Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 397cm Weather overview Cloud, light snow Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Variable Posted on Monday 4th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . This morning I have just a bit of new snowfall to report from Zao. Less than 1cm. There is a light wind and it is generally cloudy with light snowfall lazily falling from the clouds. Top half of the mountain not to be seen as it is covered in those clouds, but decent visibility down on the lower slopes. It's about -2C in the village as of 8:30am with the resort saying it's just -5C up top. A return to colder conditions from tomorrow and snow showers likely most days in the coming week so fingers crossed one of those might bring us renewed deep fresh. Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Monday 4th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 397cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 38 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 50cm (27th January) November 2012 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day December 2012 snowfall 150cm reported on 15 days January 2013 snowfall 243cm reported on 21 days February 2013 snowfall 1cm 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 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 407cm Weather overview Clear and sunny Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Very good Posted on Tuesday 5th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . The snow started yesterday afternoon, wet at first, but this morning there was about 10cm or so of fresh snow waiting for us when we got up. Since early on this morning though the clouds have dispersed. Right now as of 2pm we have beautiful clear blue skies above Zao. Lovely. Very quiet out there too. With that new snowfall it is a good day out on the mountain. Likely to have more snow fall tomorrow. Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Tuesday 5th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 407cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 39 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 50cm (27th January) November 2012 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day December 2012 snowfall 150cm reported on 15 days January 2013 snowfall 243cm reported on 21 days February 2013 snowfall 11cm 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 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 442cm Weather overview Cloud, light snow Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Varied Posted on Sunday 10th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Light snow falling this Sunday morning in Zao and the mountain is shrouded in cloud. There's just a light wind and it's about -6 degrees C cold. Paradise area reporting a temperature of -11 degrees C. No new snowfall so we get to play with what we had, though if this snow gets a bit heavier we might be lucky and get some fresh. The local forecast is snow for the day, so fingers crossed. Similar conditions likely tomorrow. It will be another very busy day on the slopes of Zao. Perhaps more so than yesterday. Things will get back to normal from Tuesday as tomorrow is a holiday, though we can probably expect people to start returning home from their long weekend tomorrow so it will be less crowded than today. Zao's plenty big though so if you try to avoid the bottlenecks and stick to less popular lifts, things should be good. Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Sunday 10th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 442cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 43 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 50cm (27th January) November 2012 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day December 2012 snowfall 150cm reported on 15 days January 2013 snowfall 243cm reported on 21 days February 2013 snowfall 46cm reported 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 15cm Snowfall at base this season 439cm Weather overview Cloud, snow Wind Strong Temperature - Visibility Fair Posted on Friday 8th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . After the lovely morning yesterday, conditions gradually turned into what we have now... a blizzard! 15-20cm of snow in the village area, very likely a fair bit more up top, cold temperature of -7C, and a strong wind blowing. Temperature of -15 recorded at the top station early this morning. More importantly the wind is affecting some lifts most notably the top Ropeway and Utopia No1 and No2 pair lifts. So for now the top is closed. Visibility isn't too bad at all actually at the moment - I can almost see the top of the mountain from base, but it's all white/grey and snow continues to fall. We might see snow showers continue into tomorrow, but while it might still be windy at least it looks like the wind should be less strong... Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Friday 8th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 439cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 42 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 50cm (27th January) November 2012 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day December 2012 snowfall 150cm reported on 15 days January 2013 snowfall 243cm reported on 21 days February 2013 snowfall 43cm reported 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 22cm Snowfall at base this season 464cm Weather overview Cloud Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Varied Posted on Tuesday 12th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Sorry for the no show yesterday. I have got to admit that I thought I had posted a report and only just realised that I didn't now. Yesterday we had 20cm of new snowfall in the village and add a bit to that yesterday (no new this morning) and that explains the numbers I have added below. This morning there's cloud above the resort but it's fairly bright and visibility is pretty decent. A cold -7 degrees in the village area, with -12 being reported by the Utopia area. Less people around as well after a very busy 3 day long weekend. There's a chance of some decent snow tonight into tomorrow morning. I will of course let you know about that tomorrow... Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Tuesday 12th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 464cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 44 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 50cm (27th January) November 2012 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day December 2012 snowfall 150cm reported on 15 days January 2013 snowfall 243cm reported on 21 days February 2013 snowfall 68cm 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 15cm Snowfall at base this season 424cm Weather overview Sunny Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Very good Posted on Thursday 7th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . We got about 15cm or so of fresh snow delivered in Zao I would say yesterday before evening time. Nice. Strong winds were blowing earlier this morning but now it has calmed down and it's blue skies above Zao. -2 degrees in the village area, so not mad cold, and clear skies. Lovely morning. Like the forecast has been saying, snow due again later on today and into tomorrow. Saturday will likely be clearer before more snow on Sunday. Should get colder from tomorrow as well. Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Thursday 7th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 424cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 41 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 50cm (27th January) November 2012 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day December 2012 snowfall 150cm reported on 15 days January 2013 snowfall 243cm reported on 21 days February 2013 snowfall 28cm reported 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 467cm Weather overview Cloud Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Good Posted on Friday 15th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . A mild and cloudy start to the day in Zao this morning. Can't see the top of the resort from base as it is covered in cloud. Just -1 degrees in village now, but snow is due later and we can expect the temperature to drop for tomorrow. We should still be getting that pre-weekend topup though it might be later in the day or tonight before that happens. Conditions on the slopes are pretty good actually, but we can always do with that new layer and fingers crossed the temp. doesn't rise too much today. We need it to keep low. Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Friday 15th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 467cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 46 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 50cm (27th January) November 2012 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day December 2012 snowfall 150cm reported on 15 days January 2013 snowfall 243cm reported on 21 days February 2013 snowfall 71cm reported 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 483cm Weather overview Sunny, blue sky Wind Calm Temperature - Visibility Very good Posted on Sunday 17th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning from Zao and a fine day it is too. Lots of blue sky, some white cloud up there, the sun out and a general feel good day. A cold start to the day with a low of -14C being reported up in the Paradise area of the resort. It's calm with hardly any wind at all. A real contrast to yesterday. Just 1cm or so of snow since yesterday. The forecast tells us tomorrow will be somewhat milder, but perhaps bring us some light snow. Temps to drop again from Tuesday. Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Sunday 17th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 483cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 48 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 50cm (27th January) November 2012 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day December 2012 snowfall 150cm reported on 15 days January 2013 snowfall 243cm reported on 21 days February 2013 snowfall 87cm 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 3cm Snowfall at base this season 442cm Weather overview Cloud, some blue sky Wind Moderate Temperature - Visibility Good Posted on Saturday 9th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . It has been a cloudy day in Zao. It started off a cold -8C when I started out this morning early on with a moderate to strong wind, but not enough to affect lifts for the day. A bit of snow but that eased off. There's still quite a lot of cloud around but blue sky as well and the sun shining down on us at the moment before it gets dark soon. Busy, as you might expect on this first day of the 3 day weekend. Snow is forecast for tomorrow. Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Saturday 9th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 442cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 43 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 50cm (27th January) November 2012 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day December 2012 snowfall 150cm reported on 15 days January 2013 snowfall 243cm reported on 21 days February 2013 snowfall 46cm reported 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 15cm Snowfall at base this season 482cm Weather overview Cloud, snow, fog Wind Moderate Temperature - Visibility Poor Posted on Saturday 16th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . New later we have with over 10cm here in the village this morning and I am hearing up to 20cm of new snow on the upper areas of the mountain. It is cold, snowy and windy this morning in Zao with visibility on the mountain pretty poor on all but the very low runs. All lifts seem to be operating as planned though, but you might expect some more exposed lifts to be running at reduced speed this morning. Clearer skies likely tomorrow. Have a good weekend. Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Saturday 16th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 482cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 47 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 50cm (27th January) November 2012 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day December 2012 snowfall 150cm reported on 15 days January 2013 snowfall 243cm reported on 21 days February 2013 snowfall 86cm 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 1cm Snowfall at base this season 467cm Weather overview Cloud but bright Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Good Posted on Thursday 14th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . A bit clearer this morning. The sun is trying to make an appearence and visibility is generally good - can see the top of the mountain from base. Forecast is for clear conditions today so maybe the clouds are on the way out. Just 1cm or so of snow since yesterday and this morning there is no wind and it's about -3 degrees in the village. Clouds due back though soon with more snow due later on tomorrow. So if that pans out it'll be fresh snow conditions for the weekend. Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Thursday 14th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 467cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 46 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 50cm (27th January) November 2012 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day December 2012 snowfall 150cm reported on 15 days January 2013 snowfall 243cm reported on 21 days February 2013 snowfall 71cm reported 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 485cm Weather overview Cloud, light snow Wind Moderate Temperature - Visibility Fair Posted on Tuesday 19th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Just a cm or so of snow overnight in Zao and light snow falling earlier on this morning. Fairly strong wind making itself heard and colder conditions than yesterday for sure. For now as I write this report the snow has eased up and it's just cloudy. Fast moving clouds actually and even some breaks opening up to show us the sky. Could it clear up? The forecast for the coming days is a mix of snow, cloud and wind. Looks like the moderate to strong winds will be persistent through the week, but hopefully bring some decent snowfall as well from time to time. It should be keeping nice and cold through into at least early next week. Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Tuesday 19th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 485cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 50 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 50cm (27th January) November 2012 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day December 2012 snowfall 150cm reported on 15 days January 2013 snowfall 243cm reported on 21 days February 2013 snowfall 89cm 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