Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 5cm Snowfall at base this season 412cm Posted on Saturday 27th February 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . A fine day it's going to be here today with the sun out warming us up after a cold start. Forecast tells stories of snow overnight tonight and then regular snowfall from later tomorrow. Might get to have a snowy start to March.- The 'Juhyo Lightup' evening ropeway service going to be finishing tomorrow, Sunday 28th February. Last chansu! All planned lifts are operating this morning. The Karamatsu pair lift does not operate on weekdays. Official snow depths: Utopia: 100cm Chuo: 150cm Paradise: 145cm Uwanodai: 75cm Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Saturday 27th February 2016 Total snowfall at base 412cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 56 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 46cm (on 19th January) November 2015 snowfall 22cm observed on 2 days December 2015 snowfall 96cm observed on 12 days January 2016 snowfall 211cm observed on 25 days February 2016 snowfall 83cm observed 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 4cm Snowfall at base this season 407cm Posted on Friday 26th February 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning from Zao. I have some new snow to report this morning, just 4-5cm here at base. The snow clouds have moved on now though and it's a mix of cloud and blue sky above us currently. Snow might be back before the day ends though and a chance of snow showers during the day tomorrow as well, though nothing major. Looks like it will be slightly warmer over the weekend but hopefully not by too much. Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Friday 26th February 2016 Total snowfall at base 407cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 55 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 46cm (on 19th January) November 2015 snowfall 22cm observed on 2 days December 2015 snowfall 96cm observed on 12 days January 2016 snowfall 211cm observed on 25 days February 2016 snowfall 78cm observed 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 6cm Snowfall at base this season 451cm Posted on Thursday 3rd March 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning from Zao and snow is falling, with limited visibility up on the mountain this morning. At the start of the day anyway. There's been 6cm of fresh snow delivered down here at village base and it's coming down as I write. Today should be good - just be sure you know where you're going with the visibility like it is. After today it's going to really start warming up over the next few days, with the peak of the warmth being Sunday. Not only warm but probably rain too, so Sunday may not be the best day to be planning on being here. Tomorrow and Saturday (first half at least), lots of sunshine is on the forecasts at the moment. The Karamatsu pair lift is generally closed on weekdays. The evening light up ropeway service has now finished for the season. Official snow depths: Utopia: 115cm Chuo: 150cm Paradise: 145cm Uwanodai: 85cm Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Thursday 3rd March 2016 Total snowfall at base 451cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 59 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 46cm (on 19th January) November 2015 snowfall 22cm observed on 2 days December 2015 snowfall 96cm observed on 12 days January 2016 snowfall 211cm observed on 25 days February 2016 snowfall 83cm observed on 17 days March 2016 snowfall 39cm 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 1cm Snowfall at base this season 452cm Posted on Friday 11th March 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Morning from Zao. It's cloud and blue sky at the moment over the village and mountain with just a little bit of fresh snow to report, hopefully maybe a few cm higher up. Not much potential for snow according to the weekly forecast at the moment though it should be keeping pretty cold at least for the next day or two; perhaps a little warmer come Sunday. Fingers crossed it doesn't start warming up too much like the other day! It won't be as busy as mid season tomorrow but expect there to be quite a lot of people coming out. Lots of 'time for that last ski' kind of discussions being heard... Zao of course usually opens in some parts through until Golden Week in early May. Just what the snow situation will be like even in early April will be interesting to see. Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Friday 11th March 2016 Total snowfall at base 452cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 60 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 46cm (on 19th January) November 2015 snowfall 22cm observed on 2 days December 2015 snowfall 96cm observed on 12 days January 2016 snowfall 211cm observed on 25 days February 2016 snowfall 83cm observed on 17 days March 2016 snowfall 40cm 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 453cm Posted on Monday 14th March 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Morning from Zao. Just a dusting of snow enough for me to award 1cm at base! This morning there's a lot of fog around with limited visibility on the mountain and just a light wind. If it doesn't clear up much today it should more tomorrow and generally clearer and sunnier skies are likely over the next few days. Going to start getting warmer too Nighta on the Yokokura area finished for the season last night, and the nighta over on the Uwanodai area will continue on until Monday 21st March - so just one more week. Zao Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Monday 14th March 2016 Total snowfall at base 453cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 61 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 46cm (on 19th January) November 2015 snowfall 22cm observed on 2 days December 2015 snowfall 96cm observed on 12 days January 2016 snowfall 211cm observed on 25 days February 2016 snowfall 83cm observed on 17 days March 2016 snowfall 41cm 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 10cm Snowfall at base this season 563cm Posted on Friday 21st March 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . 10cm of fresh snow at base this morning. More on the mountain, surely. A good way to celebrate the lower ticket prices for spring as I mentioned in previous reports. It's still snowing and should be for the day. Fairly strong winds though, hopefully that won't affect the lifts. Seems to be ok as I just checked. Poor visibility though with the snow falling and a rather foggy mountain. Snow should ease from tomorrow and then it's looking like spring might finally take a grip on things from early week. Much warmer conditions are expected with lots of sun - if the forecast is right the big melt will begin. Official snow depths: Utopia: 300cm Chuo: 260cm Paradise: 290cm Uwanodai: 180cm Zao Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Friday 21st March 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 563cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 56 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 50cm (on 16th February) November 2013 snowfall 12cm observed on 1 day December 2013 snowfall 179cm observed on 18 days January 2014 snowfall 111cm observed on 18 days February 2014 snowfall 166cm observed on 10 days March 2014 snowfall 95cm 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 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 575cm Posted on Sunday 23rd March 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Well, the snowfall hasn't dried up yet! Over 10cm of heavy snow outside this morning and temperatures remaining in the negative. From the looks of the forecasts though, this might well be it as it's going to hot up this week and by the end of the week we might be experiencing temperatures of over 10 degrees in the village. The big melt will be on then. For now though, some new snow to play in once again today. Official snow depths: Utopia: 300cm Chuo: 260cm Paradise: 290cm Uwanodai: 180cm Zao Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Sunday 23rd March 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 575cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 58 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 50cm (on 16th February) November 2013 snowfall 12cm observed on 1 day December 2013 snowfall 179cm observed on 18 days January 2014 snowfall 111cm observed on 18 days February 2014 snowfall 166cm observed on 10 days March 2014 snowfall 107cm observed 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 2cm Snowfall at base this season 565cm Posted on Saturday 22nd March 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . A few cm of snow at base here, though it's kind of heavy rather than light and fluffy. Still it is keeping cold and light snow is falling this morning still. After today, no snow on the forecast for the week. Is that the end? Could be, but expect more sun and much warmer conditions from Monday. Official snow depths: Utopia: 300cm Chuo: 260cm Paradise: 290cm Uwanodai: 180cm Zao Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Saturday 22nd March 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 565cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 57 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 50cm (on 16th February) November 2013 snowfall 12cm observed on 1 day December 2013 snowfall 179cm observed on 18 days January 2014 snowfall 111cm observed on 18 days February 2014 snowfall 166cm observed on 10 days March 2014 snowfall 97cm 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 579cm Posted on Monday 28th April 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Busy over the weekend in Zao. Of course, there's only limited upper areas remaining open now, so everyone's heading to the same place. But still, a fair amount of terrain open - Chuo, Paradise, Utopia and the top Zangezaka course. Tomorrow is a holiday again, but sadly there's a good chance of rain and for the following few days as well. Hopefully conditions might clear up for the upcoming long - and last - weekend. Snow continues to quickly dry up from the lower parts of the mountain. The Zao Echoline road is now open. It seems that until some time in early May they will be closing the road from 5pm until 8am the next morning but during the day time it's open to enjoy. Operating ski lifts at Zao (* subject to change): Daily until 6th May: Ropeways and Gondolas (open through the year) Chuo Number 1 Pair Chuo Number 2 Pair Utopia Number 2 Pair Katakai Triple Paradise Pair AB Official snow depths: Utopia: 120cm Chuo: 110cm Paradise: 120cm Uwanodai: 0cm Zao Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Monday 28th April 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 579cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 59 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 50cm (on 16th February) November 2013 snowfall 12cm observed on 1 day December 2013 snowfall 179cm observed on 18 days January 2014 snowfall 111cm observed on 18 days February 2014 snowfall 166cm observed on 10 days March 2014 snowfall 107cm observed on 11 days April 2014 snowfall 4cm 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 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 579cm Posted on Monday 7th April 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Some snowfall over the weekend, along with cold temperatures again. Felt a bit like winter! This morning it is cloudy with some blue sky to see but feels like we might be on for a clear up. Spring is due to be back this week with clearer conditions, sun and a bit of warmth returning. From today, less lifts are open but lift tickets get cheaper making it now 3000 yen for a 1 day lift adult ticket. Operating ski lifts at Zao (* subject to change): Sometime in April, depending on snow conditions: Yokokura Number 1 Pair Kurohime Number 1 Quad Until 6th May: Ropeways and Gondolas (open through the year) Chuo Number 1 Pair Utopia Number 2 Pair Chuo Number 2 Pair (every day until 13th April, then holidays) Katakai Triple (every day until 13th April, then holidays) Paradise Pair (every day until 13th April, then holidays) Official snow depths: Utopia: 200cm Chuo: 200cm Paradise: 200cm Uwanodai: 90cm Zao Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Monday 7th April 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 579cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 59 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 50cm (on 16th February) November 2013 snowfall 12cm observed on 1 day December 2013 snowfall 179cm observed on 18 days January 2014 snowfall 111cm observed on 18 days February 2014 snowfall 166cm observed on 10 days March 2014 snowfall 107cm observed on 11 days April 2014 snowfall 4cm 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 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 579cm Posted on Tuesday 6th May 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . It's the last day of Golden Week and the last day of the ski and snowboard season in Zao Onsen. It's over five months since the first ski lifts of the season opened back at the end of November 2013. It seems a long time ago, but then again the season has also gone very quickly. There have been a few ups and downs this year. Rain spoilt things a bit around early February, but Zao made a good comeback after that and we have enjoyed lots of snow deep into spring this season. The monsters recovered well as well and put on a good show. You can look back over the archive reports from the season (and indeed other seasons) using the links at the bottom of this page. The 3 Ropeways in Zao are open throughout the year, just closing for periods of maintenance - the latest info available on spring/early summer maintenance is posted below. That's it from me. 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. See you then! ------------------------------------------------------------ Zao Ropeway Lower section & Utopia Number 1 summer lift: Closed from Wednesday 7th May until Wednesday 4th June (* but will open on 24th and 25th May) Upper section: Closed from Wednesday 7th May until Thursday 19th June (* but will open on 14th, 15th and 16th June) Zao Chuo Ropeway Closed from Wednesday 7th May until Friday 13th June Zao Sky Cable Closed from Saturday 14th June Zao Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Tuesday 6th May 2014 Total snowfall at base 579cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 59 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 50cm (on 16th February) November 2013 snowfall 12cm observed on 1 day December 2013 snowfall 179cm observed on 18 days January 2014 snowfall 111cm observed on 18 days February 2014 snowfall 166cm observed on 10 days March 2014 snowfall 107cm observed on 11 days April 2014 snowfall 4cm observed on 1 day 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 10cm Snowfall at base this season 30cm Posted on Tuesday 2nd December 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Morning from Zao. Snowing properly this morning with 10cm or so of fresh snow on the ground here in the village areas and more on the way over the next few days and maybe into the weekend as well. I have heard some reports of 60cm of snow just in the next 24 hours. That would be nice if true! A few days of that kind of snowfall and I would expect lifts to be up and running quite quickly. Proper opening to the season just around the corner by the looks.... Will give you an update tomorrow. Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Tuesday 2nd December 2014 Total snowfall at base 30cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 3 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 10cm (on 14th, 18th November and 2nd December) November 2014 snowfall 20cm observed on 2 days December 2014 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 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