Zao 7-Day Snow Forecast

Zao Long-Range Snow Forecast Updated today

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Updated 03 May 2026 10:42 NZST

Long-Range Snow Forecast for Zao

Long-range (14 to 45 days) from 3 May.

For Forecast detail, see below.

Zao Snow Forecast Highlights

When will there be fresh snow in Zao?

Zao Snow Forecast Highlights - JMA
Snowfall prediction at mid-mountain (1,221m)
Next Snow?
There is no snow currently in the forecast for Zao.

Long-range Snow Outlook for Zao

Snowfall

Snow Line

Max 22℃
Min 3℃

1cm New Snow

Snow Line from 1,380m to 1,118m, with rain below.

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Zao Long-Range (2 weeks+) Snow Forecast Outlook

Note :- Mountain weather is extremely dynamic; the forecast below will change. Any forecast snow may move forward or back in the forecast, and predicted snowfall depths will be revised in subsequent updates.

16 Day Weather and Snow Forecast for Zao from OpenMeteo(JMA)
	Snow and Weather	Temp Town
Sun 03	Fair.	Max 16℃ Min 8℃
Mon 04	up to 1cm New Snow Clear sky. Snow Line from 1,380m to 1,118m, with rain below.	Max 15℃ Min 4℃
Tue 05	Clear sky.	Max 15℃ Min 3℃
Wed 06	Clear sky.	Max 22℃ Min 5℃
Thu 07	Clear sky.	Max 22℃ Min 5℃
Fri 08	Cloudy.	Max 19℃ Min 7℃
Sat 09	Clear spells.	Max 15℃ Min 5℃

This Snow Forecast for Zao, Japan gives the predicted Snowfall and Freezing Levels for the next week.

The forecast snowfall depths given are the likely average accumulations for the Lower and Upper slopes. The actual snow depth in Zao, on any given piste or itinerary, may be dramatically different, particularly if the snowfall is accompanied by high winds and/or varying air temperatures.

Snow Forecasts beyond two days ahead are subject to significant change and variable reliability.

Zao Snow Forecast updated at 10:42 NZST, next update expected 16:00 NZST.

Ensemble forecast for Zao, Japan at 780m

Daily Mean Temperature (yellow line is control)

Daily Total Precipitation (blue line is control)

What are Forecast Ensembles ? Multiple forecasts from running the same weather model with slightly different inputs. The prominent line (the 'control') is the model output from standard inputs, the thinner lines are the variations. Plotted together, they show a range of possible outcomes; the closer they are, the higher the confidence.

How to read Long Range Ensemble Forecasts

These forecasts are from ECMWF EC46, a long-range, low-resolution (area) model. They may not accurately reflect local conditions and should be read as area forecasts, indicating whether the coming weeks are likely to be warmer, colder, wetter, or drier than average.

What to look for?

Temperatures trending downward at the same time as precipitation spikes upward... means snow!

Lines close together indicate a high confidence, while wider spreads signal uncertainty.

Japan Hotels Map

Snow Reliability

Zao is known for its reliable snow conditions, typically featuring a snow depth of around 1.5 to 3 meters during peak season. For the latest snow reports and conditions, check J2Ski for up-to-date information.

Off-Piste Safety in Zao

Before skiing or snowboarding off-piste in Zao, you must assess the local snow conditions. Always check the local Avalanche Risk Level and ski with appropriate safety equipment.