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

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 25cm Snowfall at base this season 30cm Posted on Friday 29th November 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . It is good news to report in Furano. Yesterday there was 25cm of snow at village level and things changed from brown to white overnight. The snow was followed by chilly temperatures and it was -10c at base level this morning. The grooming team have been hard at work during the day and have packed down the new snow to form a substantial base. There is not quite enough snow to open the ski area tomorrow, but it is very, very close. With more snow on the forecast tomorrow evening we may see the lifts moving in Furano on Sunday, and if not, early next week. Furano Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Friday 29th November 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 30cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 2 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 25cm (29th November) November 2013 snowfall 30cm reported 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 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 3cm Snowfall at base this season 82cm Weather overview Snow showers Wind Calm Temperature - Visibility Good Posted at 8:05pm on Sunday 2nd December 2012 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . It's been flurrying off and on all day long, but we haven't seen any of the substantial accumulations we've gotten used to seeing over the past several days. While the two or three centimeters of fresh powder on top of the snowpack might make for some comfy turns on the slopes, the flakes flying at the moment don't look like they'll be bringing the buckets of snow we'd all really like to see at the moment. On the temperature side of things, it was a cold one today, and it looks like it will be cold again tomorrow. Temps bottomed out at -12 last night, definitely the coldest air we've seen all season. Winds are light to calm at the moment. Tomorrow looks like it's going to be a frosty start, so for all you early risers out there looking to hit the slopes first thing Monday morning, be sure to bundle up before heading out. Lift operations: Furano Ropeway 8:30-14:40 Downhill Romance No.2 chair 8:45-15:00 Open courses: Sailer Course (open) Spies Course (upper half only) Shirakaba Furano Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Sunday 2nd December 2012 Total snowfall at base so far 82cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 12 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 18cm (22nd November) November 2012 snowfall 69cm reported on 10 days December 2012 snowfall 13cm reported 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 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 10cm Snowfall at base this season 79cm Weather overview Cloud Wind Calm Temperature - Visibility OK Posted at 2:57pm on Saturday 1st December 2012 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . Another page turned on the calendar, and another wintery day in Furano. We're seeing scattered snow showers at the moment, leaving behind more of the white stuff every time the winds change. Overall, we've seen around 10cm of new snow since last night, and the flurries promise to fly for the rest of the day and on into the night. December is looking good, with snow in the forecast everyday for the next week. The big news today is that Sailer Course is now officially open for skiing from top to bottom. This is a welcome announcement, as there is plenty of fresh powder on the lower half of the mountain just waiting for the first turns of the season. It's currently -4 with light snow. Winds are light and variable, making it a perfect Saturday to get out there and enjoy all that new snow. Lift operations: Furano Ropeway 8:30-14:40 Downhill Romance No.2 chair 8:45-15:00 Open courses: Sailer Course(entire course open!!) Spies Course(upper) Shirakaba Furano Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Saturday 1st December 2012 Total snowfall at base so far 79cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 11 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 18cm (22nd November) November 2012 snowfall 69cm reported on 10 days December 2012 snowfall 10cm reported 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 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