Zao Ski Resort

Zao Ski Resort (蔵王温泉スキー場) is a popular ski resort located in the Zao mountain range on the border of Yamagata and Miyagi prefectures in Japan. The resort is known for its high-quality powder snow, expansive ski terrain, and unique snow monsters, or “juhyo,” which are formed by the accumulation of snow and ice on the trees.

Zao Ski Resort offers a variety of ski and snowboarding terrain, including beginner slopes, intermediate runs, and challenging expert terrain. The resort has 12 ropeways and lifts, providing access to approximately 10 kilometers of ski runs. The resort also features a terrain park for snowboarders.

One of the main attractions of Zao Ski Resort is the snow monsters, or “juhyo” in Japanese, which are formed by the accumulation of snow and ice on the trees. The snow monsters can be seen up close on the upper slopes of the mountain, accessible by ropeway, or from the tree ice promenade. The resort also offers guided snowshoe tours for a closer look at the snow monsters.

In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Zao Ski Resort also offers a variety of other winter activities, such as snowmobiling and snowshoeing. The resort also has a range of accommodation options, including hotels, ryokans (traditional Japanese inns), and self-catered apartments.

Zao Ski Resort is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts and is considered to be one of the most unique ski resorts in Japan for its snow monsters. Visitors can enjoy the high-quality snow, diverse terrain, and other winter activities, as well as the variety of accommodations in the area.

Getting there

By Train and Bus

From Tokyo:

1. Take JR Yamagata Shinkansen to Yamagata Station (2.5 hours)
2. Transfer to a bus to Zao Onsen (40 minutes, 1000 yen for adults, 500 yen for children)

From Sendai:

1. Take JR Senzan Line to Yamagata Station (70-90 minutes)
2. Transfer to a bus to Zao Onsen (40 minutes, 1000 yen for adults, 500 yen for children)

By Direct Bus (Winter Only)

From Tokyo:

• Overnight bus from Busta Shinjuku to Zao Onsen
• Journey time: About 8 hours
• Cost: 4500 to 8000 yen

From Sendai:

• One round trip per day
• Journey time: 100 minutes
• Cost: 2000 yen

By Car

• Rental cars available from Yamagata Station
• International driver’s license required

Details

Number of slopes	14 Slopes
Number of courses	12 Courses
Elevation	TOP 1,661 m BOTTOM 780 m
Phone	+81 23-694-9617
Address	Zaoonsen, Yamagata, 990-2301
Official Website	https://zaomountainresort.com/ski/

Ticket Type	Adults	Children
1-Day Pass	7,500 yen	3,800 yen
1 Point Ticket	600 yen	300 yen
10 Point Ticket	4,800 yen	2,400 yen
Night Pass	3,000 yen	1,500 yen