Mt. Zao Skiing 蔵王のスキー

Zao Ski Resort has many small-scale hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops but still retains its small, hot-spring village charm. The vast mountainous landscape is under the watchful eyes of the “snow monsters”.

If you plan on skiing on Mt. Zao, head there from Yamagata Prefecture by the hourly bus departing from Yamagata Station. The journey takes 40 minutes.

From Sendai, take the Senzan Line to Yamagata Station in 1 hour and 15 minutes. From Tokyo, the bullet train to Yamagata takes around 2 hours 30 minutes.

If staying overnight, ask your hotel if they offer a free shuttle service from Yamagata Station.

The large-scale ski resort sandwiched between Miyagi and Yamagata prefectures offers 26 ski slopes and courses open from late December to the end of April. Dozens of lifts, a few ropeways, and a gondola whisk you up to beginner, intermediate or advanced courses. Most courses are geared towards the adult leisure skier at the beginner to intermediate level. After a day on the slopes, relax in one of the town's many hot springs.

Don't miss the famous snow monsters, found at the summits of the highest peaks. Thanks to a cold Siberian wind, ice freezes on the trees and snow accumulates to create unusual shapes that can only be found in a handful of places around the world. Ski among them during the day or in fantastic nighttime illuminated sessions. Keep in mind that the resort can be very busy on weekends, so if possible head there during a weekday.

The latest information may differ, so please check the official website