine this morning. I'd expect some icy scratchy like conditions out on the slopes this morning in particular. Snow is forecast to be falling today and tomorrow as well and we're hoping for a decent amount out of it as well. Come Thursday and Friday we're expecting clearer skies once again to be followed by more snow on Saturday. All planned lifts are operating this morning. The Karamatsu pair lift does not operate on weekdays. Official snow depths: Utopia: 80cm Chuo: 140cm Paradise: 140cm Uwanodai: 90cm Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Tuesday 16th February 2016 Total snowfall at base 368cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 50 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 46cm (on 19th January) November 2015 snowfall 22cm observed on 2 days December 2015 snowfall 96cm observed on 12 days January 2016 snowfall 211cm observed on 25 days February 2016 snowfall 39cm 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 1cm Snowfall at base this season 391cm Posted on Thursday 18th February 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . As expected, it's going to be a beautiful day here in Zao today. Clear blue skies are the headline for the day, with just a dusting of snow since my last report. No wind and not too cold - but hopefully won't be getting too warm either even with the sun. There's likely going to be more sunshine tomorrow and a return to snowfall on Saturday, though it might get slightly too warm with a chance of some rain. Let's just hope we can avoid that. For the moment though, beautiful weather. Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Thursday 18th February 2016 Total snowfall at base 391cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 52 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 46cm (on 19th January) November 2015 snowfall 22cm observed on 2 days December 2015 snowfall 96cm observed on 12 days January 2016 snowfall 211cm observed on 25 days February 2016 snowfall 62cm 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

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 6cm Snowfall at base this season 397cm Posted on Monday 22nd February 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . It's colder this morning and there's 6cm of fresh snowfall on the ground here at base. Not snowing at the moment, rather lots of cloud but bright and a bit of sunshine poking through at times. We should be getting snowed on again tomorrow night and some of the forecasts talk of quite a lot of snow as well. That would be nice if it happened. From Wednesday onwards regular snowfall is forecast too as well as cold temperatures so there's a chance that we'll end February in good form. The 'Juhyo Lightup' evening ropeway service is currently open. All being well it should remain open every day until next Sunday 28th February, from 5pm until 9pm - the last ropeway goes up at 7:50pm. Please note that you need to buy a separate ticket to use this service - it is not included in any of the normal ski lift tickets. All planned lifts are operating this morning. The Karamatsu pair lift does not operate on weekdays. Official snow depths: Utopia: 90cm Chuo: 150cm Paradise: 140cm Uwanodai: 80cm Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Monday 22nd February 2016 Total snowfall at base 397cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 53 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 46cm (on 19th January) November 2015 snowfall 22cm observed on 2 days December 2015 snowfall 96cm observed on 12 days January 2016 snowfall 211cm observed on 25 days February 2016 snowfall 68cm 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 5cm Snowfall at base this season 412cm Posted on Saturday 27th February 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . A fine day it's going to be here today with the sun out warming us up after a cold start. Forecast tells stories of snow overnight tonight and then regular snowfall from later tomorrow. Might get to have a snowy start to March.- The 'Juhyo Lightup' evening ropeway service going to be finishing tomorrow, Sunday 28th February. Last chansu! All planned lifts are operating this morning. The Karamatsu pair lift does not operate on weekdays. Official snow depths: Utopia: 100cm Chuo: 150cm Paradise: 145cm Uwanodai: 75cm Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Saturday 27th February 2016 Total snowfall at base 412cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 56 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 46cm (on 19th January) November 2015 snowfall 22cm observed on 2 days December 2015 snowfall 96cm observed on 12 days January 2016 snowfall 211cm observed on 25 days February 2016 snowfall 83cm 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 6cm Snowfall at base this season 403cm Posted on Wednesday 24th February 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning from a cold and snowy Zao Onsen. With around 6cm of snow on the ground here at base I would expect a bit more on the mountain so early tracks in particular should be good this morning... and hopefully fresh snow will be filling in tracks as well. Regular snowfall is on the forecast for the coming week as well as continued cold temperatures so it seems we should have a good last part of February. And here's to a snowy and cold March as well. Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Wednesday 24th February 2016 Total snowfall at base 403cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 54 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 46cm (on 19th January) November 2015 snowfall 22cm observed on 2 days December 2015 snowfall 96cm observed on 12 days January 2016 snowfall 211cm observed on 25 days February 2016 snowfall 74cm 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 4cm Snowfall at base this season 407cm Posted on Friday 26th February 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning from Zao. I have some new snow to report this morning, just 4-5cm here at base. The snow clouds have moved on now though and it's a mix of cloud and blue sky above us currently. Snow might be back before the day ends though and a chance of snow showers during the day tomorrow as well, though nothing major. Looks like it will be slightly warmer over the weekend but hopefully not by too much. Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Friday 26th February 2016 Total snowfall at base 407cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 55 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 46cm (on 19th January) November 2015 snowfall 22cm observed on 2 days December 2015 snowfall 96cm observed on 12 days January 2016 snowfall 211cm observed on 25 days February 2016 snowfall 78cm 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 6cm Snowfall at base this season 451cm Posted on Thursday 3rd March 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning from Zao and snow is falling, with limited visibility up on the mountain this morning. At the start of the day anyway. There's been 6cm of fresh snow delivered down here at village base and it's coming down as I write. Today should be good - just be sure you know where you're going with the visibility like it is. After today it's going to really start warming up over the next few days, with the peak of the warmth being Sunday. Not only warm but probably rain too, so Sunday may not be the best day to be planning on being here. Tomorrow and Saturday (first half at least), lots of sunshine is on the forecasts at the moment. The Karamatsu pair lift is generally closed on weekdays. The evening light up ropeway service has now finished for the season. Official snow depths: Utopia: 115cm Chuo: 150cm Paradise: 145cm Uwanodai: 85cm Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Thursday 3rd March 2016 Total snowfall at base 451cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 59 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 46cm (on 19th January) November 2015 snowfall 22cm observed on 2 days December 2015 snowfall 96cm observed on 12 days January 2016 snowfall 211cm observed on 25 days February 2016 snowfall 83cm observed on 17 days March 2016 snowfall 39cm 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 1cm Snowfall at base this season 452cm Posted on Friday 11th March 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Morning from Zao. It's cloud and blue sky at the moment over the village and mountain with just a little bit of fresh snow to report, hopefully maybe a few cm higher up. Not much potential for snow according to the weekly forecast at the moment though it should be keeping pretty cold at least for the next day or two; perhaps a little warmer come Sunday. Fingers crossed it doesn't start warming up too much like the other day! It won't be as busy as mid season tomorrow but expect there to be quite a lot of people coming out. Lots of 'time for that last ski' kind of discussions being heard... Zao of course usually opens in some parts through until Golden Week in early May. Just what the snow situation will be like even in early April will be interesting to see. Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Friday 11th March 2016 Total snowfall at base 452cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 60 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 46cm (on 19th January) November 2015 snowfall 22cm observed on 2 days December 2015 snowfall 96cm observed on 12 days January 2016 snowfall 211cm observed on 25 days February 2016 snowfall 83cm observed on 17 days March 2016 snowfall 40cm 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 9cm Snowfall at base this season 445cm Posted on Wednesday 2nd March 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . More fresh snow this morning here in Zao. Lots of cloud and a few hints of sun here and there this morning though we may see some more snow during the day today. As with what looks like most or all of Japan, it's going to be much warmer come the weekend - and perhaps way too warm for our liking. We'll just have to hope it doesn't warm up too much... Should keep cold today and tomorrow though and so snow conditions for the time being should remain good. The Karamatsu pair lift is generally closed on weekdays. The evening light up ropeway service has now finished for the season. Official snow depths: Utopia: 115cm Chuo: 150cm Paradise: 145cm Uwanodai: 85cm Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Wednesday 2nd March 2016 Total snowfall at base 445cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 58 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 46cm (on 19th January) November 2015 snowfall 22cm observed on 2 days December 2015 snowfall 96cm observed on 12 days January 2016 snowfall 211cm observed on 25 days February 2016 snowfall 83cm observed on 17 days March 2016 snowfall 33cm 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