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

Have you heard of the many white "snow monsters" that can be seen at Zao Onsen Ski Resort in Yamagata Prefecture? These impressive frost-covered trees are works of art created by nature!

This artwork can only be seen in winter, and features numerous "snow monsters" that are all unique

I'm sure you're wondering what kind of monster it is

---

What are the "snow monsters" that appear at Zao Onsen Ski Resort?

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

There are many slopes and 12 courses that many skiers enjoy. The summit of Mt. Jizo, where the ropeway station is located, is also attractive for its height of 1,661m

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

---

The shape of the ice trees changes depending on the wind direction, and "snow monsters" appear!

The true identity of the "snow monsters" is ice that has grown large as a result of falling and accumulating on trees. Zao Onsen Ski Resort is located in a forest area of ​​coniferous trees called Abies mori, where ice forms and appears in the shape of a shrimp with a tail depending on the wind direction

This natural work of art can only be seen in the winter season, from late December to early March, with the peak being from late January to late February. The sight of so many "snow monsters" appearing across such a vast area is truly breathtaking

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

The area is also lit up at night during the New Year holidays, on weekends in January, and in February. This spectacular and fantastical scenery, which can only be seen in certain parts of the Tohoku region, is a rare sight even on a global scale

---

Why not ski down the 8,000m Zange Slope and Juhyo Gen Course surrounded by snow monsters?

If you're going to the resort, we recommend skiing surrounded by the impressive snow monsters. There's a real thrill in skiing surrounded by snow monsters on the course that connects the Zange Course at Zao Onsen Ski Resort to the Juhyogen Course

"Snow Monsters" can be seen from the ropeway

You can also take the ropeway from Zao Onsen town to Zao Sanroku Station and climb up to the rime-covered field surrounded by snow monsters in a 360-degree view

You can also see it by taking the pair lift from Onsen Station on the Zao Chuo Ropeway or Uenodai Station on the Zao Sky Cable. The view changes greatly depending on the height and angle you view it from, so we recommend trying out different views

---

What are the conditions for seeing frost-covered trees?

Finally, we will introduce the conditions under which snow monsters can be seen: the supercooled water droplets and snow that form on the coniferous trees, the Aomori Todo fir, must be carried by strong winds in a certain direction

If the temperature is too high, the snow will melt, but if it is too low, it will be difficult for the snow to stick. Also, if there is too much snow, the trees will be buried, so it is said that about 2 to 3 meters is ideal

The appearance of the frost-covered trees changes depending on the season and weather conditions, which is also a precious thing. You can see something different every time you visit

Zao Onsen Ski Resort <Information>

• Name: Zao Onsen Ski Resort
• Address: Zao Onsen, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture, 990-2301
• Phone number: 023-694-9617
• Official URL: https://zaomountainresort.com/ski/

Google Map

---