Zao Onsen Ski Resort

NEAREST AIRPORTS (by road): SENDAI 85min, NARITA (TOKYO) 4.5hrs, HANEDA (TOKYO) 4hrs

Zao Onsen is a stunning traditional Japanese village situated in the northern part of Honshu, the main island of Japan. Zao serves as an onsen resort, featuring natural hot springs that flow throughout the village, including public bathhouses and private onsens. The ski resort is expansive, offering a variety of runs suitable for all skill levels, although most of the on-piste terrain caters primarily to beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders. One of Zao’s unique highlights is the renowned “Snow Monsters” that appear on the trees during winter, which are definitely worth seeing! Zao is conveniently reachable via the Shinkansen from Tokyo, followed by a bus ride to the resort. Like many traditional resorts, the town has a restricted nightlife, although it does have a selection of eateries to satisfy your appetite after a day on the slopes.

Approx. Season
Dec-Apr
Ski Slopes
Easiest:                  40%
Intermediate:      40%
Most difficult:       20%
Total Trails:        50km
Facilities
Terrain Park:   No
Half Pipe/s:     No

Vertical/Summit
Summit Elevation:   1661m
Base Elevation:         780m
Vertical Drop:             881m
Longest run:                10km
Lifts
Gondolas,Cable,Rail    4
Lifts,Bars,Carpet:         31

Night Skiing:              Yes
Services
Ski School:   Yes
Child Care:  Yes
Food,Bars,Shops
Approx. 20. 'See eateries guide below'.
Activities
Zao Onsen has the famous snow monsters that are visible at night in the winter. Also unwinding in the many onsens (hot springs)in the quaint historic village or guided snowshoe tours if you have the energy, and more. MORE INFORMATION AT RESORT.

How to get there

You have a few alternatives for getting to Zao after landing at either Tokyo’s Haneda or Narita airports. Flying or riding the bullet train to Yamagata and then a bus from there are the two primary choices.

Ski Resort Map

Ski Pass Information

Ski Resort

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