Zao Snow Report and Forecast
Snow Forecast for Zao
When will there be fresh snow?
This is the Snow Forecast for Zao, Japan for 15 days from 16 April.
Updated 15 April 2025 13:36 PDT.
| Next Snow? | |
|---|---|
| There is no snow currently in the forecast for Zao. | |
| Free Snow Reports by e-Mail | Sign Up for Powder Alerts |
For Forecast detail, see below.
For current snow depths and skiing conditions, see our Current Snow Report for Zao.
Forecast for today in Zao
Max 56°F
Min 45°F
Valley temperatures from an overnight low of 45°F to daytime highs around 56°F
Temperature at BaseTemp at Base
Wed
16
Snow unlikely
Light drizzle early, then clear sky later.
Zao has no new snow forecast in the next 48 hours.
Zao Snow Report
| Upper Snow Depths |
| - |
| Lower Snow Depths |
| - |
| Snow Conditions |
| - |
Zao 7-Day Snow Forecast Overview
Get this snow forecast by e-mail Join J2Ski's Snow Mail Here
NEW FOR 24/25 - Improved Forecasts for Zao - high-resolution weather models, updated more often - Subscribe
| Wed 16 | Thu 17 | Fri 18 | Sat 19 | Sun 20 | Mon 21 | Tue 22 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wind | SW F3 | SW F3 | SW F2 | W F3 | |||
| 5,449ft | 56°F
| 69°F
| 70°F
 | 44°F
 | 41°F
 | 40°F
| 46°F
 |
| SW F3 | SW F3 | SW F2 | W F3 | ||||
| 4,004ft | 56°F
| 69°F
| 70°F
| 49°F
| 46°F
| 45°F
| 51°F
|
| SW F3 | SW F3 | SW F2 | W F3 | ||||
| 2,559ft | 56°F
| 69°F
| 70°F
| 54°F
| 51°F
| 50°F
| 56°F
|
| Snow Line | |||||||
| Max Town | 56°F | 69°F | 70°F | 54°F | 51°F | 50°F | 56°F |
| Min Town | 45°F | 55°F | 53°F | 46°F | 49°F | 43°F | 46°F |
This table shows the average forecast snowfall, the maximum temperature, and expected general weather at resort, lower and upper mountain levels. For daily forecast details, see below.
Zao Medium-Range (7-Day) Snow Forecast Detail
Note :- Mountain weather is extremely dynamic; the forecast below will change. Any forecast snow may move forward or back in the forecast, and predicted snowfall depths will be revised in subsequent updates.
Max 56°F
Min 45°F
Valley temperatures from an overnight low of 45°F to daytime highs around 56°F
Temperature at BaseTemp at Base
Wed
16
Snow unlikely
Light drizzle early, then clear sky later.
Max 69°F
Min 55°F
Valley temperatures from an overnight low of 55°F to daytime highs around 69°F
Temperature at BaseTemp at Base
Thu
17
Snow unlikely
Clear sky, fair, cloudy later.
Max 70°F
Min 53°F
Valley temperatures from an overnight low of 53°F to daytime highs around 70°F
Temperature at BaseTemp at Base
Fri
18
Snow unlikely
Rain showers first, fair then light drizzle, clear spells later.
Max 54°F
Min 46°F
Valley temperatures from an overnight low of 46°F to daytime highs around 54°F
Temperature at BaseTemp at Base
Sat
19
Snow unlikely
Fair early, then cloudy later.
Max 51°F
Min 49°F
Valley temperatures from an overnight low of 49°F to daytime highs around 51°F
Temperature at BaseTemp at Base
Sun
20
Snow unlikely
Light rain early, then cloudy later.
Max 50°F
Min 43°F
Valley temperatures from an overnight low of 43°F to daytime highs around 50°F
Temperature at BaseTemp at Base
Mon
21
Snow unlikely
Cloudy, clear spells, fair later.
Max 56°F
Min 46°F
Valley temperatures from an overnight low of 46°F to daytime highs around 56°F
Temperature at BaseTemp at Base
Tue
22
Snow unlikely
Clear spells first, cloudy then fog, light rain later.
No significant snowfall is forecast for this period.
This Snow Forecast for Zao, Japan gives the predicted Snowfall and Freezing Levels for the next week.
The forecast snowfall depths given are the likely average accumulations for the Lower and Upper slopes. The actual snow depth in Zao, on any given trail or itinerary, may be dramatically different, particularly if the snowfall is accompanied by high winds and/or varying air temperatures.
Snow Forecasts beyond two days ahead are subject to significant change and variable reliability.
Zao Snow Forecast updated at 13:36 PDT, next update expected imminently.
Understanding and predicting Snow Conditions in Zao
Here are our tips for making the most of a trip to Zao, with the help of the J2Ski Snow forecasts and reports. You can find some great skiing in Zao, but like any mountain, snow conditions change throughout the season, from day to day, and even from hour to hour.
Whether you’re sticking to the marked pistes or venturing off-piste, here’s what you need to know:
Pistes (Groomers) or Off-Piste
These can be a world apart, regarding snow conditions, even ignoring the difference between the natural terrain features to be found off-piste and the generally controlled surfaces and slopes of a pisted (groomed) run.
- Piste Conditions can range from fresh powder to firm, icy surfaces, particularly after warm spells or a busy day on the mountain with the passage of many skiers.
- Off-Piste Conditions are far more variable. Wind and sun can quickly transform fresh snow into wind crust or slushy layers, whilst cold weather can preserve stashes of powder many days after a snowfall.
WARNING - skiing off-piste (out-of-bounds) at Zao is uncontrolled and un-marked slopes are not made safe (from avalanche risk) or patrolled. Always check local advice, know the Avalanche Risk Level, ski with safety kit (and know how to use it), and never ski alone.
Analyzing Weather and Snowfall Forecasts
Whilst no forecast can tell you exactly how snow conditions in Zao will develop, checking the forecast regularly should give you an idea of what to expect.
New snowfall can bring fresh powder and refresh the surfaces of pisted runs. Powder can be tracked out quickly at busy times, but in less crowded and shaded areas, fresh snow can linger for days.
Changes in weather conditions, such as milder temperatures, rain or wind, can degrade snow quality. Conversely, cold, stable weather can preserve conditions for extended periods.
Predicting Future Snow Quality
Regularly check our snow and weather forecasts for Zao for changes that may affect snow quality. Forecast snowfall depth and recent snowfall are good indicators of what to expect.
Use historical data and recent snow reports to understand past snow conditions and anticipate future changes.