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Yamagata Prefecture, Japan · Ikon
Zao Onsen Ski Resort
Zao Onsen is the largest ski resort in Japan's Tōhoku region, spread across fourteen interconnected areas on Mount Zao above a centuries-old hot-spring town. It is world-famous for its 'snow monsters' (juhyō) — trees encased in wind-sculpted rime ice — best seen from the Zao Ropeway, and for the roughly 9 km Snow Monster Course descending through them. Zao joined the Ikon Pass for the 2025-26 season as part of Alterra's expansion into Japan.
On the mountain
Conditions
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Breakdown
Terrain
Skiable area
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Base elevation
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Backcountry
Avalanche danger
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Full bulletin
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Where to actually go
Trail map
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Named, not guessed
Lifts & runs
Lifts
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The mountain
Getting there
Parking
Getting there
Getting there & nightlife
Getting there
Food & nightlife
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Provenance
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Provenance