Zao Onsen is a well known hot spring and
ski resort in the mountains of Yamagata
Prefecture. It is one of only a few places
in Japan where juhyo or "ice trees" can be
seen. Also known as "snow monsters", the
trees take on curious shapes due to the
heavy snowfall and freezing winds.
The snow monsters form around the peak of
the Zao Ski Resort and are usually most
spectacular around mid February. Access to
the monsters is provided by a ropeway and
a gondola for both skiers and non-skiers.
In the evenings, the monsters around the
summit are lit up to be enjoyed outside or
from a warm seat in the cafe. Night
skiing, however, is offered only in the
lower elevations of the resort.
Zao's ski resort is one of Japan's oldest
and offers over thirty lifts, gondolas and
ropeways and a variety of different
courses suitable for skiers and
snowboarders of all abilities, especially
beginners and intermediates. The longest
course starts in the territory of the snow
monsters at the summit of the mountain and
is about ten kilometers long.
