Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 703cm Posted on Wednesday 1st April 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Unfortunately April is starting with some rain in Zao and pretty cloudy/foggy conditions as well - limited visibility out there. I won't mention the chance of some snow before tomorrow higher up... Forecast sun tomorrow but back to rain around the weekend as conditions go back to warming. Now that we are into April, I will continue to post updates here to this Zao Now page - maybe a few times a week to keep you up with the latest. Official snow depths: Utopia: 215cm Chuo: 195cm Paradise: 200cm Uwanodai: 135cm Planned lift operating dates and closing dates Subject to change. This is what the plans are for the lifts that remain operating at Zao Onsen: Until Sunday 5th April Onsen Number 1 Pair Onsen Number 2 Quad Sunrise Pair AB Nakamori Number 1 Triple Mikaeri Pair Until Sunday 12th April Yokokura Number 1 Pair AB Until Sunday 19th April Kurohime Number 1 Quad Until Wednesday 6th May Chuo Number 1 Pair AB Chuo Number 2 Pair AB Katakai Triple (every day until 5th April, then holidays and Golden Week) Paradise Pair AB (every day until 5th April, then holidays and Golden Week) Utopia Number 2 Pair Operating through the year (for general tourism outside of snow season) Sky Cable Chuo Ropeway Zao Ropeway Last day of the snow season currently planned for Wednesday 6th May. Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Wednesday 1st April 2015 Total snowfall at base 703cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 63 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 118cm observed on 15 days February 2015 snowfall 181cm observed on 15 days March 2015 snowfall 103cm 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 3cm Snowfall at base this season 629cm Posted on Tuesday 10th March 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Got to admit, I'm a bit disappointed this morning. After some rain yesterday, it's still not that cold this morning and there's just a few cm of snow on the ground, of the wetter variety.... just cloudy at the moment but good snowy conditions are still forecast for the next few days. Quite strong winds as the forecast told us to expect but the resort appears to be open as planned at the start of the day. If the wind gets stronger, we can expect the chance of some stoppages. OK for now though. Official snow depths: Utopia: 225cm Chuo: 210cm Paradise: 215cm Uwanodai: 150cm Zao Onsen is open as planned (* note that the Karamatsu pair lift is closed on weekdays). Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Tuesday 10th March 2015 Total snowfall at base 629cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 57 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 118cm observed on 15 days February 2015 snowfall 181cm observed on 15 days March 2015 snowfall 29cm 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 0cm Snowfall at base this season 703cm Posted on Friday 17th April 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . We've had rain and sometimes clearer weather conditions since my last report. Yesterday it was rain top to bottom on the mountain unfortunately. More significant patches of ground are starting to appear on some lower areas of the mountain now. 9 degrees at 9am this morning here in the village and just cloudy. A chance of rain again today but holding off for the moment. More chance of seeing the sun tomorrow and it should be a bit warmer too. (Some forecasts also have rain never far away over the coming days - it's all seemingly quite difficult to read at the moment with changeable conditions. You might have seen on the news in the last week stuff about an increase in signs of volcanic activity around Zao-san's (beautiful, may I say) volcano 'okama' crater. While it's a bit alarming to hear about such things, there has been no eruption or any major event - it's all stuff that we can't feel or see. And of course we hope things stay that way! Zao Onsen is kind of round the corner and detached from that immediate area and so is not affected by the current warnings that exclude people from going within 1.2km of the crater. The ski resort is keen to let people know that it is open as planned and not affected by this. Official snow depths: Utopia: 120cm Chuo: 120cm Paradise: 130cm Uwanodai: 50cm Planned lift operating dates and closing dates Subject to change. This is what the plans are for the lifts that remain operating at Zao Onsen: Until Sunday 19th April Kurohime Number 1 Quad Until Wednesday 6th May Chuo Number 1 Pair AB Chuo Number 2 Pair AB Katakai Triple (* from now only on holidays and Golden Week) Paradise Pair AB (* from now only on holidays and Golden Week) Utopia Number 2 Pair (dependant on snow conditions) Operating through the year (for general tourism outside of snow season) Sky Cable Chuo Ropeway Zao Ropeway Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Friday 17th April 2015 Total snowfall at base 703cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 63 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 118cm observed on 15 days February 2015 snowfall 181cm observed on 15 days March 2015 snowfall 103cm 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 0cm Snowfall at base this season 703cm Posted on Monday 27th April 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . The snow continues to melt quicky in the heat, and we're now down to a rather limited area to ski/board. The fine, warm weather is set to continue for the week and so the snow melt will be continuing apace. In fact, just the Chuo and Utopia (separate) courses areas remaining open now. (The run down from the top Gondola station is now closed for skiing). It looks like we just have the Chuo Number 1, Chuo Number 2 and Utopia Number 2 lifts operating now - as well as the Ropeways, but they continue through the year for sightseeing. If you plan to visit this week, I recommend checking with the resort for the latest. I will try to post a new report with the latest before the weekend. Official snow depths: Utopia: 60cm Chuo: 50cm Paradise: 50cm Uwanodai: - Planned lift operating dates and closing dates Subject to change. This is what the plans are for the lifts that remain operating at Zao Onsen: Until Wednesday 6th May Chuo Number 1 Pair AB Chuo Number 2 Pair AB Utopia Number 2 Pair Operating through the year (for general tourism outside of snow season) Sky Cable Chuo Ropeway Zao Ropeway Last day of the snow season currently planned for Wednesday 6th May. Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Monday 27th April 2015 Total snowfall at base 703cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 63 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 118cm observed on 15 days February 2015 snowfall 181cm observed on 15 days March 2015 snowfall 103cm 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 0cm Snowfall at base this season 703cm Posted on Wednesday 6th May 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . That's it folks! With just the Chuo area open for skiing and snowboarding today, once the day is done that will be the end of the 14-15 season at Zao. Fittingly, the sun is out, there's blue skies above us, and it's lovely warm spring day. The snow sure has melted away quickly over the last few weeks. This is my last report of the season. I hope you have enjoyed reading the reports from Zao this season and they were helpful if you were planning a visit. No doubt we'll be back on the other side of summer in the run up to next season. I'll see you then! Ropeways at Zao are open throughout the year, just closing for periods of maintenance - the latest info available on spring/early summer maintenance is posted below. Zao Ropeway Closed from Thursday 7th May until Friday 5th June Zao Chuo Ropeway Closed from Thursday 7th May until Thursday 28th May Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Wednesday 6th May 2015 Total snowfall at base 703cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 63 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 118cm observed on 15 days February 2015 snowfall 181cm observed on 15 days March 2015 snowfall 103cm observed on 10 days April 2015 snowfall 0cm Previous 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 82cm Posted on Tuesday 22nd December 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . 1cm of snow to report this morning here in Zao, surely a bit more than that in higher areas on the mountain. The day is starting off cloudy and once again no wind. It's going to be mild the next few days before things start to get colder again in the lead up to the weekend... It seems that most areas in Japan are experiencing less snow this year, and we're all looking forward to what the weekend brings. Apparently lots of snow. Let's hope there's enough for everyone. Especially Zao! The resort was hoping to begin night skiing last night on the Uwanodai area, but as you might expect due to the snow situation that has been delayed until there's more than enough to get that started. Lifts that are currently operating at Zao Onsen (subject to change): - Sky Cable (gondola) - Zao Chuo Ropeway - Zao Ropeway - Onsen Number 1 pair - Mikaeri pair - Chuo Number 1 pair AB - Chuo Number 1 pair AB - Katakai triple - Zao Paradise pair AB - Shobunuma Number 1 triple - Shobunuma Number 2 pair - Utopia Number 2 pair Official snow depths: Utopia: 25cm Chuo: 50cm Paradise: 30cm Uwanodai: 15cm Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Tuesday 22nd December 2015 Total snowfall at base 82cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 9 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 20cm (on 4th and 5th December) November 2015 snowfall 22cm observed on 2 days December 2015 snowfall 60cm 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 4cm Snowfall at base this season 81cm Posted on Saturday 19th December 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . I was up on the mountain yesterday. Some really good snow conditions out there and it was very cold too. This morning it's -1C outside my place here in the village and there's 4cm of fresh snow on the ground as well. From this morning it looks like there are more lifts operation at Zao - below is what is officially open this morning. Not a whole lot of snow still on the forecast into mid week next week so we'll just have to see how things go. There's talk of a very nice looking cold and snowy weather front on the way for Christmas... Have a fun weekend. Lifts that are currently operating (subject to change): - Sky Cable (gondola) - Zao Chuo Ropeway - Zao Ropeway - Onsen Number 1 pair - Mikaeri pair - Chuo Number 1 pair AB - Chuo Number 1 pair AB - Katakai triple - Zao Paradise pair AB - Shobunuma Number 1 triple - Shobunuma Number 2 pair - Utopia Number 2 pair Official snow depths: Utopia: 25cm Chuo: 50cm Paradise: 30cm Uwanodai: 10cm Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Saturday 19th December 2015 Total snowfall at base 81cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 8 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 20cm (on 4th and 5th December) November 2015 snowfall 22cm observed on 2 days December 2015 snowfall 59cm 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 10cm Snowfall at base this season 77cm Posted on Friday 18th December 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Perhaps not as much as we were expecting and it's not snowing just now but we are hoping for more before tomorrow morning. It is good and cold though this morning and feeling wintery, just a slight wind. Take a look at the forecast... there's not much on there once we get past tomorrow and while it does seem likely that early week it will be slightly milder, hopefully temperatures won't rise too much. Lifts that are currently operating (subject to change): - Sky Cable (gondola) - Zao Chuo Ropeway - Zao Ropeway - Chuo Number 1 pair AB - Chuo Number 1 pair AB - Utopia Number 2 pair Official snow depths: Utopia: 15cm Chuo: 40cm Paradise: -cm Uwanodai: 10cm Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Friday 18th December 2015 Total snowfall at base 77cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 7 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 20cm (on 4th and 5th December) November 2015 snowfall 22cm observed on 2 days December 2015 snowfall 55cm 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 3cm Snowfall at base this season 65cm Posted on Sunday 6th December 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Yesterday the official opening ceremony of the resort took place over at Uwanodai in the snow. The resort is reporting a fresh 5cm of snow but not that much down here in the village since my last report. It's a cold morning and light snow falling still but we are now expecting conditions to clear and generally weather conditions to be calmer at least for the first part of the week. Decent snowfall perhaps making a new appearance at the end of the week. Lifts that are currently operating: - Ropeways - Onsen Number 1 pair lift - Chuo Number 1 pair AB - Utopia Number 2 pair Official snow depths: Utopia: 70cm Chuo: 60cm Paradise: -cm Uwanodai: 30cm Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Sunday 6th December 2015 Total snowfall at base 65cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 5 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 20cm (on 4th and 5th December) November 2015 snowfall 22cm observed on 2 days December 2015 snowfall 43cm 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 2cm Snowfall at base this season 67cm Posted on Thursday 17th December 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . 2cm of snow on the ground as snow has started falling from the skies this morning. The clouds are thick with low visibility and hardly any wind. Most importantly, it is snowing... and we are all hoping that it will be snowing most of the time through until Saturday. Let's see how much we get. Lifts that are currently operating (subject to change): - Sky Cable (gondola) - Zao Chuo Ropeway - Zao Ropeway - Chuo Number 1 pair AB - Utopia Number 2 pair Official snow depths: Utopia: 15cm Chuo: 25cm Paradise: -cm Uwanodai: 5cm Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Thursday 17th December 2015 Total snowfall at base 67cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 6 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 20cm (on 4th and 5th December) November 2015 snowfall 22cm observed on 2 days December 2015 snowfall 45cm 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 1cm Snowfall at base this season 83cm Posted on Saturday 26th December 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . I was hoping to be able to report more than 1cm of snow this morning, but that's the number. That's not the whole story though as proper heavy snow is due tonight and tomorrow. Strong winds as well due tomorrow along with a real drop in temperatures so it might get stormy out there. For today though the day has started off calm enough but due to turn into those mid-winter conditions later on in the day. See you tomorrow. Hopefully I'll have to shovel myself out of the house! Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Saturday 26th December 2015 Total snowfall at base 83cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 10 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 20cm (on 4th and 5th December) November 2015 snowfall 22cm observed on 2 days December 2015 snowfall 61cm 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 Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 5cm Snowfall at base this season 5cm Posted on Monday 11th November 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . With only 12 days to go until the target opening date of Furano Ski Area the resort is focused on finalising preparations for the start of the new season. Pre season maintenance is now complete on the lifts, and chairs have been loaded awaiting the first customers to arrive. Temperatures have recently become wintery and the thermometres have now plunged below freezing. This morning the village awoke to find 5cm of snow sitting on top of the frozen ground. The snow a high elevations is significantly more than 5cm and the forecast is for further snowfalls. Furano Ski Area will open on Saturday 23 November conditions permitting Furano Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Monday 11th November 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 5cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 1 day Most snowfall observed in 1 day 5cm (11th November) November 2013 snowfall 5cm reported on 1 day 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