Great news this morning.

Heavy snowfall to report from Zao this morning with a good 30cm on the ground.

There's talk of part of the resort opening - but as I write this I do not have any confirmed information to report.

The snow clouds are forecast to be moving on with the chance of sun tomorrow... sounds like a perfect time to have that first day of the season? I'll keep my eye on official info and let you know...

Official snow depths:
Summit area: 65cm
Utopia area: 40cm

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Zao Onsen forecast:

Zao Onsen 6-day snow and weather forecast

Floodlit night skiing for the 2017-2018 season is planned as follows:

In the Uwanodai area:
Daily from Saturday 23rd December 2017 until Sunday 4th March 2018
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only from Friday 9th March until Sunday 18th March 2018.

In the Yokokura area:
Daily from Saturday 23rd December 2017 until Monday 8th January 2018
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only from Friday 12th January until Sunday 18th February 2018.
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only from Friday 2nd March until Sunday 11th March 2018.

Night time 'light up' sightseeing ropeway is planned for the following dates:

December 2017: 23rd-24th, 29th-31st
January 2018: 1st-7th, 13th-14th, 20th-21st, 27th-31st
February 2018: every day
March 2018: 1st-4th