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

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 5cm Snowfall at base this season 177cm Posted on Saturday 28th December 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . It's a very cold morning in Zao. -5 degrees earlier and not much 'warmer' now! Snow is falling adding to the 5cm that we got overnight and generally quite poor visibility on the mountain. The forecast has little snowmen all nicely lined up all the way through into New Year now, so we should be getting consistent snowfall. Strong winds might be an issue, and indeed this morning there's a fairly strong wind out there but not enough to affect the lifts and gondolas (at time of writing). Evening "light up' - Starto! (See yesterdays report if that is confusing!) Official snow depths: Utopia: 145cm Chuo: 130cm Paradise: 140cm Uwanodai: 85cm Zao Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Saturday 28th December 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 177cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 16 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (on 12th December) November 2013 snowfall 12cm observed on 1 day December 2013 snowfall 165cm 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 25cm Snowfall at base this season 165cm Posted on Friday 20th December 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Lots more new snow here this morning. Over 20cm outside my place early on. More like 25cm. I can imagine more than that on the mountain too. The forecast is looking good too for more snow today,tomorrow and perhaps Sunday too with clearer conditions perhaps from early in the week. It's a long weekend with Monday being a national holiday in Japan. Zao will be almost fully open from tomorrow, perhaps 100% open with this snow, and conditions should be very nice. Official snow depths (20th December 13): Utopia: 135cm Chuo: 100cm Paradise: 130cm Uwanodai: 65cm Most of the courses and lifts at Zao Onsen will be open from tomorrow. Zao Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Friday 20th December 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 165cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 10 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (on 12th December) November 2013 snowfall 12cm observed on 1 day December 2013 snowfall 153cm 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 1cm Snowfall at base this season 166cm Posted on Saturday 21st December 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . No new snow in terms of cm this morning in Zao but yesterday was impressive. Surely over 50cm on the mountain and some deep conditions to be had. It is actually snowing at the moment too so it's not over yet. Snow likely through today and tomorrow too. Not actually particularly cold this morning either and just under 0 degrees. Perhaps clearer weather conditions from Monday. Enjoy the weekend! Official snow depths: Utopia: 145cm Chuo: 115cm Paradise: 133cm Uwanodai: 70cm Zao Onsen is now close to 100% open. (Yey!) Zao Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Saturday 21st December 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 166cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 11 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (on 12th December) November 2013 snowfall 12cm observed on 1 day December 2013 snowfall 154cm 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 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 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 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 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