Strong winds this morning in Zao - so much so that it is affecting lifts here - right now the Chuo Ropeway, the top Zao Ropeway gondola, the Kurohime areas and a few other lifts are not moving due to the winds. Things may change as the day moves on but with strong winds forecast for the day, it might not be likely. Not often this happens in a season....

Apart from the wind it's a mix of sleet rainy kind of stuff in the village and snow falling higher up at the top. It is about +2 in the village. Not the best day to be out there and probably one best exploring the onsen around the village.

The rain should ease up hopefully by the end of the day with tomorrow forecast to just be cloudy at the moment.

Official snow depths (5th March 12)
Utopia - 270cm
Chuo - 225cm
Paradise - 260cm
Uwanodai - 180cm

Operating lifts (5th March 12)
Limited due to winds - see above report.