Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 395cm Posted on Friday 16th January 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . A few cm of snow to report this morning from Zao though it's not snowing now and just cloudy. A relatively mild 0C here in the village and no wind. All is calm. Snow is expected tonight and tomorrow, with a chance of fairly strong winds. They're having some practice runs on the ski jump today for the event that officially starts tomorrow. Official snow depths: Utopia: 190cm Chuo: 200cm Paradise: 190cm 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 Friday 16th January 2015 Total snowfall at base 395cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 34 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 94cm 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 15cm Snowfall at base this season 410cm Posted on Sunday 18th January 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Strong winds yesterday meant that in the end the Ski Jumping event was apparently cancelled. I wasn't around but it's a shame when events can't go ahead as planned of course. This morning we have a good 15-20cm of fresh snowfall and once again there's not much to see out of the window other than grey/white. Visibility poor even down here in the village and while it has actually improved a bit in the last hour or so, most certainly poor out on higher areas of the mountain. It's a cold morning with snow still falling and a moderate wind. Not as strong as yesterday, but still a wind chill. Feels very cold out. Forecast tells us it might even clear up to an extent later on today but the snow clouds won't be far away over the next few days. Official snow depths): Utopia: 195cm Chuo: 200cm Paradise: 200cm Uwanodai: 135cm Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Sunday 18th January 2015 Total snowfall at base 410cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 35 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 109cm 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 393cm Posted on Monday 12th January 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Light snow easing off this morning and fairly decent visibility now. Is that the sun I can just about make out behind some clouds there? And even a bit of blue sky? I think it might be! We're heading into a break from snow and a spell of more settled and clearer weather conditions from tomorrow and that will likely stretch to the end of the week. Personally I'm looking forward to hopefully a few days of sun. Just as long as it doesn't warm up too much - and forecasts tell us it shouldn't - conditions should keep and it should be a great week to be in Zao. Oh yes, 10cm more fresh since yesterday. Official snow depths: Utopia: 190cm Chuo: 200cm Paradise: 190cm Uwanodai: 140cm 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 Monday 12th January 2015 Total snowfall at base 393cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 33 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 92cm 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 416cm Posted on Wednesday 28th January 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Back to winter this morning! Nice and cold once again after that rather warm day yesterday in particular, with just a sprinkling of snow on the ground.. I think I can just about report it as 1cm. A light wind. Visibility somewhat limited especially on upper areas of the resort and light snowfall at times. Potentially heavy snowfall is due Friday into the weekend. Keep an eye on that over the next few days... It's the Zao Juhyo Festival coming up on Saturday 31st January. 7:15pm until 8:30pm at the stage area by the Base Center at Uwanodai - be there for some traditional snow and fire themed festival fun. Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Wednesday 28th January 2015 Total snowfall at base 416cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 37 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 115cm 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 5cm Snowfall at base this season 415cm Posted on Tuesday 20th January 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . I can actually see stuff this morning! Yes, while there's still lots of cloud about, I can see the mountain for a change this morning. Is that the sun I can see trying to come out from behind the cloud as well?! Moderately windy conditions forecast for today but mostly just cloud with a chance of finer wather later and tomorrow as well. Snow is forecast for the day on Thursday. Official snow depths: Utopia: 200cm Chuo: 200cm Paradise: 200cm Uwanodai: 135cm Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Tuesday 20th January 2015 Total snowfall at base 415cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 36 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 114cm 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 3cm Snowfall at base this season 419cm Posted on Saturday 31st January 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Hello and good morning from a snowy Zao. Just a few cm of fresh snow to report but more is expected through the day today, tonight and also into tomorrow. It's not crazy cold this morning. Foggy conditions on the mountain with poor visibility all round unfortunately. One of those mornings when you can't see much at all of anything. It's the Festival tonight... over at Uwanodai if you are around. Might see you there. (If the fog clears up enough!) Heavy snow once the festival has finished please! Official snow depths: Utopia: 190cm Chuo: 200cm Paradise: 200cm Uwanodai: 135cm Zao Onsen is fully open (though note that the Karamatsu pair lift is closed on weekdays). Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Saturday 31st January 2015 Total snowfall at base 419cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 38 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 118cm 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 15cm Snowfall at base this season 434cm Posted on Sunday 1st February 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . The festival did take place last night with snow falling all around us - the stormy conditions didn't spoil things and it went ahead as did the fireworks. So yes, new snowfall. There's at least 15cm of fresh overnight giving the mountain a good refresh for this morning. It's a cold start to the day and just cloudy conditions now with the snow easing off. Snowfall on and off for the day forecast though and as I look out it's another day of limited visibility. Similar conditions on the local forecast for tomorrow. Official snow depths: Utopia: 190cm Chuo: 200cm Paradise: 200cm Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Sunday 1st February 2015 Total snowfall at base 434cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 39 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 118cm observed on 15 days February 2015 snowfall 15cm 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 15cm Snowfall at base this season 449cm Posted on Monday 2nd February 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . The sun is out at the moment this morning with more blue sky appearing. Large shadows in places due to lots of cloud still around up there but it's a feel-good morning weather wise. Keeping good and cold and so snow conditions on the slopes should be great this morning with a nice new layer to enjoy. Over the next few days a varied menu of cloud, sun, light snow showers (nothing major) seems to be forecast. Looks quiet after the busy weekend. Official snow depths: Utopia: 210cm Chuo: 200cm Paradise: 200cm Uwanodai: 150cm Zao Onsen is fully open (* note that the Karamatsu pair lift is closed on weekdays). Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Monday 2nd February 2015 Total snowfall at base 449cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 40 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 118cm observed on 15 days February 2015 snowfall 30cm 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 0cm Snowfall at base this season 0cm Posted on Saturday 23rd November 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Hello and welcome back to Zao Now for the 2013-2014 snow season. Let's hope it's an wonderfully snowy one. It is a lovely morning here with some cloud but lots of blue cloud as well and the sun out. More importantly, from this morning part of the higher Chuo and Utopia areas were opened up to skiers and boarders for the first day of the season here. The ski lifts (outside of the Gondolas and Ropeways) that are operating this morning are the Chuo Number 1 Pair and the Utopia Number 1 Pair lifts. All quite limited still but good to be able to welcome the new season. We will probably enjoy this clearer weather for the weekend with some wild conditions likely around Tuesday and hopefully mid week snow will be falling, looking to perhaps more of the resort opening up. Zao Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Saturday 23rd November 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 0cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 0 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 0cm November 2013 snowfall 0cm 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 Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 10cm Snowfall at base this season 236cm Posted on Tuesday 22nd December 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . Furano looking stunning and the snow is great. Blue sky today, was shaping up bluebird but a few white and fluffies around. The snow is divine with about 6cm falling in Kitanomine Village and about knee deep on the side country on the resort. Nine of ten lifts now operating so the only one we are waiting on is the Kitanomine Gondola. Sun forecast today and tomorrow so let's hope for the weekend but the fact that Kitanomine Zone is open means it's easy and convenient to get to Furano Zone. If you have accommodation booked in Kitanomine Zone, it means you do not have to get yourself to Furano Zone. If your accommodation is in town, you only have to make your way to Kitanomine Zone (which is actually walking distance, just not a fun walk carrying skis if you are comfort inclined). Light breeze today, -2C in town at 10am. Resort listing the base as 95cm with 10cm of fresh. That would be erring on the low side which is always my preference with such things. Furano Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Tuesday 22nd December 2015 Total snowfall at base 236cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 19 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (5th December) November 2015 snowfall 77cm reported on 6 days December 2015 snowfall 159cm 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 Furano. 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 Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 26cm Snowfall at base this season 299cm Posted on Sunday 27th December 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . Heavy snow at Furano. Snow in the face for those who went up the mountain for a ski this morning. My friends are still up there and loving it. Visibility turning to poor now as the winds increase. Was still earlier but now a ground blizzard in Furano Town so undoubtedly getting windy on the resort. A good half metre of fresh down in Kitanomine village so there would be close to a metre of snow to play in at the top of the resort. At least thigh deep. Just a reminder that if you like the side country, backcountry, or cross-country skiing, always be sensible. Hire a guide unless you really know the terrain and weather conditions and by know, I mean you've been out with guides in the area before and you are prepared for all conditions. Not to be heavy, but in Central Hokkaido people have died near the piste simply because they saw great snow, headed out of bounds, then came unstuck. With the deepest respect to her friends and family, the person I am thinking of was at a resort in our region. She did not venture far off piste but came off her snowboard, could not be seen, could not be heard, and because our snow is so light and dry, could not climb back on her board. She perished. Her tragedy can serve to remind us all that what looks beautiful and benign (for what is more beautiful than soft, white snow?) can be treacherous. Like the blue sea or the gurgling river or a sunlit expanse of terrain. But we must respect nature always. She is beautiful and giving but she is a strength we cannot fathom. Be careful folks and have a great ski or board today. My family is sitting by the fire heading out for the occasional sled in the yard today, but our friends are loving the mountain. If the snow lets up, I am taking the young ones for a night ski tonight - the Kitanomine Zone is now fully open, night skiing included, wee hoo! Please take care. Furano Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Sunday 27th December 2015 Total snowfall at base 299cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 22 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (5th December) November 2015 snowfall 77cm reported on 6 days December 2015 snowfall 222cm 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 Furano. 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 Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 41cm Snowfall at base this season 340cm Posted on Monday 28th December 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . Chest deep will have to do today... Ha! I just asked some boarders who came in for an early lunch how it was on the hill at Furano today, and they said, 'well it's midday and there is still waist deep powder'. So OK then. I do love understatement. Apparently some sidecountry runs are chest deep, too. Heh, heh, heh. Bit breezy but not windy, snow falling-falling-falling, a good metre of fresh up top in places. Yesterday was my day off and I cleared my driveway in Kitanomine twice, 25cm at about 9am and another 20ish at around 4pm. I like clearing snow. The resort is reporting 10-15cm of snow which seems very conservative indeed. It was -7C when I crossed the Sorachi river just now to come and tell you it is snowing and there is a lot of snow. That's really all there is to say now. It's very nice. It's very snowy. I am sorry if you went to night ski last night on my advice. I got the kids rugged up and hyped up at 6pm for this purpose only to discover it wasn't on in Kitanomine Zone like I thought it was. I checked this morning and they did run it but just for safety checks. So that is closed. Not open. But tonight it is open. Hope you found somewhere to sled yesterday evening - that's what we did. Furano Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Monday 28th December 2015 Total snowfall at base 340cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 23 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (5th December) November 2015 snowfall 77cm reported on 6 days December 2015 snowfall 263cm 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 Furano. 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