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

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 35cm Snowfall at base this season 538cm Weather overview Cloud, sun in places, light snow Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Variable Posted on Saturday 23rd February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Yesterday we went from that lovely start to white-out snowy conditions within the day. Love it when that happens (only when the whiteout happens late on in the day of course). This morning lots of new snowfall to tell you about. Over 30cm here in village and probably over 40cm on the mountain. Still a lot of cloud around but the snow seems to be easing at the moment. From here by Zao Ropeway it is still poor visibility but just over by Uwanodai there's some blue sky on show and the sun coming down so variable conditions for the moment. The local forecast is for snow showers today and tomorrow with a clearing pattern from Monday. Anyway it's a brilliant start to the weekend. Snow should be awesome. Remember to avoid those bottlenecks for the smoothest lift rides. Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Saturday 23rd February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 538cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 54 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 142cm 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 15cm Snowfall at base this season 502cm Weather overview Cloud, snow Wind Moderate Temperature - Visibility Poor Posted on Thursday 21st February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . It is a very cold morning in Zao. And I have over 15cm of new snow to report from the village base area, with more surely falling higher up. Temperatures down to minus double figures earlier on this morning and not much of a warm up happening either. The Paradise area of the resort is recording a lot of -15C. Snow continues and there is a moderate wind, but all of the resort is open as planned from what I can tell. The snow depth on the Utopia area is now recorded as 275cm, the highest of the season so far. At the moment I can just see the lower slopes from the base, anything higher up is shrouded in cloud. Earlier on it was better, but once again has reduced as the morning goes on. Snowfall is still forecast for the next few days and through the coming weekend and it is going to stay cold too. Come prepared! Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Thursday 21st February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 502cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 52 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 106cm 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 25cm Snowfall at base this season 563cm Weather overview Snow Wind Strong Temperature - Visibility Poor Posted on Sunday 24th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . It's whiteout here in Zao this morning. Crazy wind blowing about at least 20cm of fresh since yesterday. Limited operations this morning on the mountain, with Utopia and Kurohime areas closed and the chance of others during the day. It doesn't look like it's going to let up. Once this storm passes, going to be awesome conditions. Late February sometimes brings us a mixed bag, but we are ending February this year in style. Just a shame for the people here for the day today and not able to use all the mountain and not see much of anything at all. The onsens are probably going to be busy today! Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Sunday 24th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 563cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 55 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 167cm 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 503cm Weather overview Clear and sunny Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Excellent Posted on Friday 22nd February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Did I say snowfall forecast for today?! Well.... not quite! This morning there are blue skies all around. It's a beautiful morning. Keeping nice and cold and hardly any wind at all just a slight breeze really. A really great day to be out on the slopes. So the forecast got it somewhat wrong for today, but checking around they do agree that it should be snowing again by the end of the day today and over the weekend we will see a chance of continued snow showers and possibly strong winds. Let's see what happens. Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Friday 22nd February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 503cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 53 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 107cm 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 50cm Snowfall at base this season 613cm Weather overview Fine, cloud Wind Varied Temperature - Visibility Good Posted on Monday 25th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . This weekend just gone has probably turned out to be the maddest of the season so far. The coldest morning of the season and the most snowfall with another 50cm of new snow. It really came down yesterday and the wind made for some 'challenging' conditions outside. It's change for this morning though with suddenly clearer skies (some cloud still around) and less wind. All lifts scheduled to be open. Snow conditions and weather today couldn't be better. Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Monday 25th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 613cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 56 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 50cm (27th January and 25th February) 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 217cm reported on 19 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 484cm Weather overview Cloud Wind Varied Temperature - Visibility Fair Posted on Monday 18th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . It is a cloudy start to this Monday morning in Zao with the top area of the resort not visible from base. Decent visibility for skiing and boarding though. Fairly mild morning and currently around -1 degrees with a low up on Utopia of -7. We might get some light snow falling later on. Other than that not much to report this morning. Chance of light snow showers on and off through this week, and from tomorrow it should get colder. Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Monday 18th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 484cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 49 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 88cm reported on 12 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Zao Onsen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 487cm Weather overview Cloud Wind Slight Temperature - Visibility Good Posted on Wednesday 20th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Another case of blue skies we were seeing a bit earlier getting covered by cloud this morning. It's a cold start to the day and we do have a few cm since yesterday. No wind and generally just cloudy but bright. That's about it this morning. Snow is forecast for today and then from the Friday again so it should be fresh conditions for the weekend. Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Wednesday 20th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 487cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 51 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 91cm 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 1cm Snowfall at base this season 614cm Weather overview Cloud Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Good Posted on Tuesday 26th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Just a dusting of snow in Zao since yesterday and it is a much cloudier start to the day though decent visibility on the slopes. A cold start to the day though not quite as cold as yesterday. Finer weather is forecast for the next 2-3 days, especially a warming up around Friday. But that is due to be followed by snow into the weekend. Yesterday was amazing. Let's hope there's lots more of those yet this season. Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Tuesday 26th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 614cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 57 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 50cm (27th January and 25th February) 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 218cm reported on 20 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 Naeba region of Niigata New snowfall at base 10cm Snowfall at base this season 13cm Weather overview Cloud Wind Calm Temperature - Visibility Good Posted on Sunday 9th December 2012 This is an archived report. The latest Naeba Now report can be found here . Yesterday we did have snow falling but it didn't really amount to much in terms of cm and lower down in Yuzawa it was raining. Thinking that big storm was on it's way last night, a bit surprised this morning to see the sun out though there are clouds still around and snow is likely to fall again today. Right now though there is hardly any wind either. As this is the first major miss by the weather forecast this season I'm not going to even try to say how much. Anyway we did get 10cm or so of snow since yesterday, so it's not all bad. (I just wanted my blizzard storm!!) The slopes were busy at Kagura and Naeba yesterday and they will likely be again today. From tomorrow until Friday, Naeba plans to have just the lower No5 quad lift operating. Official resort snow depth: Kagura - 130cm Naeba Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Sunday 9th December 2012 Total snowfall at base so far 13cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 2 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 10cm (9th December) November 2012 snowfall 3cm observed on 1 day December 2013 snowfall 10cm observed on 1 day Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Naeba. 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 Naeba region of Niigata New snowfall at base 8cm Snowfall at base this season 156cm Weather overview Cloud, light snow Wind Varied Temperature - Visibility Fair Posted on Sunday 23rd December 2012 This is an archived report. The latest Naeba Now report can be found here . We didn't avoid the rain completely yesterday unfortunately, but quickly looking to the good news Kagura this morning are reporting 20cm of new snowfall. Here in Naeba it is -3C and 5-10cm of new snowfall, not much of a wind, and light snow falling early this morning. Though actually it's also quite bright at the same time. We still have that decent snowfall for later today into tomorrow right? Seems so, though can't help feeling looking at the forecasts that it might not bring quite as much as we were hoping for. We'll see, and I'll let you know! Did you know that today is actually the Naeba Prince Hotel's 50th birthday? Happy Birthday! There'll be a few events going on today to celebrate. Official resort snow depth: Naeba - 100cm Kagura - 200cm Naeba and the Kagura resort areas are now all mostly open. Naeba Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Sunday 23rd December 2012 Total snowfall at base so far 156cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 10 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 60cm (10th December) November 2012 snowfall 3cm observed on 1 day December 2013 snowfall 153cm observed on 9 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Naeba. 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 Naeba region of Niigata New snowfall at base 15cm Snowfall at base this season 196cm Weather overview Snow Wind Windy Temperature - Visibility Poor Posted on Wednesday 26th December 2012 This is an archived report. The latest Naeba Now report can be found here . It was indeed a fine morning out yesterday and afternoon as well. Clouds did move in later in the day along with some strong winds and overnight we have another 20-30cm up top to report. Unfortunately the wind is preventing all of Kagura to open this morning... the Tashiro area is completely closed while from the Mitsumata Ropeway up to the Kagura Number 1 pair lift is the only area open. It's a similar kind of strory here in Naeba as well with the strong winds affecting operations - with just the lower lifts open. As Tashiro is closed, the Dragondola is not operating today either. 10-20cm of fresh snow here in Naeba this morning and more to fall during the day. From tomorrow until Saturday looks clearer and milder conditions followed by more snow on Sunday. Official resort snow depth: Naeba - 120cm Kagura - 250cm Naeba Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Wednesday 26th December 2012 Total snowfall at base so far 196cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 13 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 60cm (10th December) November 2012 snowfall 3cm observed on 1 day December 2013 snowfall 193cm observed on 12 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Naeba. 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