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

Zao

Ski resort guide

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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™

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
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Zao

Weather Forecast · 780m – 1,661m

Data reported at Fri, Aug 21, 12:54 PM UTC
Last Snowfall
—
Last 24h
0cm
Last 7 Days
0cm
Season Total
0cm
⚠️
Off-Season Resort (Northern Hemisphere)

This resort is currently closed for the season. Northern Hemisphere resorts typically operate November–April.

Current Conditions
Reported Fri, Aug 21, 12:54 PM UTC
Base
780m
Temp
19°C
Wind
1km/h
Snow Depth
—
14-Day Forecast
0cm
Mid-Mountain
1,221m
Temp
13°C
Wind
1km/h
Snow Depth
—
14-Day Forecast
—
Summit
1,661m
Temp
13°C
Wind
1km/h
Snow Depth
—
14-Day Forecast
0cm
Lift Status
of 350% open
10-Day Forecast
Summit (1,661m) · Updated Fri, Aug 21, 12:54 PM UTC
Today
21
17°
13°
Sat
22
19°
12°
Sun
23
18°
12°
Mon
24
20°
12°
Tue
25
18°
13°
Wed
26
21°
12°
Thu
27
16°
9°
Fri
28
17°
9°
Sat
29
13°
10°
Sun
30
12°
10°
Season vs Historic
Updated Fri, Aug 21, 12:54 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 Fri, Aug 21, 12:54 PM UTC

Is this forecast accurate?

Help us improve our predictions

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.

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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..

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.