Zao Onsen Ski Resort: Tohoku's Largest Ski Resort with Ice Trees and Hot Springs

Zao Onsen Ski Resort

Zao Onsen Ski Resort, spreading across Zao Onsen on the outskirts of Yamagata City, is one of Tohoku's largest snow resorts. With varied courses, abundant snowfall, the winter spectacle of ice trees, and hot springs to soak in after skiing, it is a complete winter destination. Bath-hopping in the hot spring town is covered in a separate article.

The Ski Resort

• Elevation: From about 780m at the hot spring town to about 1,660m near the summit
• Courses: A wide range from gentle beginner slopes to steep advanced runs
• Longest Run: Approximately 10km
• Lifts: Many lifts, a gondola, and ropeways move skiers efficiently across a broad area

Ice Trees (Snow Monsters)

• Best viewing runs from late January into February
• Ride the Zao Ropeway near the summit for close views of the ice-tree fields
• Evening ice-tree illumination is a popular winter event

Zao Onsen

• Spring Type: Strongly acidic sulfur spring, milky white in color
• Benefits: Known for skin-beautifying qualities and praised as waters for beauty
• Public Baths: Kamiyu, Shimoyu, and Kawarayu, plus inn baths for hot-spring hopping

Access and Basics

From JR Yamagata Station, take a Yamako bus about 40 minutes and alight at the Zao Onsen Bus Terminal. The Yamagata Shinkansen to Yamagata Station is convenient, and Yamagata Airport is also usable. By car, use exits such as the Yamagata-Zao IC on the Yamagata Expressway. Lift-ticket prices, the operating season, and ropeway status vary by year and conditions, so check the official website for the latest information before visiting. In winter, prepare studless tires or chains for snow and ice.

Practical Travel Notes

The ski and ice-tree season runs roughly from December to March, with the ice trees at their finest from late January into February. Weekends in this period are crowded, so book lodging early. Ice trees depend on the weather and look best on clear, calm days, so checking the forecast improves your chances. Even non-skiers can enjoy the ice trees by riding the ropeway to the summit. Dress warmly, as the summit is far colder than the base. Warming up in a hot spring after skiing is a signature Zao pleasure. Allow a full day for skiing or about half a day just for ice-tree viewing. Budget varies with lift tickets, rentals, and lodging, so estimate in advance.

Tips

Zao greatest appeal is enjoying skiing, ice trees, and hot springs all at once. Because the ice trees look very different depending on the weather, aim for clear, low-wind days to see them at their most dramatic. The summit is bitterly cold, so prepare thoroughly for the chill. After skiing, warm up in a public bath or inn bath to savor a luxury unique to a snow-country resort. Weekends in peak season are busy, so reserve lodging early.

📚 Sources

This article draws on the guidance for the slopes and ice trees published by Zao Onsen Ski Resort and the Zao Onsen tourism association, materials on the ropeway operation, and the local information boards. Operating hours and fees of the lifts and ropeway, and the best time and illumination of the ice trees, vary by season and weather, so please confirm the latest details through Zao Onsen Ski Resort or the tourism association before visiting. Please also check the snowfall and weather conditions in advance.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: About a full day to enjoy skiing and viewing the ice trees
• What to bring: Warm clothing, gloves and a hat, non-slip snow footwear, and ski gear as needed
• Timing tips: Ski the slopes by day and add the illuminated ice trees at night
• Highlights: One of the largest snow resorts in Tohoku, the winter ice trees, and the famous hot spring to soak in afterward
• Note: The ropeway may suspend service in bad weather, so take care with warmth and safety

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Zao Ropeway fares: To Jizo Sancho Station (altitude 1,661 m), 2,200 yen one way / 4,400 yen round trip for adults, 1,100 yen one way / 2,200 yen round trip for children. To Juhyo Kogen Station (altitude 1,331 m), 1,200 yen one way / 2,200 yen round trip for adults, 600 yen one way / 1,100 yen round trip for children (adult = junior high school age and older, child = elementary school pupils)
• Zao Ropeway operating hours: Sanroku Line 8:30-17:00, Sancho Line 8:45-16:45 (both subject to change). The last upward departure for a round trip to Jizo Sancho Station leaves Zao Sanroku Station at 16:00. Operation may be suspended depending on weather conditions
• Ropeway journey times: Sanroku Line 7 minutes (operating distance 1,734 m, vertical rise 464 m); Sancho Line 10 minutes (operating distance 1,872 m, vertical rise 329 m). The Sancho Line is a double-loop monocable automatic circulating "Funitel"
• Pets: In winter, pets cannot ride the ropeway in any case (assistance dogs may ride free of charge under the Act on Assistance Dogs for Physically Disabled Persons)
• Ski resort data: From 780 m at the base to 1,661 m at the summit, longest run about 10 km, maximum gradient 38 degrees (Yokokura no Kabe), 12 courses in total with a combined run length of 30.86 km, 3 ropeways, 1 cable line and 28 lifts
• Lift tickets (2025-26 season, one-day pass): Adults (high school age and older, under 60) regular 7,500 yen / peak 8,000 yen / New Year period 8,500 yen / spring 6,500 yen; children (junior high school age and younger) regular 3,800 yen and other rates; seniors (60 and over) regular 6,700 yen and other rates
• Growth stages of the juhyo (snow monsters): November-December is the early stage, January the growth stage, February the peak, and March the stage of decline and collapse as temperatures rise
• Zao Onsen large open-air bath: Bathing fee 850 yen for adults and 400 yen for children (aged 1 and over but under 12). Weekdays 9:30-17:00 (last reception 16:30), weekends and public holidays 9:30-18:00 (last reception 17:30). Closed from late November to the following April (in Reiwa 8 (2026) it opens for the season on April 25). Car park for users only with 60 spaces. Because the water is free-flowing from the source, there are no showers and soap and shampoo cannot be used
• Hoshizora Dai-rotenburo, the starry-sky open-air bath (a special night opening separate from the large open-air bath): On designated days from June to early October in Reiwa 8 (2026), 18:30-21:00 (last entry 20:30), 1,000 yen for adults and 500 yen for children
• Spring quality of Zao Onsen: A strongly acidic sulfur spring. Source temperature 50.8 degrees C, flow about 735 liters per minute, pH 1.9. The acidity is strong enough to corrode and blacken precious metals, so remove accessories before bathing

Note: The juhyo illumination is held for a limited period in winter, and the 2025-26 season has ended. The dates and times for the next season had not been published on the official Zao Ropeway website at the time of checking. (Sources: Zao Ropeway official website; Zao Onsen Ski Resort official website; Zao Onsen Kanko Co., Ltd. "Zao Onsen Dai-rotenburo" official website)