Japan
1 / 3Zao Onsen ski resort is in Yamagata Prefecture, Japan, on Honshu, Tohoku. It offers 50 km of pistes at 780 - 1,661 m. Rating: 3.3/5.
Trail information
Altitude and trails
Zao Onsen, Japan
★★★★★3.2out of 5
1,661 м
top
881 м
Vertical drop
780 м
base
Total slopes
50 км
Lifts
35
Vertical drop
881 м
Adult ski pass
€ 46 / day
Opening hours
08:15 - 17:00
Trails by difficulty - 50 km total
Easy20 км · 40 %
Intermediate20 км · 40 %
Difficult10 км · 20 %
Ski pass prices
Adults
8,500 ¥
€ 46
Youth
7,600 ¥
€ 41
Children
4,300 ¥
€ 23
Data verified on 31 July 2026. Source: the resort’s own website.
Zao Onsen ski resort is located in Yamagata Prefecture (Japan, Honshu, Tohoku). It offers 50 km of pistes for skiing and snowboarding. The winter sports area lies between 780 and 1,661 m above sea level.
Maps
Lifts
Ski lifts in detail
35 lifts · Season 2026/27
- 2Aerial trams
- 2Gondola lifts
- 31Chairlifts
Lifts in total
35
Capacity
41,100people/hour
Total lift length
25.7км
Newest lift: 2. Zao Rope Way Sanchosen (Zao Top Line), 2003 г.Longest lift: 2. Zao Rope Way Sanchosen (Zao Top Line), 1,872 м
Data verified on 31 July 2026. Source: the resort’s own website.
Video
Playlist · 4 videos
Contacts and opening hours
Resort contacts
Official website
Phone
-
Coordinates
38.17053, 140.40163
Countries
Lift opening hours
Opening hours
08:15 - 17:00
Typical season
Early December - early May
Season
5 December 2026 - 25 April 2027
Zao Onsen
Mid · 1 221 м
Updated at 07:24
+20°Light rainfeels like +20°
Precipitation0.1 mmMET
wind7 km/hMET
Snow line4 300 мCALC
Forecast data from MET NorwayDetailed forecast →
Accommodation
Hotels and apartments in the resort towns
Yamagata
★★★
Takamiya Hotel Hammond
7.8499 reviews
276 €from 258 € / night
★★★
Le Vert Zao
7.873 reviews
203 €from 188 € / night
★★★
Yoshidaya
8.173 reviews
176 €from 166 € / night
★★★
Zao Onsen Omiya Ryokan
8.5274 reviews
304 €from 283 € / night
★★★★
Zao Kokusai Hotel
8.8512 reviews
496 €from 473 € / night
★★★
Wakamatsuya
9291 reviews
545 €from 448 € / night
★★★★
Zao Shiki no Hotel
8.8628 reviews
633 €from 581 € / night
Zaō Onsen
Prices are per night for a stay in high season. Last checked: 9 September 2026.
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Frequently asked questions
Which months are best for a trip to Zao Onsen?
Based on average temperatures, January and February are the coldest months: daytime temperatures range from -7.3 to -0.3 °C at different times, while nighttime temperatures range from -12.7 to -6.4 °C. March is warmer, with daytime temperatures from -1.2 to 4.6 °C, while in December daytime temperatures range from -4 to 1.8 °C.
How much does a lift pass cost in Zao Onsen?
A day pass costs €46, or ¥8500. The junior price is €41, and the children's price is €23.
Is Zao Onsen suitable for beginners?
Yes, the resort has 20 km of easy pistes out of 50 km in total. For comparison, intermediate pistes cover 20 km, while advanced pistes cover 10 km.
What are the lift operating hours?
The lifts operate from 08:15 to 17:00. The resort has 35 lifts.
