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Try “family spa near Zermatt” or “boutique hotel with Michelin dining”

Zao ski resort, Japan (Asia) — luxury alpine destination — Mountain views, ski slopes, and alpine landscape
Asia

Zao

1 LUXSKI Hotel

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Resort Guide

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.

Gallery

Zao - Luxury ski hotel gallery image 2 showing alpine architecture, interior design, or mountain views

Key Info

Resort data by SnowSure™

LUXSKI Hotels1
RegionAsia
CountryJapan
Base Elevation780m
Summit Elevation1,661m
Vertical Drop881m
Skiable Acres1,135.7
Total Runs25
Total Lifts35
Annual Snowfall472 inches / 1200 cm
Longest Run10 km / 6.2 mi
WebsiteVisit
WebcamsView
Trail Map (PDF)View PDF

Live Conditions

Zao Webcam

Webcam courtesy of: Resort

1 webcam • Click to expand
All Webcams

Zao

Weather Forecast · 780m – 1,661m

Data reported at Mon, Oct 05, 3:05 PM UTC
Last Snowfall
—
Last 24h
0cm
Last 7 Days
0cm
Season Total
0cm
Closed for the season · reopens Dec 5

SnowSure reports this resort is not operating (out-of-season). SnowSure™ scores below reflect weather and snowpack signals, not open terrain.

Current Conditions
Reported Mon, Oct 05, 3:05 PM UTC
Base
780m
Temp
13°C
Wind
1km/h
Snow Depth
—
14-Day Forecast
0cm
Mid-Mountain
1,221m
Temp
8°C
Wind
1km/h
Snow Depth
—
14-Day Forecast
—
Summit
1,661m
Temp
8°C
Wind
1km/h
Snow Depth
—
14-Day Forecast
0cm
Lift Status
of 35
10-Day Forecast
Summit (1,661m) · Updated Mon, Oct 05, 3:05 PM UTC
Tue
6
12°
3°
Wed
7
9°
3°
Thu
8
10°
1°
Fri
9
13°
2°
Sat
10
12°
2°
Sun
11
12°
3°
Mon
12
14°
5°
Season vs Historic
Updated Mon, Oct 05, 3:05 PM UTC
0cm
Season Total
This Season to Date
+80%
vs 5-Year Avg
291cm avg by now
+123%
vs 30-Year Avg
208cm avg by now
291cm
5-Yr Avg by Now

The last completed season totaled ~232.8 cm. That's 20% below the 5-year average (291 cm). Versus the 30-year baseline: 12% above the 30-year average (208 cm).

Powered by SnowSure™
Last synced Mon, Oct 05, 3:05 PM UTC

Top Après Ski

Jupeer Zao – A popular après-ski bar located near the Zao Onsen ski area, Jupeer is renowned for its cozy atmosphere, local sake selection, and welcoming vibe, making it a favorite spot for skiers to unwind after a day on the slopes.

LUXSKI Hotels

1 hotel in Zao

Miyamaso Takamiya — 2 Michelin Key luxury ski hotel in Zao Onsen, Yamagata, Japan, Japan near Zao Onsen Ski Resort
2 KeysHip

From

$1,903

Zao Onsen, Yamagata, Japan

Miyamaso Takamiya

Miyamaso Takamiya blends centuries-old tradition with modern comfort in the heart of Zao Onsen. This historic ryokan features elegant Japanese-style rooms, soothing natural hot spring baths, and refined kaiseki cuisine crafted from local ingredients. Guests experience warm hospitality, serene mountain views, and easy access to Zao’s renowned ski slopes and scenic attractions, making it an ideal retreat for relaxation and cultural immersion.

18 rooms · 150 meters to lifts

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Frequently Asked Questions

Zao — Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about skiing and staying in Zao , Japan.

Visit the Zao page on LUXSKI for the latest snow conditions updated hourly.

Zao has 25 runs. and 35 lifts. covering 1135.7 skiable acres. The elevation ranges from 780m to 1661m. with a vertical drop of 881m. The resort averages 472 inches / 1200 cm of snowfall annually..

LUXSKI features 1 curated luxury hotel near Zao : Miyamaso Takamiya. All hotels are handpicked for exceptional quality, service, and proximity to the slopes.

You can browse and book luxury ski hotels at Zao directly on LUXSKI. Visit the Zao destination page to see all available hotels, check real-time room availability and pricing, and book with free cancellation options. You can also contact our concierge team at concierge@lux.ski for personalized trip planning.