The Yamagata Zao Onsen Ski Resort (山形蔵王温泉スキー場, Yamagata Zaō Onsen Skī-jō) is the largest ski resort in Tōhoku region, Japan, operated by Zao Onsen Tourism Association (蔵王温泉観光協会, Zaō Onsen Kankō Kyōkai).
The resort is mostly famous for its ski slopes in winter, but trekking is also popular sports in summer season.
Contents
Ski resort
This resort spreads out in range of Mount Jizo (地蔵岳, Jizō Dake) and consists of fourteen areas. The top of mountain is famous for soft rime which, under rare conditions, transforms trees into snow monsters. Even if you are not skier or snowboarder, you can view them via the Zaō Ropeway.
Courses
All slopes allow skiing, snowboarding, and snowscooting.
Slopes for beginners: 28
Slopes for intermediate skiers: 19
Slopes for advanced skiers: 10
Total: 57
Zaō Jump Stadium in Yamagata
Zaō Jump Stadium in Yamagata (山形市蔵王ジャンプ台, Yamagata-shi Zaō Jampu-dai) is an FIS certified ski jumping stadium. It is located between the slopes of Kami-no-dai and Ryūzan.
It was built for the Inter skiing Zaō tournament of 1979. In March 2012, the FIS Women's Ski Jumping World Cup was held in Japan for the first time and has been organized every year since then.
Others
There is Zaō Onsen in the foot of this resort, and there are about 120 accommodations.