Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 5cm Snowfall at base this season 280cm Weather overview Cloudy Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Variable Posted on Thursday 17th January 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Another small amount of new snowfall in Zao Onsen this morning. I'd say about 3-5cm or so. Right now it is -3 degrees and cloudy. Not much of the mountain to see this morning as all but the lower slopes is covered in cloud. There's just a slight wind. Chance of snow showers today and tomorrow with clouds clearing for the weekend, according to the latest local weather report. About the evening 'Light Up' operations when the Zao Ropeway and top gondola take people up to the top of the resort in the evening to view the lit up snow monsters.... It will be operating this weekend Saturday and Sunday and then from Saturday 26th January it will be open daily until 3rd March. Please remember that you need a special ticket for this - a normal ski ticket is not valid. The return tickets cost 2500 yen for adults and 1250 yen for children and it is open from 5pm until 9pm with the last one taking people up at 7:50pm. If you can try to pick a day when it's clearer weather... it makes such a difference. Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Thursday 17th January 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 280cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 29 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (9th, 26th December, 3rd and 15th January) November 2012 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day December 2012 snowfall 150cm reported on 15 days January 2013 snowfall 127cm reported 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 3cm Snowfall at base this season 283cm Weather overview Cloudy, light snow Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Fair Posted on Friday 18th January 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning from Zao. It's -7C outside and we have a few more cm of snow to report from here. Up top this morning it's a rather chilly -16C according to the resort. Get wrapped up! There's a moderate wind but all lifts seem to be moving as planned. Just cloudy really at the moment but snow showers likely for the day today. The forecast says clearer skies from tomorrow into next week. Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Friday 18th January 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 283cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 30 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (9th, 26th December, 3rd and 15th January) November 2012 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day December 2012 snowfall 150cm reported on 15 days January 2013 snowfall 130cm reported 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 3cm Snowfall at base this season 218cm Weather overview Cloud Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Variable Posted on Tuesday 8th January 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning from Zao Onsen and it's a chilly and cloudy one. A few cm of snow since yesterday but not snowing at the moment. The clouds are sticking around the mountain, but decent visibility on the slopes... at the moment I can just about see the top of the mountain at times from base. Oh an exciting event to tell you about --- "1000 People Bingo" on a special stage area up in the Paradise part of the resort at 11am, Saturday 12th. Prizes are to be won, if playing bingo with 999 other people isn't enough fun for you! Apparently, if I am reading this right, the first 1000 people to turn up will receive a special bingo card to play. What more encouragement do you need to start early? ;) Snowfall is due later on tomorrow into Thursday. Lots, please. Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Tuesday 8th January 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 218cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 23 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (9th, 26th December and 3rd January) November 2012 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day December 2012 snowfall 150cm reported on 15 days January 2013 snowfall 65cm reported 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 0cm Snowfall at base this season 218cm Weather overview Cloud, light snow Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Poor Posted on Wednesday 9th January 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning from Zao. Poor visibility outside this morning I can see almost none of the mountain from the village area. Cloudy with some light snow falling and a temperature of around -2 degrees with the resort reporting temperatures varying from -2 at base and -7 up at Utopia. Hopefully the snowfall might get heavier later today, snow is forecast through tomorrow possibly bringing some stronger winds with it. Right now though not much wind and the resort is all open. Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Wednesday 9th January 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 218cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 23 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (9th, 26th December and 3rd January) November 2012 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day December 2012 snowfall 150cm reported on 15 days January 2013 snowfall 65cm reported 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 2cm Snowfall at base this season 285cm Weather overview Mostly cloud Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Fair Posted on Saturday 19th January 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Sorry for the late report I had some connection issues earlier on. The day started off fine here in Zao with a few cm of new snowfall, a temperature of about -5C at breakfast time and the sun making everything look ever so pretty. A low of -14C recorded at the top area of the resort earlier. It's a much more cloudy affair now that we are in the afternoon. And looks like it will be tonight so the people going up to see the monsters tonight likely won't get the clear view down to the lower valleys unless it clears up soon. Always a chance. The next few days seems to be a mix of cloud and sun, with the odd sprinkling of snow here and there but nothing significant.. Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Saturday 19th January 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 285cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 31 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (9th, 26th December, 3rd and 15th January) November 2012 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day December 2012 snowfall 150cm reported on 15 days January 2013 snowfall 132cm reported 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 12cm Snowfall at base this season 309cm Weather overview Snow Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Poor Posted on Friday 25th January 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . About 12cm of new snow in village by reckoning this morning as it continues to snow. No wind and not particularly cold out and so a good morning to be sliding on the new snow. Care needed though as visibility is right down to not much at all even on the lower slopes near base here. Heavy snow likely today and through tomorrow as well and I think we can quickly expect temperatures to get colder during the daytime today. Hope to be bringing news of a really good snowfall tomorrow morning. Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Friday 25th January 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 309cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 33 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (9th, 26th December, 3rd and 15th January) November 2012 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day December 2012 snowfall 150cm reported on 15 days January 2013 snowfall 156cm reported 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 12cm Snowfall at base this season 297cm Weather overview Varied Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Fair Posted on Sunday 20th January 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Another clearer start to the day followed quickly by more clouding over in Zao this morning. And on top of that about 10-15cm of fresh snow since last night. Just a light wind and about -5 degrees at the moment. Should be fine conditions out there this morning. It looks like we can look forward to clearer views tomorrow, with the next snowfall due around Tuesday. Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Sunday 20th January 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 297cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 32 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (9th, 26th December, 3rd and 15th January) November 2012 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day December 2012 snowfall 150cm reported on 15 days January 2013 snowfall 144cm reported on 16 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Zao Onsen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 244cm Weather overview Light snow Wind Moderate Temperature - Visibility Poor Posted on Monday 14th January 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Somewhat strange weather at the moment. It has gotten all mild on us this morning and with just a sprinkling of new snow overnight and a temperature of 0C here in the Zao Onsen village area, it's kind of disappointing as we were expecting more. Even up at Utopia this morning it is only down to -3C, so a rather mild start to the day for Zao. It is snowing though and we are told to expect it to get colder later on. I'm hoping to bring good news tomorrow morning. Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Monday 14th January 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 244cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 26 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (9th, 26th December and 3rd January) November 2012 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day December 2012 snowfall 150cm reported on 15 days January 2013 snowfall 91cm reported 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 30cm Snowfall at base this season 274cm Weather overview Light snow Wind Moderate Temperature - Visibility Poor Posted on Tuesday 15th January 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . About 30cm of new snowfall on the ground this morning in Zao and some more snow falling today down to village along with a moderate wind. Not the coldest of days but colder than yesterday and well under zero and keeping the snow in good conditions. The snow depth numbers from around the mountain starting to look much healthier as well. Tomorrow should start off fairly calm but the snow clouds should be back with us soon after. Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Tuesday 15th January 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 274cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 27 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (9th, 26th December, 3rd and 15th January) November 2012 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day December 2012 snowfall 150cm reported on 15 days January 2013 snowfall 121cm reported 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 25cm Snowfall at base this season 334cm Weather overview Snow Wind Moderate Temperature - Visibility Poor Posted on Saturday 26th January 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good news this morning. Over 20cm of new snow at village level and well over 30cm up top this morning in Zao. Zao is never foward at pushing big snow depth numbers, but we are up to 2m at Utopia this morning. There's a moderate wind out there and visibility is poor but for snow conditions this morning will be rather good out there. Get wrapped up and have fun. Lifts seem to be open as planned on the mountain. From tonight, the evening Light Up operations for the Zao Ropeway become daily and run through until 3rd March. The Ropeway starts it's evening work at 5pm and the last one going up is at 7:50pm. It can get very cold up there so go prepared. Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Saturday 26th January 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 334cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 34 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (9th, 26th December, 3rd and 15th January) November 2012 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day December 2012 snowfall 150cm reported on 15 days January 2013 snowfall 181cm reported on 18 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 153cm Weather overview Cloud, light snow Wind Moderate to strong Temperature - Visibility Poor Posted on Monday 31st December 2012 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . No escape from the rain yesterday, though it could have been worse. Winds affected lift operations on the mountain considerably yesterday, and so I think lots of people decided to take a soak in an onsen. This morning from around 8am it has been snowing and it is definitely colder, and so while there's no layer on top of the icy conditions out there we are hoping for some decent snowfall in the coming few days. There's always going to be a chance of winds affecting lifts though for this morning the resort seems to be open as normal. Next report in 2013! Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Monday 31st December 2012 Total snowfall at base so far 153cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 16 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (9th and 26th December) November 2012 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day December 2012 snowfall 150cm reported 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 30cm Snowfall at base this season 198cm Weather overview Moderate snow Wind Moderate Temperature - Visibility Poor Posted on Thursday 3rd January 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Quite strong winds today (which haven't seemed to affect lift operations) and more importantly some new snow to report as well. Much colder too as well today. Brrr, cold out there with not very good visibility out on the slopes. The snow should continue tomorrow as well but likely less severe conditions over the coming weekend. Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Thursday 3rd January 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 198cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 19 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (9th, 26th December and 3rd January) November 2012 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day December 2012 snowfall 150cm reported on 15 days January 2013 snowfall 45cm reported on 3 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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