Zao Onsen

Zao Onsen

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Zao Onsen combines centuries of traditional Japanese hot spring culture with exceptional skiing opportunities. This historic resort area, dating back over 1,900 years, transforms into a striking winter destination where the famous "snow monsters" (ice-covered trees) create an otherworldly skiing landscape. The resort seamlessly blends authentic Japanese hospitality with modern skiing facilities, offering visitors a distinctive cultural experience alongside winter sports.

Live Zao Onsen Webcams

Central Area

Live
Elevation: 864m / 2835ft

Located in the centre of the village this Zao Onsen web cam looks out over the central base area and gives a snapshot view of the snow conditions.

Zao Onsen's comprehensive network of 37 lifts and gondolas serves 50 kilometers of varied terrain, efficiently connecting the resort's numerous slopes and valleys. The Zao Ropeway, a centerpiece of the system, carries skiers to an impressive elevation of 1,661 meters, providing access to the resort's signature long runs and spectacular views of the snow-covered landscape.

Zao Onsen Lift System
Total Ski Lifts = 32
Aerial Tram
1
Aerial Tram
Gondola
1
Gondola
Quad Chair
4
Quad Chair
Triple Chair
2
Triple Chair
Double Chair
22
Double Chair
Single Chair
2
Single Chair

Zao Onsen Resort Elevation

5449ft1661mResort Summit2887ft880mVertical Drop2562ft781mResort Base
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Trails

Total Runs

25

Total Area

741 ac

299.9 ha

Difficulty Distribution

Beginner
40%
Intermediate
40%
Advanced
15%
Expert
5%
View Full Trail Map

Location

Positioned in Yamagata Prefecture, Zao Onsen sits 257 kilometers north of Tokyo, making it easily accessible via bullet train and local connections. The resort's elevation and geographical location capture ideal snowfall patterns from the Sea of Japan, while its natural hot springs provide the perfect après-ski relaxation. The surrounding mountain range offers panoramic views stretching across northern Honshu.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Zao Onsen

, tohoku

Toggle layers using the controls in the top right. Ski runs and lifts are shown in the overlay.

Season Info

The ski season at Zao Onsen typically extends from early December through early May, with peak conditions from January to March. This period brings abundant snowfall, creating perfect conditions for the formation of the iconic juhyo (snow monsters). Early morning skiing offers pristine conditions, while evening runs under floodlights provide a magical winter atmosphere until 9 PM on most nights.

Current Season

2024-2025

Opening Day

12/5/2024

Closing Day

3/29/2025

Days Open

115

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Annual Snowfall

Metric

12m

1200cm

Imperial

39.4ft

472in

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