[Yamagata Prefecture] See the natural art work “Snow Monster” at Zao Onsen Ski Resort!

Did you know that there are many white "snow monsters" that can be seen at Zao Onsen Ski Resort in Yamagata Prefecture? The "Snow Monster" is a powerful work of art created by nature!

This is a work of art that can only be seen in winter, so why not take a look for yourself and see for yourself what its charm is? A large number of "snow monsters" will appear, none of which look the same.

I wonder what kind of monster it is.

What is the "Snow Monster" that appears at Zao Onsen Ski Resort?

Yamagata Prefecture Zao Onsen Ski Resort is a ski resort located inside the famous hot spring, Zao Onsen, and is the largest ski resort in Japan with a total area of ​​305 hectares.

There are many ski slopes and 12 courses that entertain many skiers. The summit of Mt. Jizo, where the ropeway station is located, is attractive because it is 1,661 meters above sea level.

Zao Onsen Ski Resort is also famous for its vast frost-covered trees.

The frost-covered trees change shape depending on the direction of the wind and a “snow monster” appears!

In fact, the true nature of the ``Snow Monster'' is frost-covered trees that have grown large and piled up on trees. Depending on the direction of the wind, the shrimp's tails will grow and the "Snow Monster" will appear.

Zao Onsen Ski Resort has a forest area of ​​coniferous fir trees, where frost-covered trees form and "snow monsters" appear.

It is a natural work of art that can only be seen during the winter season from late December to early March, and is especially at its peak from late January to late February. It can be said that it is amazing to see so many "snow monsters" appearing on such a vast site.

There is also a course where you can ski while looking at the frost-covered trees, and you can ski while being overwhelmed by the number of "snow monsters".

Also, during the year-end and New Year holidays, weekends in January, and February, it is lit up at night, and a fantastical "snow monster" appears.

The impressive and fantastic scenery, which can only be seen in parts of the Tohoku region, is one of the world's most precious. There are many ways to see this "snow monster," so why not go out and see it?

Would you like to slide down the 8,000m Zangezaka/Hiroki field course surrounded by snow monsters?

If you have the chance, we recommend skiing while being surrounded by the impressive snow monsters. The course that connects Zao Onsen Ski Resort's Zange Course to the Ice Field Course is 8,000 meters from the summit of Mt. Jizo, where the ropeway to the summit is located. The intermediate course, where you ski down a steep slope surrounded by snow monsters, is a real thrill.

"Snow Monster" that can be seen from the ropeway

You can also take the ropeway from Zao Sanroku Station from Zao Onsen Town and climb up to the 360° frost field surrounded by snow monsters. The scenery along the way is also spectacular, so it's a good idea to look down and enjoy it.

You can also take a pair of lifts from Onsen Station on the Zao Central Ropeway or Kamidai Station on the Zao Sky Cable to see them.

The view changes greatly depending on the viewing height and angle, so we recommend trying out different perspectives.

What are the conditions to see snow monsters?

Lastly, I would like to introduce the conditions under which you can see snow monsters. The condition is that supercooled water droplets and snow, which form the basis for the formation of ice and snow on the coniferous fir Aomori fir, are carried away by strong winds in a certain direction.

If the temperature is too high, the snow will melt, and if the temperature is too low, it will be difficult for snow to stick. Also, if there is too much snow, the tree will be buried, so it is recommended to keep it at about 2 to 3 meters.

The appearance and visibility of the frost-covered trees that can be seen differs depending on the time of year and weather conditions, which is also valuable. You see something different every time you go.

These rare "snow monsters" are created under various conditions, so why not visit Zao Onsen?

[INFORMATION]