This last season was my first trip to Zao in the winter. It was a great 3 days. Superb snow, not busy at all (we went mid-week, don't know what it's like on weekends), and some decent courses.
My g/f and I are not beginners, but not intermediate either - and there were lots of courses there to suit us. I can imagine it's not as good a choice for people looking for more of a challenge.