[Snow Resort Introduction] Yamagata Zao Onsen Ski Resort (Zouo Onsen Ski Resort)
(Photo by Zao Onsen Ski Resort official website)
Zao Onsen Ski Resort, which has been open for over a hundred years, is one of Japan's most representative ski resorts, having witnessed the glorious history of countless snow seasons.
"Spectacular frost-covered trees, a 10-kilometer-long ski slope, and natural hot springs with a thousand-year history" make up the unique skiing experience here, which is deeply loved by both snowboarders and skiers.
Take the Zao Ropeway to the summit, 1,661 meters above sea level, and marvel at the stunning scenery of snow and icy trees. After skiing, soak in the hot springs for the ultimate Japanese relaxation and a dreamlike winter getaway!
Green Route 40% - Friendly terrain and many options, safe for beginners
Red Line 40% - Various themed ski slopes, suitable for advanced players
Black line 20% - terrain changes
Number of slopes: 12 / Number of lifts: 28 / Longest ski run: Approximately 10 km / Maximum slope: 38° (Yokokura area, Yokokura Wall)
▍Ski Resort Features:
- 4-seat gondola lift in three zones
- The hinterland is vast, with many terrain options from beginner to advanced, suitable for all levels
- Night skiing area (December-February, daily from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM)
- There are areas for beginners and children (Kaminodai/Nakamori/Omori)
- Transportation >> Shuttle buses are available to and from Yamagata Station, Sendai Station, and Sendai Airport.
- Hot springs>>Three major public baths (Kawahara-yu, Kamiyayu, and Shimoyu), Sogawa Onsen Shrine
- Food>>Restaurants, ski resort restaurants, hot spring town restaurants, Lawson convenience stores
▍Recommended groups:
- Suitable for skiing, snowboarding and snowboarding - terrain diversity, with slopes and moderate lengths
- A variety of ski ticket combinations - buy more affordable ski tickets for different needs
- Contactless electronic ticket - fast and contactless access to the cable car entrance, eliminating the need to queue for ticket verification
✨ Summary based on skier needs:
| Skiing needs | Recommended entry |
| ■ Admire the frost trees and enjoy long-distance gliding | Zaosanroku Station |
| ■ Beginners/Group teaching | Upper Station |
| ■ Intermediate skiing + convenient accommodation | Central Hot Springs Station |
| ■ Black Line Master Challenge | Horizontal warehouse 38 degrees |
▍Ski Resort Features (South Area/North Area):
North District
📍 Main Entrance:
-
Central Hot Spring Station (near Hot Spring Street and Lawson, with a gentle slope)
-
Kami-no-dai Station (lit for nighttime use, suitable for group lessons and beginners)
🚠 Central Hot Spring Station Features:
- Ski transportation hub, dense cable car routes, convenient transportation
- Close to bus stops, hot spring hotels, and convenience stores
- Although the slide is short, it has 7 different slides with rich variations
🚠 Features of the above station:
- Wide distribution of ski slopes and diverse choices
- Suitable for beginners and intermediates for long-distance skating or practice
- Go straight to the top and slide back to the foot of the mountain for a long time, the sliding feeling is excellent
【South District】
📍 Main Entrance:
-
Zao Mountain Route Station ➝ (Transfer) Juhyo Plateau Station ➝ Zao Mountain Summit Station
🌲 Tree Ice Field Area (Landmark Slide):
- Enjoy the magnificent sight of frost-covered trees Sliding down from the top of the mountain is challenging
-
The longest sliding distance is about 10 kilometers
※ Please note that some sections are quite gentle and snowboarders need to walk on some sections.
🔥 High-difficulty slide:
-
Yokogura 38 degrees : Super steep black line known as the "Yokokura Wall" (approximately 300m)
→ Suitable for advanced players, very oppressive and challenging - The black line on the right side of Heiji: Multiple "snow bun" terrains, suitable for high-level skill players
🚗 Other facilities:
- The "Omori area" has a large parking lot with 600 spaces , making it convenient for self-driving.
Yamagata Zao Onsen Ski Resort Entrance Information
Yamagata Zao Onsen Ski Resort (蔵王暖スキー場) is one of the largest ski resorts in Tohoku, Japan.
There are multiple entrances to facilitate passengers coming from different directions.
The main entrances are as follows:
1. Zao Ropeway Sanroku Station
- One of the most frequently used main entrances
- It is divided into three sections: "Zao Mountain Station" (Zao Mountain Station), "Juhyo Plateau Station", and "Zao Mountain Summit Station".
- You can go directly to the top of the mountain to enjoy the frost trees
- Longest mileage
- ⛷ Suitable for pure sightseeing and advanced skiers
2. Central Hot Spring Station (Zao Chuo Ropeway)
- Central Hot Spring Station is the core of the North District, with convenient transportation close to the bus station and hot spring district
- Connects multiple snow trails including the upper platform on the left, the middle forest area, and the frost field area on the right
- There are many bus stops and accommodation options nearby, making it a popular tourist accommodation area.
- ⛷Suitable for easy skiing and group skiing activities
🔹 3. Zao Sky Cable Station
- Accessible to the upper platform area, a beginner-friendly area
- Leads to the Yongsan District on the far left
- Areas offering night skiing
- ⛷Suitable for beginners and tourists who want to visit for a short time
🔹 4. Omori Parking Lot
- Direct access to the slopes from the South Parking Lot or accommodation
- Close to surrounding accommodation, suitable for ski travelers
🔹 5. Kurohime Parking Lot
- Direct access to the slopes from the South Parking Lot or accommodation
- Avoid crowded places
Access information for Yamagata Zao Onsen Ski Resort :
The bus usually stops at Zao Onsen Bus Terminal and is within walking distance of the Chuo Onsen Ropeway Station or Kaminodai Station.
|
Zou Onsen Ski Resort (Zouo Onsen Ski Resort) Official Website: https://zaomountainresort.com/ski/ ■ Normal business period: December 13, 2025 (Saturday) to May 6, 2026 (Wednesday) Children's ski day discount ◎January 17th, 18th, 24th and 25th |
▌Special Attractions - Ice Trees
| Early stage | November-December |
| Growth stage | January |
| Peak | February (late January to mid-February) |
| recession | March |
▍Hydrome-related events (you can also enjoy the magnificent hydrome at night) ※2425 snow season events
Night Lights Tree Ice Illumination |
Guided Tour of the Juhyo Fantasy Corridor |
 |
 |
▍2025 Zao Onsen Snow Season Events at a Glance
➔ https://zaomountainresort.com/juhyo-fes/
▍Experience activities in Zao Onsen (even if you don't ski)
➔ https://zaomountainresort.com/information/information-5567/
--------------------------------------------------
❄️ Zao's Specialty: Juhyo (Hydrome Trees) – A Fantastic Spectacle Created by Nature
When it comes to Zao Onsen Ski Resort, the most representative attraction is undoubtedly the "ice trees"!
This is a natural phenomenon caused by severe cold, strong wind and humid air.
Aomori fir trees are frozen into monster-like shapes, hence the name "Snow Monsters."
▍Aodoulang Tips for first-time skiers: (Continuously updated)
▲Photo by outdoorland (Feel free to save and share; hope this helps fellow snowboarders)
Note: The ski resorts in the light blue box on the ski resort map above are called OO ski resorts, such as Shangtai Ski Resort, Liming Ski Resort, and Baiwanren Ski Resort.
It does not refer to a separate ski resort, but refers to the snow trail area within Yamagata Zao Ski Resort.
How to get to Yamagata Zao Onsen
By bus
Here are three bus routes to Yamagata Zao Onsen Ski Resort.
a. Sendai Airport ➝ Zao Hot Springs
b. Sendai Station ➝ Zao Hot Springs
c. Yamagata Station ➝ Zao Onsen
a. Sendai Airport ➝ Zao Onsen ( Sendai Spa - Yamagata Zao)
▪︎Transportation: Express bus ( reservation required )
Duration: Approximately 90 minutes
▪︎Fees: Adults 2,500 yen
b. Sendai Station ➝ Zao Onsen (Miyagi Kotsu Expressway Bus)
▪︎Access: Highway Bus (East Exit Platform 76, reservation required)
Duration: Approximately 85 minutes
▪︎Fees: Adults 2,000 yen
c. Yamagata Station ➝ Zao Hot Spring (Yamagata Station)
▪︎Transportation method: Bus ( East Exit Platform 1)
Duration: Approximately 40 minutes
▪︎Fee: Adults 1,200 yen
➔Official ski resort shuttle bus (only within the ski resort area)
Zao Onsen free shuttle bus detailed timetable
➔For detailed transportation information, please refer to the official website of the ski resort
https://zaomountainresort.com/parking/
Ski equipment rental suggestions
▌Upper Taiwan Area
Jupeer, Kurao Base Center, 1F, Ski Center (reservations accepted online)
▌Central hot spring area
Next to the Rossignol central cable car station 
▌Zao Foothills
Inside the "ZAO Toaster" Yokokura Ski Center 
➔ (Official) Ski Equipment Rental Store List:
https://zaomountainresort.com/rental/
※ This introduction article was produced under the supervision of the Zao Ropeway Association.
※ Unauthorized reproduction, publication, copying, quoting and distribution are prohibited.
