Peak Elevation
1,661 m
5,450 ft
Vertical Drop
881 m
2,891 ft
Skiable Area
305 ha
753.66 ac
Avg Snowfall
1199 cm
472 in
Lifts
38
Zao Onsen Weather Forecast
About
Zao Onsen is a ski and hot-spring resort in the mountains of Yamagata Prefecture, in Japan's Tohoku region. Thirty-eight lifts, including a two-stage ropeway, climb about 880 metres of vertical to the upper slopes near 1,660 metres. Those upper slopes are famous for juhyo, the frost-caked conifers known as snow monsters, viewable on day and illuminated night tours.
Terrain
Difficulty Breakdown
Local symbols shown first, North American second
Lifts & Conditions
Amenities
Operated by Zao Onsen Tourism Association
Data validated from official sources but may be incomplete or outdated. Always verify with the resort directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many lifts does Zao Onsen have?
Zao Onsen has 38 ski lifts, with a combined uphill capacity of approximately 44,100 riders per hour.
What is the vertical drop at Zao Onsen?
Zao Onsen has a vertical drop of 2,891 feet (881 meters).
What is the peak elevation of Zao Onsen?
The summit of Zao Onsen sits at 5,450 feet (1,661 meters) above sea level.
How many trails does Zao Onsen have?
Zao Onsen has 26 marked trails, totaling roughly 31.05 miles of skiing.
How big is the skiable terrain at Zao Onsen?
Zao Onsen covers 753.66 acres (305 hectares) of skiable terrain.
Does Zao Onsen offer night skiing?
Yes, Zao Onsen offers night skiing. Hours and trail availability vary by season, so check the official website for current schedules.
Does Zao Onsen have snowmaking?
Yes, Zao Onsen has snowmaking to supplement natural snowfall and extend the ski season.
How much snow does Zao Onsen get each year?
Zao Onsen averages around 472 inches (1199 cm) of snowfall per season.