Zao Ski Resort Guide
Zao, Japan
Rated: 3/5 (from 6 ratings)
| Recommended For | Expert Skiers, Intermediates, Beginners, Snowfall and Apres-Ski! |
|---|---|
| Total Piste Length | 43km |
| Highest Lift | 1,661m |
| Resort Height | 780m |
| Nearest Airport | Sendai |
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Zao
The ski area of Zao is at an altitude of 780m, with 43km of marked runs.
Summary
Zao is one of the larger Ski Resorts in Japan and has direct access to 43km of downhill skiing, with 60 marked pistes, served by a total of 42 ski lifts.
Skiing
There are a variety of pistes to suit all levels of skier ability, from Beginner to Expert.
Snowboarding
Zao offers some good boarding.
Notable Ski Runs
The longest possible descent in Zao is 6km long.
Snow and Weather
When will it snow in Zao?
The next notable snow forecast is 5cm, expected on 26 December, with around 24cm forecast over the next 7 days.
See our long-range Snow Forecast for the latest update, or Join our Snow Mail Here
Snow this week
| Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snow to resort | Snow to resort | Snow to resort |
Ski Area Stats
Zao Ski Area
| Black Pistes Expert Trails | 5 | 2km |
|---|---|---|
| Red Pistes Intermediate Runs | 22 | 16km |
| Blue Pistes Easy Trails | 33 | 25km |
| Downhill Total Length | 43km | |
| Ski Lifts Number of Lifts | 42 | |
Altitudes & Slopes
Zao Ski Area Heights
| Highest Lift | 1,661m |
|---|---|
| Lowest Piste | 780m |
| Resort Altitude (Zao) | 780m |
| Max Vertical | 881m |
Ratings & Suitability
| Expert Skiers | |
|---|---|
| Intermediate Skiers | |
| Beginners | |
| Snow | |
| Apres-Ski |
Location and Map
Where is Zao?
This ski resort is in Nagaoka Shi, Niigata, Japan.
Map
Tap 
for Full-Screen, or see J2Ski's Resort map, showing Hotels and Ski Shops.
How to get there
By Air
The nearest airport to Zao is Sendai, 128 minutes drive away.
Infrastructure
Ski Lift Capacity
The 42 ski lifts are able to uplift 54,084 skiers and snowboarders every hour.
Season Dates
When is Zao open?
We don't currently have confirmed season dates, but hope to soon.
Usual opening is early December, and usual closing is Late April.
NOTE:- Ski area, lift and piste opening is subject to Current Snow Conditions.
