Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 10cm Snowfall at base this season 192cm Posted on Monday 15th December 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Not masses of snow this morning to report, 10cm here at base, but I think the wind has been blowing it about and there's really more fresh out there. Can't see much though due to the snow and the wind blowing it about. All a bit mad out there and it's not going to settle down for a while it would seem with stormy conditions due especially as we get into Wednesday and Thursday. Expect lift operations to be affected at times. Looks like the best time to visit might be the end of the week or weekend when the storm clears. Sunny conditions even maybe. And the snow conditions will surely be excellent. Operating lifts at time of writing: Onsen Number 1 pair lift Onsen Number 2 quad Mikaeri pair lift Chuo Number 1 pair lift Chuo Number 2 pair lift Paradise pair lift Yokokura Number 1 pair lift Utopia Number 2 pair lift Shobunuma Number 1 triple Shobunuma Number 2 pair Kuroboshi Number 1 Quattro quad lift Katakai triple lift All Ropeways/gondolas Official snow depths: Utopia: 160cm Chuo: 105cm Paradise: 110cm Uwanodai: 105cm Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Monday 15th December 2014 Total snowfall at base 192cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 13 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 80cm (on 3rd December) November 2014 snowfall 20cm observed on 2 days December 2014 snowfall 172cm 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 20cm Snowfall at base this season 212cm Posted on Wednesday 17th December 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . 20cm of new snow to report from Zao this morning. Snow, fog, wind. It's a storm out there. Cold too. Time for an onsen? But if you want to be out in these conditions, there are some lifts still moving. As far as I can find out for the moment, the lifts below are moving but it's limited out there. Winds set to be with us today and tomorrow as well, with today probably being the worst. Might even clear up and see some sun tomorrow. Expect another bunch of snow to be reported tomorrow morning. Planned operating lifts today (subject to change): Sky Cable Gondola Zao Chuo Ropeway Onsen Number 1 pair lift Onsen Number 2 quad Mikaeri pair lift Chuo Number 1 pair lift Yokokura Number 1 pair lift Official snow depths: Utopia: 160cm Chuo: 130cm Paradise: 110cm Uwanodai: 120cm Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Wednesday 17th December 2014 Total snowfall at base 212cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 14 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 80cm (on 3rd December) November 2014 snowfall 20cm observed on 2 days December 2014 snowfall 192cm 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 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 182cm Posted on Sunday 14th December 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . More fresh snowfall to report, though not quite the amounts I am reading about on some of the other Now reports on SnowJapan - well done Nozawa and Myoko! It sounds like it is going to be a good December for many of the snow regions of Japan. OK so about 10cm more this morning and snow falling still now, though we expect it to get less later on today. But more due around Wednesday and strong winds forecast as well. Great conditions out there. Just very cold. And snowy. The cheaper early season lift ticket prices (3000 yen for adults, 1500 yen for childen) are available until 20th December. Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Sunday 14th December 2014 Total snowfall at base 182cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 12 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 80cm (on 3rd December) November 2014 snowfall 20cm observed on 2 days December 2014 snowfall 162cm 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 1cm Snowfall at base this season 253cm Posted on Sunday 21st December 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . 1cm of snow to report this morning from Zao, which is nice to report as it rained here last night. Quite strong winds are persisting this morning though here in the village it feels fairly mild. It may well be different up on the slopes where visibility also seems very limited in places. Snowfall expected through into tomorrow, with moderate to strong winds also a feature to expect. I have added the 'Light Up' dates for the 2014/2015 season below and will keep those on the report each day until that is finished. On those operating days, the Zao Ropeway operates in the evening and the . Subject to weather conditions. Your ski lift ticket isn't valid for this and while it's not cheap to go up there I think it's definitely worth taking a look once on a night when the weather conditions are clear. Official snow depths: Utopia: 160cm Chuo: 160cm Paradise: 150cm Uwanodai: 125cm Night skiing operations at Zao this season Uwanodai area: From today until 22nd March Yokokura area: From Friday 26th December until 4th January; Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Friday 9th January until 15th March Open times from 5pm until 9pm. Remember the cameras, once the sun comes out we should be in for some fantastic scenery too. Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Sunday 21st December 2014 Total snowfall at base 253cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 16 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 80cm (on 3rd December) November 2014 snowfall 20cm observed on 2 days December 2014 snowfall 233cm observed 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 40cm Snowfall at base this season 252cm Posted on Thursday 18th December 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Stormy conditions this morning in Zao. Heavy snow, strong winds, poor visibility. 40cm outside my place, hearing over 50cm fresh on the mountain but wind is blowing it all round so difficult to put numbers on it. Whatever the number, plenty of it. Normal lift ticket prices from Saturday when I expect all of the mountain to be open - weather conditions permitting of course. It does look probable that once we get past today, weather conditions will calm down and we could even be treated to some sunny blue skies, perhaps with it remaining quite windy. But hopefully not enough to affect lifts on the hill. Conditions are going to be great though. Remember the cameras, once the sun comes out we should be in for some fantastic scenery too. Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Thursday 18th December 2014 Total snowfall at base 252cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 15 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 80cm (on 3rd December) November 2014 snowfall 20cm observed on 2 days December 2014 snowfall 232cm observed 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 2cm Snowfall at base this season 255cm Posted on Monday 22nd December 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . A few cm of new snowfall this morning in Zao along with cold temperatures (-6C when I got up this morning), morning fog and generally poor visibility both at base and on the slopes. Hardly any wind though... for the moment. Very nice snow conditions out there with more fresh snow on the way today and forecast stronger winds. Clearer weather is probably tomorrow before we get back into fresh snow falling for Christmas. All of Zao is now open apart from the Ryuzan area (and the Karamatsu lift which is closed on weekdays). Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Monday 22nd December 2014 Total snowfall at base 255cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 17 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 80cm (on 3rd December) November 2014 snowfall 20cm observed on 2 days December 2014 snowfall 235cm observed 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 331cm Posted on Thursday 1st January 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Happy New Year. 2015 has started off with a lot of snowfall to report. About 30cm outside my base here in the village area, so I expect more in places on the mountain. Seems nice and light too and so conditions should be very good on the runs this morning with lots of deep to find. Poor visibility on the mountain as well with an early morning (?) fog as well as the cloud covering the mountain. Snow and moderate winds expected to continue through tomorrow as well as very low temperatures. By the end of the weekend another milder spell with calmer conditions is forecast. Official snow depths: Utopia: 170cm Chuo: 200cm Paradise: 165cm Uwanodai: 135cm Zao Onsen is fully open. Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Thursday 1st January 2015 Total snowfall at base 331cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 24 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 80cm (on 3rd December) November 2014 snowfall 20cm observed on 2 days December 2014 snowfall 281cm observed on 21 days January 2015 snowfall 30cm 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 5cm Snowfall at base this season 336cm Posted on Friday 2nd January 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Up to 5cm of snow again this morning I'd say and while early morning I could see the mountain.... it's covered in cloud again now. Not the best of timing for people coming hoping to take spectacular blue sky photos, that's for sure! It remains very cold this morning and snow showers likely through into tomorrow. From Sunday we can look forward to an easing off of the snow and colder conditions and maybe some sunshine. Please note that unfortunately the Yokokura wall run remains closed for the moment. Official snow depths: Utopia: 170cm Chuo: 200cm Paradise: 170cm Uwanodai: 135cm Zao Onsen is fully open. Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Friday 2nd January 2015 Total snowfall at base 336cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 25 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 80cm (on 3rd December) November 2014 snowfall 20cm observed on 2 days December 2014 snowfall 281cm observed on 21 days January 2015 snowfall 35cm observed 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 5cm Snowfall at base this season 341cm Posted on Saturday 3rd January 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . It sure is staying cold at the moment! Foggy conditions as well with continued poor visibility and moderate winds on the mountain. I think quite a lot of people are hoping that it will clear up today and there does seem to be a chance of that, and a better still chance of that tomorrow and Monday. The grip of the bitter cold should ease as well with slightly warmer (I use that word loosely!) temps due for a few days. Official snow depths: Utopia: 170cm Chuo: 200cm Paradise: 170cm Uwanodai: 135cm Zao Onsen is fully open. Night skiing operations at Zao this season Uwanodai area: Daily until 22nd March Yokokura area: From Friday 26th December until 4th January; Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Friday 9th January until 15th March Open times from 5pm until 9pm. Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Saturday 3rd January 2015 Total snowfall at base 341cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 26 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 80cm (on 3rd December) November 2014 snowfall 20cm observed on 2 days December 2014 snowfall 281cm observed on 21 days January 2015 snowfall 40cm 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 5cm Snowfall at base this season 349cm Posted on Monday 5th January 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Not as cold this morning in Zao and I can actually see the mountain, the lower parts anyway. Cloudy start to this Monday morning but more sky appearing over the last hour or so - perhaps we'll still get to see more of that and the sun later on. Tomorrow also should be on the milder side but come Wednesday we're due a return to very cold though the forecast doesn't give us much in terms of snowfall in the coming week. Official snow depths: Utopia: 175cm Chuo: 200cm Paradise: 170cm Uwanodai: 130cm Zao Onsen is fully open (though note that the Karamatsu pair lift is closed on weekdays). Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Monday 5th January 2015 Total snowfall at base 349cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 28 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 80cm (on 3rd December) November 2014 snowfall 20cm observed on 2 days December 2014 snowfall 281cm observed on 21 days January 2015 snowfall 48cm observed on 5 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Zao Onsen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 3cm Snowfall at base this season 344cm Posted on Sunday 4th January 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . A calm morning here - in the village at least - but still can't see any of the mountain with a thick fog and cloud preventing us seeing much of anything at all really. A few more cm of snow on the ground. When might we get to see the mountain then? Tomorrow is still looking like a good candidate for clear blue skies and the sun shining down. The people going back at the end of their New Year holidays today might look on annoyed at that! For those staying though, tomorrow looks like it should be a real treat. Official snow depths: Utopia: 170cm Chuo: 200cm Paradise: 170cm Uwanodai: 135cm Zao Onsen is fully open. Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Sunday 4th January 2015 Total snowfall at base 344cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 27 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 80cm (on 3rd December) November 2014 snowfall 20cm observed on 2 days December 2014 snowfall 281cm observed on 21 days January 2015 snowfall 43cm 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 3cm Snowfall at base this season 352cm Posted on Wednesday 7th January 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Quite wild conditions this morning in Zao. Strong winds, snow, fog, very cold, poor visibility. I think the onsen might be a bit more crowded than usual this morning! Just a few cm of snow so far but it's blowing about so maybe more has fallen and surely more during the day today if this continues. Conditions may improve come tomorrow but looks like it'll be windy to some extent through the week. Too early for the resort to update their report this morning but there's a chance of lifts being disrupted due to the conditions. Official snow depths: Utopia: 175cm Chuo: 200cm Paradise: 180cm Uwanodai: 130cm Zao Onsen is fully open (though note that the Karamatsu pair lift is closed on weekdays). Weather conditions may affect lifts. Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Wednesday 7th January 2015 Total snowfall at base 352cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 29 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 80cm (on 3rd December) November 2014 snowfall 20cm observed on 2 days December 2014 snowfall 281cm observed on 21 days January 2015 snowfall 51cm observed on 6 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Zao Onsen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com