ZAO HOT SPRINGS
Number of Lifts:40 (Gondola 3, Chairs 37)
Longest Course:10km
Vertical Drop:881m
Snowboarding park:Yes
Mogul slope:Yes
Half (Quarter) pipe:No
One make jump:Yes
Hours: 9:00-18:00
Night Skiing: 17:00-21:00
Season: Late Nov.-Early May
The Zao Hot Springs Ski Resort is one of Japan’s best known
ski destinations and, with a reputation preceding it, does
offer truly superb services and, of course, a sublime ski
experience. The resort offers 15 slopes, 12 courses, and aims
to provide variety for both beginner levels and advanced
skiers, which includes a whopping 10km downhill course,
traversing altitude of 800m! Slopes can be accessed on
one of the 4 gondolas or the 35 lifts available. One can ski
from the top of the mountain through the forest of “snow
monsters” − not yetis but extraordinarily large fir trees
coated with snow and ice from the intense winter! - which is
a pretty sensational and hard to beat experience. The “snow
monsters” are transformed by the light and icy conditions
and stand as testimony to nature’s own awe-inspiring
art. Without fail, the Zao Hot Springs Ski resort features
all the necessities, like hot springs, viewing platforms and
restaurants.
SNOW MONSTER
The ski slopes of the Tohoku region are truly one of a kind.
The area's ideal snow-making climate produces a rare
natural wonder called “juhyo,” or Snow Monster. They look
like towering monsters, but they are actually coniferous
trees enveloped in snow having gone through layers of ice
coating. The seasonal winds blow hard against the trees
and help sculpt these monsters, making the slopes a fine
spectacle. After zipping between the Snow Monsters all
day, relax and watch the majestic mountain vista lit up by
wondrous illumination at night.
YAMAGATA MAIKO
It is a little known fact that Maiko, or apprentice Geisha, continue performing to this day in Yamagata Prefecture. Unlike their more exclusive counterparts in Kyoto , however, Yamagata Maiko are available by appointment, visit ing hote l s and inns throughout Yamagata City area, including Zao Hot Springs.
