Snow Monsters

The Zao mountain range’s peculiar weather conditions and vegetation create a unique natural work of art known as Snow Monsters.

It is a natural phenomenon in which subzero overcooled water and snowfall form layers of rime ice on the leaves and branches of Maries’ firs found near the top of the mountain range.

The huge and fluffy snow monsters are like art from Nature itself and take the shape of charming creatures.

The Jizo statue at the top of Zao at an altitude of 1,660 meters above sea level stands 2.34 meter tall but in winter it will be partially or even completely covered in snow.

[Course A]​ ​Snow Monsters & Rime Ice Exploration

Synonymous with Zao in winter, the Snow Monsters and the delicate and beautiful rime ice can be both enjoyed.
After a trek with Japanese kanjiki snow shoes through the Snow Monster area accompanied by a mountain instructor, trek under the rime ice on the way to Mt. Torikabuto.

​Trekking distance
About 6 km

Difficulty
Beginner

Time Schedule
09:00
Meet at the Zao Ropeway Zao Sanroku Station
Meet with the mountain instructor
Take the Sanroku Line and the Sancho Line to the Jizo-Sancho Station

around 10:00
Trek through the Snow Monsters field
Stroll the Paradise slope (take lunch on the way)

around 13:00
Trek around the summit of Mt. Torikabuto
Go back from the Torikabuto Station to the Onsen Station by the Chuo Ropeway

15:00
End

[Course B] ​​Snow Monsters Exploration Course

This is a course where you can trek in the Snow Monster area from Zao Jizoson at the top of the mountain to go down to the ropeway station.
You can see the Snow Monsters up close and enjoy trekking while slowly descending the snowy mountains.

Trekking distance
About 5 km

Difficulty
Beginner

Time Schedule
09:00
Meet at the Zao Ropeway Zao Sanroku Station
Meet with the mountain instructor
Take the Sanroku Line and the Sancho Line to the Jizo-Sancho Station
Trek through the Snow Monsters field (take lunch on the way)
Go back from the Juhyo Kogen Station to the Sanroku Station by the Zao Ropeway

14:00
End

[Course C]​ ​Chuo Kogen Rime Ice Exploration Course

Stroll along the Chuo Kogen area from the Torikabuto Station of the Zao Chuo Ropeway and come down by Sky Cable
You can enjoy a different scenery from the exciting Snow Monsters as you stroll among the trees shining white with fine rime ice on every branch

Trekking distance
About 5km

Difficulty
Beginner

Time Schedule
09:00
Meet at the Chuo Ropeway Onsen Station
Meet with the mountain instructor
Take the ropeway to the Chuo Kogen Station
Trek through the rime ice field (take lunch on the way)
Go back from the Chuo Kogen Station to the Uwanodai Station by the Sky Cable

14:00
End

*The rental fee for Kanjiki snowshoes is included in the activity fee, but participants are expected to bring the items listed in the article on their own. Some of the winter equipment can be rented at Zao Onsen for non-included additional fees.

Please refer to the URL below for further details.
https://www.visityamagata.jp/en/activity-zao-snowtrekking-en/

《NOTICE》
If you are travelling to Yamagata from overseas AND/OR if you cannot speak Japanese please MAKE SURE TO CONTACT US (info@visityamagata.jp) BEFORE booking any tour through the website. Please note that booking through the website will automatically charge your credit card at today’s Japanese Yen exchange rate for an international transaction and might result in refund amount discrepancies should have to cancel the tour later. We will check the vacancy for your preferred date and availability of English speaking instructors before getting back to you. Thank you.