Zao Yamagata Ski and Snowboard Travel Report - Yuki's 2008 Zao

When did you visit?

January 2008

Where did you stay?

Daiwa Royal Hotel Zao

How was the experience overall

so so

How were the prices?

Expensive

Snow conditions

Packed Powder

Mountain(s) recommended for

Blue (intermediate) Green (beginners) Families

Area recommended for

Hotels Hot Springs

Best things about this place

There are 4 gondolas, 35 lifts, and 10km downhill course at 800m altitudes. There are 15 slopes and 12 courses. Zao is one of the most popular and famous resorts in Japan. Everyone seems to like Zao.

Worst things about this place

Zao resorts tend to be on the expensive side compared to other areas of Japan. That is just my general impression. Usually I can go to Hokkaido cheaper then Zao ... I think Hokkaido has better snowboarding.

Advice

There is force of nature the Japanese call Juhyo (Ice Monster). This is a wind effect that drives super cold and dry snow to some Zao mountains. There are complex theories about Juhyo: http://www.jm-support.com/zao2/ski.html

Tags

Zao Yamagata     Skiing And Snowboarding In Japan     Japan Travel     Japan