The warm weather conditions have helped melt away snow quite quickly over the last week, especially since the weekend when it really warmed up. So much so that you can no longer ski down to (any of) the base area(s) at Zao - just upper areas remain open. The snow at base now is almost non-existant!

This morning it is about 15C here in the village, nice sunny weather with some white fluffy clouds here and there, along with a moderate wind.

Tomorrow the forecast is for cloud/sun and then rain is likely on Thursday. In fact we might see some showers for a few of the last days of the season. I'll update the report with the latest on Friday.

The lift status information below has been checked and updated. After today, there's just 5 days left!

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Official snow depths (1st May 12)
Utopia - 75cm
Chuo - 75cm
Paradise - 75cm
Uwanodai - 0cm

Operating lifts (1st May 12)
Limited lifts now open, upper slopes only skiable - see below.

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Current planned lift operations at Zao, as of 1st May - subject to change:

Uwanodai Area
Sky Cable (open all year, but closed from 7th May for maintenance)

Chuo and Paradise Area
Zao Chuo Ropeway (open all year)
Chuo No1 pair lift (until 6th May)
Chuo No2 pair lift (until 6th May)
Katakai triple lift (open from 3rd-6th May)
Paradise No1 pair lift (until 6th May)

Yokokura and Utopia area
Zao Ropeway (open all year, closed for maintenance 7th-18th May)
Utopia No2 pair lift (open until 6th May)

All other lifts now closed.