Well, that sunny spell didn't occur yesterday - on the mountain that is, but good views of it from the mountain (see pic below).

Although from afar the slopes look misty, visibility is actually clear. It is much warmer today being at 0c or above, but, is forecasted to drop during the day and overnight with some new snowfall, albeit getting warm again tomorrow. It is then forecasted to really drop quite significantly into the new period from the 30th, with good levels of new snowfall to counter the inevitable hardening of the terrain over the next few days. Let's hope that comes to pass for the folks coming for the new year holiday.

Ryuzan opened at the end of yesterday making the whole resort now accessible (except the Kotan stretch - the coldest lift here).

It was really good to see so many families enjoying the weekend yesterday of all age groups (lots), especially grandparents with the grandchildren. The Uwanodai/Jupeer area is particularly suited for this and the resort is actively trying to promote Zao Onsen as more of a family-oriented ski resort.

-----

All lifts scheduled to be operating apart from:

- Karamatsu pair
- Paradise Number 3 pair

All areas open apart from:

- Kotan

Official snow depths (as reported by the ski area):

- Summit area: 85cm
- Paradise area: 85cm
- Chuo area: 100cm
- Utopia area: 80cm
- Uwanodai area: 70cm
- Omori area: 60cm
- Kurohime: 85cm


Floodlit night skiing:

Uwanodai area:

- 26th December 2020 until 6th March 2021 (daily)
- 13th, 19th, 20th March 2021

Yokokura area:

- 26th December 2020 until 3rd January 2021 (daily)
- 8th January until 6th March 2021 (Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays)

'Light Up' Ropeway operations:

The Zao Ropeway opens in the evenings on the below dates for 'Light Up' sightseeing purposes - to go and see the Juhyo monsters (not for skiing or boarding) on the following upcoming dates:

- 26th December 2020 until 3rd January 2021 (daily)
- Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in January 2021
- 27th, 28th January 2021
- Every day in February 2021 except Tuesdays

Note: there is an extra charge for this night time Ropeway operation.