📷 Zao
Asia
Zao
Projected to open December 5, 2026
Best months to book: January, February, March · last season + 30-yr record
Scroll for happiness
Projected to open Dec 5
Weather data is still collected for informational purposes.
Last Snowfall
Oct 28
2d agoPast 24 Hours
0cm
Past 48 Hours
0cm
Past 10 Days
0cm
7-Day Forecast
0cm
Snow Depth
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Zao is projected to open December 5, 2026. Here is when it is usually best to book.
Best months to book
- #1January67cm avg
- #2February45cm avg
- #3March39cm avg · last season 13.8
Best weeks to book
- #1 20 Mar – 25 Mar · last season 16.2
- #2 27 Mar – 2 Apr · last season 9
- #3 3 Apr – 9 Apr · last season 13.6
Ranked on 25% last season's SnowSure score (2025-26) · 75% 30-year snowfall and base-depth record. The live score returns when the lifts turn.
Current Conditions
Reported Fri, Oct 30, 10:07 PM UTC
Terrain
Projected to open Dec 5
Projected to open December 5, 2026
25 runs · 35 lifts — live counts and the SnowSure™ Score return when the lifts turn.
Snow Summary
Updated Oct 30 at 10:07 PM
Days 8–14 and every model are in SnowSure Pro.Unlock with Pro
No measurement at mid height (1,221m) reached us: past snow shown is the model's estimate at the summit.
Maps
All maps for Zao →
Webcams & Proof of Powder
All webcams & Proof of Powder →
About Zao
Zao Onsen Ski Resort is located in Yamagata Prefecture, Japan, and is renowned for its expansive ski area, abundant natural hot springs, and the unique “snow monsters” (juhyo) formed by frost-covered trees. The resort features a variety of runs suitable for all levels, extensive lift access, and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Visitors can enjoy both skiing and relaxing in traditional onsen baths, making Zao a distinctive destination that blends winter sports with authentic Japanese cultural experiences.
Read the full resort guide →Frequently asked questions about Zao
- Where is Zao?
- Zao is a ski resort in Japan.
- How high is Zao?
- Zao runs from a base elevation of 780 m (2,559 ft) to a summit of 1,661 m (5,449 ft), giving a vertical drop of 881 m (2,890 ft).
- How big is Zao?
- Zao has 25 marked runs and 35 lifts.
- Which ski pass covers Zao?
- Zao is on the Ikon Pass. Access terms such as blackout dates and day limits vary by pass tier, so check the pass operator for the current season.
- When is ski season at Zao?
- Zao typically operates from December to April. Exact opening and closing dates shift each year with snowfall — check the resort's current season dates before booking.
- How much snow does Zao get in a typical season?
- Zao averages 472 inches / 1200 cm of snowfall in a typical season. Any individual season can run well above or below that.
- How will El Niño affect Zao in winter 2026-27?
- El Niño Signal Rank: #209 of 488 SnowSure resorts · Tier C · strong-event signal +0% vs its own 30-yr average. In the three strongest El Niño winters on record ('97-98, '15-16, '23-24), Zao averaged +0% versus its own 30-year snowfall baseline — effectively ENSO-proof. Zao has held within a few percent of normal across every phase of the Pacific cycle, making it one of the safest bets of a record El Niño winter 2026-27. Analog winters: '97-98 -15%, '15-16 -37%, '23-24 +53%.
