Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 118cm Weather overview Cloud, blue sky Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Good Posted at 11:18am on Thursday 20th December 2012 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Yesterday sure was a cold one. It was another cold start to the day at -6C when I woke up and it is currently around -4C, so not really warming up then! Just a few cm of new snowfall to report, cloud still around but blue sky as well and the sun shining down from time to time. We can't expect more than some possible sprinklings of snow in the next few days, though from Sunday a winter storm looks to still be on it's way. Strong winds and hopefully heavy snowfall into early week. Nighta news! There are two night skiing areas of the resort in Zao - not (skiable) connected, though you can of course go from one to the other if you wish. Nighta will start on the Uwanodai area from this Saturday (22nd), and will be open every day until 24th March 2013. 5pm until 9pm. Nighta in the Yokokura area will be open over the New Year period and then Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 4th January until 17th March. Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Thursday 20th December 2012 Total snowfall at base so far 118cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 12 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (9th December) November 2012 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day December 2012 snowfall 115cm reported on 11 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Zao Onsen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 3cm Snowfall at base this season 122cm Weather overview Cloud Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Good Posted at 10:30am on Monday 24th December 2012 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Well, consistent snowfall I said yesterday but there's just a few cm of new snow to report this morning, so not as much as we were hoping for. The snow eased up and those darker clouds moved on with some blue sky on show as well. It turned into a pretty nice day, and it was rather busy out there as well. Anyway so we have a few cm of new snowfall and it is about -6C this morning and cloudy with just a slight wind. The mountain covered in cloud and so can't see the top but visibility out there looks fairly decent. While pretty much all of the mountain is open, we're still not 'deep' as you can see by the numbers below. Consistent snowfall is forecast for the next few days and so we hope it can bring decent amounts with it. Strong winds still likely this week. For now though a calm Christmas Eve. Enjoy your cake! Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Monday 24th December 2012 Total snowfall at base so far 122cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 14 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (9th December) November 2012 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day December 2012 snowfall 119cm 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 0cm Snowfall at base this season 396cm Weather overview Sunny Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Good Posted on Thursday 31st January 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . A fine morning in Zao Onsen. Mostly blue skies and the sun shining with just some white clouds here and there, hiding the sun from time to time and casting shadows on the slopes. No new snow to report this morning and hardly any wind. Taking a look forward at the forecast for the week. Hmmm, not much snow on there at all. Mostly sunny with cloud, the chance of some snow showers and even a bit of rain around Saturday. Tomorrow and Saturday in particular are going to be unseasonably warm but it does look like from Sunday onwards we will return to somewhat colder conditions again. Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Thursday 31st January 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 396cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 37 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 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 409cm Weather overview Clear, snow Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Poor Posted on Wednesday 6th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Yesterday was a beauty. Some wispy white cloud here and there but generally clear, blue skies. All change this morning. Poor visibility and snow is coming down. A few cm on the ground since it started earlier on. It's about -4 in the village and Utopia only -6, so not the coldest of days by far but this kind of snow will hopefully bring us a decent amount of cm by the end of the day if it continues. Just a slight wind. Tomorrow we might have clearer skies above us once again but a return to snow after that. Seems the snow clouds will never be far away in the coming week. Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Wednesday 6th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 409cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 40 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 13cm reported 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 397cm Weather overview Cloud, light snow Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Variable Posted on Monday 4th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . This morning I have just a bit of new snowfall to report from Zao. Less than 1cm. There is a light wind and it is generally cloudy with light snowfall lazily falling from the clouds. Top half of the mountain not to be seen as it is covered in those clouds, but decent visibility down on the lower slopes. It's about -2C in the village as of 8:30am with the resort saying it's just -5C up top. A return to colder conditions from tomorrow and snow showers likely most days in the coming week so fingers crossed one of those might bring us renewed deep fresh. Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Monday 4th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 397cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 38 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 50cm (27th January) November 2012 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day December 2012 snowfall 150cm reported on 15 days January 2013 snowfall 243cm reported on 21 days February 2013 snowfall 1cm reported on 1 day Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Zao Onsen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 10cm Snowfall at base this season 407cm Weather overview Clear and sunny Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Very good Posted on Tuesday 5th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . The snow started yesterday afternoon, wet at first, but this morning there was about 10cm or so of fresh snow waiting for us when we got up. Since early on this morning though the clouds have dispersed. Right now as of 2pm we have beautiful clear blue skies above Zao. Lovely. Very quiet out there too. With that new snowfall it is a good day out on the mountain. Likely to have more snow fall tomorrow. Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Tuesday 5th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 407cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 39 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 50cm (27th January) November 2012 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day December 2012 snowfall 150cm reported on 15 days January 2013 snowfall 243cm reported on 21 days February 2013 snowfall 11cm reported on 2 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Zao Onsen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 442cm Weather overview Cloud, light snow Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Varied Posted on Sunday 10th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Light snow falling this Sunday morning in Zao and the mountain is shrouded in cloud. There's just a light wind and it's about -6 degrees C cold. Paradise area reporting a temperature of -11 degrees C. No new snowfall so we get to play with what we had, though if this snow gets a bit heavier we might be lucky and get some fresh. The local forecast is snow for the day, so fingers crossed. Similar conditions likely tomorrow. It will be another very busy day on the slopes of Zao. Perhaps more so than yesterday. Things will get back to normal from Tuesday as tomorrow is a holiday, though we can probably expect people to start returning home from their long weekend tomorrow so it will be less crowded than today. Zao's plenty big though so if you try to avoid the bottlenecks and stick to less popular lifts, things should be good. Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Sunday 10th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 442cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 43 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 50cm (27th January) November 2012 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day December 2012 snowfall 150cm reported on 15 days January 2013 snowfall 243cm reported on 21 days February 2013 snowfall 46cm reported on 6 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Zao Onsen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 15cm Snowfall at base this season 439cm Weather overview Cloud, snow Wind Strong Temperature - Visibility Fair Posted on Friday 8th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . After the lovely morning yesterday, conditions gradually turned into what we have now... a blizzard! 15-20cm of snow in the village area, very likely a fair bit more up top, cold temperature of -7C, and a strong wind blowing. Temperature of -15 recorded at the top station early this morning. More importantly the wind is affecting some lifts most notably the top Ropeway and Utopia No1 and No2 pair lifts. So for now the top is closed. Visibility isn't too bad at all actually at the moment - I can almost see the top of the mountain from base, but it's all white/grey and snow continues to fall. We might see snow showers continue into tomorrow, but while it might still be windy at least it looks like the wind should be less strong... Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Friday 8th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 439cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 42 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 50cm (27th January) November 2012 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day December 2012 snowfall 150cm reported on 15 days January 2013 snowfall 243cm reported on 21 days February 2013 snowfall 43cm reported on 5 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Zao Onsen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 22cm Snowfall at base this season 464cm Weather overview Cloud Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Varied Posted on Tuesday 12th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Sorry for the no show yesterday. I have got to admit that I thought I had posted a report and only just realised that I didn't now. Yesterday we had 20cm of new snowfall in the village and add a bit to that yesterday (no new this morning) and that explains the numbers I have added below. This morning there's cloud above the resort but it's fairly bright and visibility is pretty decent. A cold -7 degrees in the village area, with -12 being reported by the Utopia area. Less people around as well after a very busy 3 day long weekend. There's a chance of some decent snow tonight into tomorrow morning. I will of course let you know about that tomorrow... Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Tuesday 12th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 464cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 44 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 50cm (27th January) November 2012 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day December 2012 snowfall 150cm reported on 15 days January 2013 snowfall 243cm reported on 21 days February 2013 snowfall 68cm reported on 7 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Zao Onsen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 15cm Snowfall at base this season 424cm Weather overview Sunny Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Very good Posted on Thursday 7th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . We got about 15cm or so of fresh snow delivered in Zao I would say yesterday before evening time. Nice. Strong winds were blowing earlier this morning but now it has calmed down and it's blue skies above Zao. -2 degrees in the village area, so not mad cold, and clear skies. Lovely morning. Like the forecast has been saying, snow due again later on today and into tomorrow. Saturday will likely be clearer before more snow on Sunday. Should get colder from tomorrow as well. Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Thursday 7th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 424cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 41 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 50cm (27th January) November 2012 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day December 2012 snowfall 150cm reported on 15 days January 2013 snowfall 243cm reported on 21 days February 2013 snowfall 28cm reported on 4 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Zao Onsen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 467cm Weather overview Cloud Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Good Posted on Friday 15th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . A mild and cloudy start to the day in Zao this morning. Can't see the top of the resort from base as it is covered in cloud. Just -1 degrees in village now, but snow is due later and we can expect the temperature to drop for tomorrow. We should still be getting that pre-weekend topup though it might be later in the day or tonight before that happens. Conditions on the slopes are pretty good actually, but we can always do with that new layer and fingers crossed the temp. doesn't rise too much today. We need it to keep low. Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Friday 15th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 467cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 46 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 50cm (27th January) November 2012 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day December 2012 snowfall 150cm reported on 15 days January 2013 snowfall 243cm reported on 21 days February 2013 snowfall 71cm reported on 9 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Zao Onsen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 483cm Weather overview Sunny, blue sky Wind Calm Temperature - Visibility Very good Posted on Sunday 17th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning from Zao and a fine day it is too. Lots of blue sky, some white cloud up there, the sun out and a general feel good day. A cold start to the day with a low of -14C being reported up in the Paradise area of the resort. It's calm with hardly any wind at all. A real contrast to yesterday. Just 1cm or so of snow since yesterday. The forecast tells us tomorrow will be somewhat milder, but perhaps bring us some light snow. Temps to drop again from Tuesday. Zao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Sunday 17th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 483cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 48 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 50cm (27th January) November 2012 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day December 2012 snowfall 150cm reported on 15 days January 2013 snowfall 243cm reported on 21 days February 2013 snowfall 87cm reported on 11 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Zao Onsen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com