Ride up towards the winter trees, then return to the hot-spring town for the evening.
Converted to WebP and cropped to the display frame.
Published course counts describe the facility, not the number of runs open on your visit.
| Ski area / zone | Planned start–end | Source / checked |
|---|---|---|
| Zao Onsen Ski Resort | Closing date unconfirmedPlanned | Official announcement ↗Checked: 12 October 2026 |
These are seasonal plans, not live slope or lift status. Snow and weather can change the dates and the terrain available.
Check the season and update time on the linked page. Snow and lift reports from a previous season may remain online.
The approach from the Jizo summit towards the ice-covered trees is a distinctive Zao winter experience. Check wind and visibility before travelling uphill, and choose the descent by its difficulty on the map. Sightseers can use the ropeway too, giving non-skiers their own way to enjoy the mountain.
Uwanodai, Nakamori, Yokokura and Omori are among the entrances. On your first day, pick an access point near your accommodation and a slope for practice rather than trying to cover the entire mountain. Before exploring further, check the connecting runs and lifts needed to return.
Accommodation, communal baths and restaurants spread below the slopes. Finish a little earlier to leave time for a bath and a walk along Takayu-dori. A hotel’s location affects evening dining and bathing as well as slope access, so compare both parts of the stay.
A broad ski area above Zao Onsen in Yamagata, descending from the winter-tree landscape towards the hot-spring town. The closest slopes and ropeways depend on where you stay.
Published figures describe the scope noted below. Check today’s open terrain and lift status with the resort.
The official guide distinguishes 14 slope areas from 12 courses; these are not 26 equivalent runs. The approximately 10 km longest descent links several courses.
Approx. 40 min · Local bus
Time to the town terminal. Allow an additional walk or hotel transfer to your chosen ropeway or slope entrance.
Official transport information ↗Approx. 60 min · Airport liner
Check reservation requirements and operation. Arrange the final leg to the hotel or slopes from the actual drop-off point.
Official transport information ↗Arrival times below refer to the named station, hotel or resort entrance. Leave extra time for equipment collection, changing and lifts before your first run. Check the timetable for your travel date and arrange the return journey as well.
Facts checked: 3 October 2026 · Check current opening, rates and transport with the operator before booking.
zaomountainresort.com · 3 October 2026
zaomountainresort.com · 3 October 2026
zaomountainresort.com · 10 October 2026
zaoropeway.co.jp · 3 October 2026
zaomountainresort.com · 12 October 2026