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

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 10cm Snowfall at base this season 20cm Posted on Tuesday 18th November 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . The sun has been out for a bit this morning and showing off all of the "white" on show with I would say a good 20+cm on the middle slopes of the resort. It's all looking like we could be sliding soon. Not much snow on the forecast over the coming week though, as it stands anyway. Hopefully it will remain cold. Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Tuesday 18th November 2014 Total snowfall at base 20cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 2 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 10cm (on 14th and 18th November) November 2014 snowfall 20cm 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 4cm Snowfall at base this season 148cm Posted on Saturday 6th December 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . It's Saturday 6th and the day of the official opening of the resort here, with the ceremony to be held on the Uwanodai area by the base centre at 11am. Prayers for safety will be made. And no doubt mochi will make some kind of appearance as well as some 'characters'. What's even more interesting than that is the fact that more of the resort is opening up this morning. 6 lifts plan to be moving as well as the usual ropeways and gondolas, and here they are: Onsen Number 1 pair lift Mikaeri pair lift Chuo pair lift Paradise pair lift Yokokura Number 1 pair lift Utopia Number 2 pair lift So basically we have 3 areas of the resort open - part of the base Uwanodai and Yokokura areas and the higher Paradise area. Snow clouds look set to be with us today before easing tomorrow. I think we can definitely say it is a very good start to the season. We're set for a good one, let's hope it continues. Official snow depths: Utopia: 130cm Chuo: 80cm Paradise: 80cm Uwanodai: 80cm Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Saturday 6th December 2014 Total snowfall at base 148cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 7 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 80cm (on 3rd December) November 2014 snowfall 20cm observed on 2 days December 2014 snowfall 128cm 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 30cm Snowfall at base this season 140cm Posted on Thursday 4th December 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . My oh my what a start to December this is. Masses of snow. Over 30cm since my report yesterday to report. But. No ski lifts running yet. I think all of the lifties are in some state of shock or something. Or maybe not. Just coping with this somewhat unexpected royally large dump of snow that we have had. Not that we are complaining... Chuo area now officially reporting 120cm of snow and apparently up on Utopia there's 130cm. The official opening ceremony for the resort is as I reported before on Saturday, but can we possibly see the whole mountain open then? I would say there's definitely a chance. A bit clearer at hhe moment and less wind but snow still falling and snowy conditions likely into the weekend as well. Official snow depths: Utopia: -cm Chuo: 120cm Paradise: -cm Uwanodai: -cm Zao Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Thursday 4th December 2014 Total snowfall at base 140cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 5 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 80cm (on 3rd December) November 2014 snowfall 20cm observed on 2 days December 2014 snowfall 120cm 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 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 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