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

tryworks.oka
2022.02.14
Last updated: 2022.03.16

table of contents

1 What is the "Snow Monster" that appears at Zao Onsen Ski Resort?
2 The frost-covered trees change shape depending on the direction of the wind and a “snow monster” appears!
3 Would you like to slide down the 8,000m Zangezaka/Hiroki field course surrounded by snow monsters?
- 3.1 "Snow Monster" that can be seen from the ropeway
4 What are the conditions for seeing ice trees?
- 4.1 Zao Onsen Ski Resort <Information>

Do you know the many white "snow monsters" that you can see at Zao Onsen Ski Resort in Yamagata Prefecture? These ice trees are powerful works of art created by nature!

This is a work of art that can only be seen in winter, and many "snow monsters" appear that are not the same as one.

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.

Near the summit station of Zao Onsen Ski Resort

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 ice-crowded trees.

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

The true identity of "Snow Monster" is the ice tree that has grown largely after falling on trees. Zao Onsen Ski Resort has a forest area with coniferous green pine trees, and ice trees appear in the form of shrimp tails that appear depending on the wind direction.

This is a natural art piece that can only be seen in the winter season from late December to early March, and its peaks, especially from late January to late February. It is a spectacular sight to see so many "snow monsters" appear on the vast site.

There is also a course where you can glide while watching the ice trees, so you can ski while being overwhelmed by the number of "snow monsters".

Also, the lit up will be held in the evening during the New Year holidays, January weekends and February. The impressive and fantastic scenery that can only be seen in parts of the Tohoku region is precious worldwide.

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

If you're going to do it, we recommend skiing while surrounded by impressive snow monsters. The best part is skiing around the course that connects the Zange course at Zao Onsen Ski Resort to the Ice Field Course while surrounded by snow monsters.

"Snow Monster" that can be seen from the ropeway

You can also climb from Zao Onsen town to the ice grounds surrounded by snow monsters from Zao Sanroku Station on the Ropeway.

You can also take a pair lift to see it from Onsen Station on the Zao Central Ropeway or from the top station on the Zao Sky Cable. It varies greatly depending on the height and angle you see, so it is also recommended to enjoy a variety of ways of looking at it.

What are the conditions for seeing ice trees?

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.

A high temperature will melt the snow, while a low temperature will make it less likely to snow. If there is too much snow, the trees will be buried, so about 2-3m is recommended.

The ice trees that can be seen vary in appearance and appearance depending on the season and weather conditions, and are also valuable. You can see different things every time you go.