Zao 7-Day Snow Forecast

Zao Long-Range Snow Forecast Updated today

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Updated 20 March 2026 15:42 PDT

Long-Range Snow Forecast for Zao

Long-range (14 to 45 days) from 21 March.

For Forecast detail, see below.

Zao Snow Forecast Highlights

When will there be fresh snow in Zao?

Zao Snow Forecast Highlights - JMA
Snowfall prediction at mid-mountain (4,004ft)
Next Snow?
There is no snow currently in the forecast for Zao.

Long-range Snow Outlook for Zao

Snowfall

Snow Line

Max 55°F
Min 26°F

3in New Snow

Snow Line from 4,577ft to resort level (2,559ft).

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Zao Long-Range (2 weeks+) Snow Forecast Outlook

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.

16 Day Weather and Snow Forecast for Zao from OpenMeteo(JMA)
	Snow and Weather	Temp Town
Sat 21	New Snow Clear sky. Snow falling to resort level (2,559ft).	Max 36°F Min 26°F
Sun 22	Clear sky.	Max 46°F Min 26°F
Mon 23	New Snow Fair. Snow Line from 4,022ft to 3,973ft, with rain below.	Max 50°F Min 34°F
Tue 24	Clear sky.	Max 44°F Min 31°F
Wed 25	up to 1in New Snow Light snow at altitude, light drizzle below. Snow Line from 4,528ft to 4,075ft, with rain below.	Max 45°F Min 30°F
Thu 26	up to 1in New Snow Light snow at altitude, light drizzle below. Snow Line from 4,577ft to 3,822ft, with rain below.	Max 47°F Min 39°F
Fri 27	Clear sky.	Max 55°F Min 38°F

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 15:42 PDT, next update expected 21:00 PDT.

Ensemble forecast for Zao, Japan at 2,559ft

Daily Mean Temperature (yellow line is control)

Daily Total Precipitation (blue line is control)

What are Forecast Ensembles ? Multiple forecasts from running the same weather model with slightly different inputs. The prominent line (the 'control') is the model output from standard inputs, the thinner lines are the variations. Plotted together, they show a range of possible outcomes; the closer they are, the higher the confidence.

How to read Long Range Ensemble Forecasts

These forecasts are from ECMWF EC46, a long-range, low-resolution (area) model. They may not accurately reflect local conditions and should be read as area forecasts, indicating whether the coming weeks are likely to be warmer, colder, wetter, or drier than average.

What to look for?

Temperatures trending downward at the same time as precipitation spikes upward... means snow!

Lines close together indicate a high confidence, while wider spreads signal uncertainty.

Japan Hotels Map

Snow Forecast near Zao

Snow Forecasts for Ski Resorts near Zao
Ski Area	48 Hr	7 Day
Shiga Higashitateyama	2in	3in
Shiga Okusiga Kogen	2in	3in
Shiga Yakebitaiyama	2in	3in
Shiga Giant	2in	2in
Shiga Hasuike	2in	2in
Shiga Hoppo Bunadaira	2in	2in
Shiga Ichinose Diamond	2in	2in

Snow Reliability

Zao is known for its reliable snow conditions, typically featuring a snow depth of around 1.5 to 3 meters during peak season. For the latest snow reports and conditions, check J2Ski for up-to-date information.

Off-Piste Safety in Zao

Before skiing or snowboarding off-piste in Zao, you must assess the local snow conditions. Always check the local Avalanche Risk Level and ski with appropriate safety equipment.