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- [Activity] Snowshoe Trekking at Zao! Snow Monsters with a guide [2025][Open]
[Activity] Snowshoe Trekking at Zao! Snow Monsters with a guide [2025][Open]
- Zao
- 2025.01.05
Scenic・ Short trip・ Activity
Winter Recommended Girls Solo Nature Day trip
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VISIT YAMAGATA Editorial Staff
Hello! This is the VISIT YAMAGATA editorial department. We regularly publish summary articles about event information and sightseeing spots in each Yamagata area. We also introduce detailed information about Yamagata!

Along with skiing, the Snow Monsters are a synonym for Zao in winter.
These rime ice-covered trees formed through a rare natural phenomenon that can only be seen in a small part of the Ou mountains of the Tohoku region where they are known as Snow Monsters for their appearance.
At Zao Onsen Ski Resort, if you take the ropeway from the hot spring town to the Jizo Sancho station, you can easily see the Snow Monsters from the gondola windows or the observation deck at the summit. It is common for visitors to line at the boarding station to go see these beautiful but powerful Snow Monsters in winter.
This time we will introduce the very popular snowshoe trekking activity at Zao.
Taking the ropeway up and down only offers a bird’s-eye view of the Snow Monsters, but trekking in snowshoes accompanied by a mountain instructor allows skiers and other visitors to enter an area usually off-limit, and feel the winter nature, including the Snow Monsters, with their whole body.
Why don’t you go trekking this winter wearing snowshoes?
To start...
Zao 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 living near the mountain range.
The huge and fluffy snow monsters are like fantastic art and take the shape of charming creatures.

Detailed information
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Zao Juhyo Festival
Every year, Zao Onsen Ski Resort holds events such as Winter Fireworks, Torch Gliding, Large Display of Snow Vehicles and Snow Monster Illuminations which entertains visitors.
The natural charm of Zao in winter, as seen on the Snow Monsters, is the rime ice.
The overcooled fog droplets are sprayed on trees by the wind, then turn to rime ice like a white flower blooming on a tree, a natural beauty sight.
Two snowshoe activities
The Zao Onsen Ski Resort is visited by many skiers and snowboarders every year, but snowshoe activities are secretly popular because you can feel the art created by nature, the Snow Monsters and the rime ice close to you and deeply.
There are two types of snowshoe activities to be enjoyed at Zao Onsen Ski Resort:
(1) Walk freely without a guide doing Snowshoe Hiking
(2) Go with a mountain instructor for Snowshoe Trekking
This time I will introduce (2) Snowshoe Trekking.
(1) Snow Hiking | (2) Snow Trekking | |
Accompanied by a mountain instructor | No | Required |
Time required | About 1~3 hours | 5~7 hours |
Availability | Early January ~ early March *Depending on snow conditions |
Mid January ~ End March *Depending on snow conditions |
Ropeway to use | Zao Chuo Ropeway Zao Sky Cable |
Zao Ropeway Zao Chuo Ropeway Zao Sky Cable |
Features | ・You can freely decide the course within the designated area ・As long as it is during the ropeway operation time, there is no duration restriction You can enjoy casually Relatively inexpensive Available with no reservations |
・ Go where you can usually not go without a mountain instructor (middle of Snow Monsters and rime iced areas) ・ Listen to commentary on flora, fauna, topography, and Snow Monsters from a mountain instructor ・ Snow trek safely with a mountain instructor even if the weather is bad Reservations must be made at least 7 days in advance, more if an interpreter is required (make sure to inquire by email before booking) |
Recommended for | ・ People who want to walk casually and freely in the Chuo Kogen area in winter ・ People who do not ski or snowboard but want to enjoy the winter mountains ・People with limited time and budget |
・ People who want to enjoy trekking in the snow in earnest ・ People who want to walk while enjoying the Snow Monsters and rime ice scenery ・ People who want to enter a zone that can not be entered by skiing or snowboarding |
Operated by | Zao Tourism Development Co., Ltd | Omotenashi Yamagata Co., Ltd., etc. |
Book on site at Zao Onsen |
*The above table was created by VISIT YAMAGATA Editorial Department.
Detailed information
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Detailed information
(1) Snowshoe Hiking [NOT AVAILABLE through this site, please inquire at the Zao Chuo Ropeway or Sky Cable stations]
[Activity] Snowshoe Hiking at Zao! Explore the Chuo Kogen snowfields
Article about the 2023 season is below.
Snowshoe Trekking Courses
There are three options for snowshoe trekking to enjoy each or both of the Snow Monsters and the rime ice area.
[Course A] Snow Monsters & Rime Ice Exploration Course
Synonymous with Zao in winter, the Snow Monsters and the delicate and beautiful rime ice can be both enjoyed
After a walk through the Snow Monster area accompanied by an instructor, trek under the rime ice on the way to Mt. Torikabuto
※ Trek length: About 6km
※ Difficulty degree: Beginner ~
08:15 Meet at the Zao Ropeway Zao Sanroku Station
Meet your mountain instructor
Take the Sanroku Line and the Sancho Line to to Jizo Sanzan Station
09:00 Walk through the Snow Monster area
Stroll the Paradise Slope (break for lunch on the way)
12:00 Stroll around the summit of Mt. Torikabuto
Go back from the Torikabuto Station to the Onsen Station on the Chuo Ropeway
14:00 End of tour
[Course B] Snow Monsters Exploration Course
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
※ Trek length: About 5km
※ Difficulty degree: Beginner ~
08:15 Meet at the Zao Ropeway Zao Sanroku Station
Meet your mountain instructor
Take the Sanroku Line and Sancho Line to the Jizo-Sanzan Station
Stroll through the Snow Monsters (break for lunch on the way)
Take the Zao Ropeway from the Juhyo Kogen Station to go back to the Zao Sanroku Station
13:00 End of tour
[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
※ Trek length: About 5km
※ Difficulty degree: Beginner ~
08:15 Meet at the Chuo Ropeway Onsen Station
Meet your mountain instructor
Take the ropeway to the Torikabuto Station
Stroll through the rime ice area (break for lunch on the way)
Take the Sky Cable from the Chuo Kogen Station down to the Uwanodai Station
13:00 End of tour
Rime Ice Area [Course A] [Course B]
Air walk over the Snow Monsters and the rime ice area
The start of the trip for [Course A] and [Course B] is the Zao Sanroku Station of the Zao Ropeway.
Take the Sanroku Line to Juhyo Kogen Station, transfer to the Sancho Line, and take the ropeway to the Jizo Sanzan Station.
The gondola’s windows offer a spectacular and beautiful view.
Rime ice area snow trekking
After arriving at the Jizo Sancho Station and visiting the Zao Jizoson (described below), you will finally enter the Snow Monster area.
The Snow Monsters rise within reach, and you will be overwhelmed by their appearance as you make your way through the area.
If you put yourself in the spot you admired from the gondola or the observation deck, you will be even more moved and in awe of the great sight of nature.
The depth of the snow…
While trekking in the Snow Monster area, there are several times when you will be buried in the snow up to the waist.
According to the mountain instructor, the trekking area is covered with snow, but there are many parts that are hollow inside.
When you get out of the hole you got into to and look at it, you will see tree branches coming out and the tree that continues further down.
You will wonder about the the depth of the snow.
If you measure with a measuring rod is has a total depth of 3 meters…
I would have been completely buried over my head.
*The snow surface may collapse if you poke it with a pole or a thin stick so please do not do that.
At that time (mid-January), the snowfall was about 3 meters.
It is said that it will be more than 4 meters deep in February.
[Course B] continues further straight to the Juhyo Kogen Station, and from there, take the Zao Ropeway Sanroku Line down to return to the Zao Sanroku Station.
From the Snow Monsters area to the rime ice area [Course A]
We go past the Snow Monsters to enter the forest.
After lunch time in the forest (described below), we went to the Paradise Slope.
Your horizons will expand at once and you will feel open.
From here, you can see a lot of glasswork-like rime ice.
From here, pass under the rime ice forest and head to the Torikabuto Station.
Torikabuto observatory [Course A] [Course C]
Arrive at the Chuo Kogen area
Both [Course A] and [Course C] arrive at the Torikabuto Station!
* [Course A] takes you around the Torikabuto Station while enjoying the rime ice scenery.
*[Course C] starts from the Zao Chuo Ropeway Onsen Station in Zao’s hot spring town!
Meet your mountain instructor, then head to the Torikabuto Station by gondola
The scenery from the Torikabuto station is here.
The sharp peaks on the right are Mt. Ganto at the northern end of the Zao Mountain Range, with Miyagi Prefecture on the other side.
Observation deck at the summit of Mt. Torikabuto with a good view
When you arrive at the Torikabuto station, go to the Torikabuto Observatory just next to it (1~2 minutes on foot)
When you reach the top of the mountain and look back on the east side, there is a rime ice-covered forest over there.
By the way, the white building that looks small in the upper left is Jizo Sancho Station.
[Course A] takes you from there down to this point.
When you turn to the west, you have a beautiful view.
From here (the photo below), you can see the Zao Onsen town in front of the right hand side, and Kaminoyama on the left in the back.
If the weather is nice, you can see Mt. Adatara, the Azuma mountain range, the Iide mountain range, the Asahi mountain range, Mt. Gassan, Mt. Hayama and Mt. Chokai.
There is a rope to prevent falling from the observation deck, and the pole for rope has snow stuck on it in a mysterious way due to wind.
[Course A] ends here and returns from the Torikabuto Station to the Onsen Station of the Chuo Ropeway.
Rime Ice Area [Course C]
After enjoying the view at the summit of Mt. Torikabuto, you will finally enter the rime ice area.
On [Course C], you will enter in a forest of rime ice.
Being accompanied by an instructor is essential as you will follow a roadless path that no one has set foot on to enter a world of white silver.
In the back is the rime ice area (rabbit footprints in the foreground)
If you want to enjoy a delicate and fantastic scenery, we recommend [Course C].
Zao's Three Great Gods
Zao, which once attracted worshipers of mountain worship, still enshrines the three gods of Zao Jizoson, Zao Daikokuten, and Zao Daigongen.
Snowshoe snow trekking also allows you to visit one of the three gods on each course.
Zao Jizoson (Disaster Prevention and Fulfillment of Various Wishes) [Course A] [Course B]
100m away from the Zao Ropeway Jizo Sancho Station is the Zao Jizoson.
Built in 1775, the Jizoson is a seated statue with a height of 2.34 meters, a shoulder width of 1.2 meters, a knee width of 1.8m, and a pedestal height of 0.34 meters.
It has been enshrined at an altitude of about 1,660 meters for more than 200 years and still watches over the safety of mountain climbers.
Zao Jizoson (Autumn)
Jizoson is also famous for the fact that it is almost buried under snow in winter.
Zao Jizoson (mid-January)
Zao Daikokuten (family safety and business prosperity) [Course A] [Course C]
Zao Daikokuten is enshrined at the summit of Mt. Torikabuto, right next to the Chuo Ropeway Torikabuto Station.
Daikokuten was built in 1980 in hopes of the safeguarding the tourists visiting Zao and boosting the prosperity of Zao Onsen’s businesses.
It is said that around the year 110, Kibino Takayu, who found the current Zao Onsen, is enshrined at the top of the mountain.
Zao Daikokuten (autumn)
Like Zao Jizoson, it is covered with snow in winter and now can finally be seen.
Zao Daikokuten (mid-January)
Zao Daigongen (God of Longevity and Water) [Course C]
Enshrined in front of the Zao Sky Cable Stations is the Zao Daigongen.
Built in 2002 as a place of worship for the Zao Daigongen currently enshrined at the entrance to Zao (Kamihozawa, Yamagata City), this Zao Daigongen is said to defeat any evil spirit and invite peace.
Lots of natural attractions [all courses]
Of course, the big highlights of this snow trek are the Snow Monsters and the rime ice, but these are not the only attractions.
If you look at your feet and around you, you may see the nature you live in, and you will be impressed.
Art woven by nature
Nature is not only beautiful, but also raging at time.
Of course, it is no exception in snowy mountains, and it frequently causes snowstorms and avalanches.
Likewise, nature can also create art that is so beautiful that we can’t imagine it.
These are due to wind patterns and can be seen on alpine ridges and snow surfaces in harsh environments.
It can be said that it is a work of art created by nature, the beauty of snow.
Animal Shadows
The mountains at Zao are home to a variety of wildlife, including antelope, a natural monument, and if you’re lucky, you might see some during the trek.
I would like to meet an animal during a snowshoe trek, but tracks you have a good chance of finding some.
Antelope tracks
Marten tracks
Rabbit tracks
When I think of wild animals walking right next to us, I feel like I’m one step closer to nature.
Returning to being a child playing in the snow
If the weather is nice and you have plenty of time, your instructor will teach you a variety of games.
Adults too will feel like they were a child again.
Essentials for snowshoe trekking
In addition, we will introduce the mountain instructor and equipment indispensable for this snowshoe trekking experience.
Mountain Instructor
An essential part of this tour is the presence of the mountain instructor.
In snowfields, you tend to not know your right from left and front from back.
In addition, Zao’s snow is light and easily carried by the winds, and whiteouts* often block the view.
*The phenomenon when the entire view becomes pure white due to a snowstorm, etc., and it becomes difficult to recognize the space in front of us from the ground below.
To avoid distress and respond to unforeseen circumstances, it is essential to accompanied by a mountain instructor with extensive mountaineering knowledge and experience when trekking in the Snow Monster and rime ice areas.
*This is not required for the Snow hike activity (Zao Tourism Development) near the slopes of the Chuo Kogen area.
Mr. Kasukawa, Zao Mountain Instructor
This snow trekking tour is done accompanied by a veteran Zao mountain instructor.
In addition to safety measures in the mountains, it is also attractive to be able to know the charm of Zao widely and deeply, which can not be understood simply by going through and seeing the flora and fauna of Zao and the highlights of the Snow Monsters and rime ice.
Equipment
The snowshoes used for snow trekking are the traditional Japanese kanjiki snowshoes, which are ring-shaped.
*The rental fee for snowshoes is included in the activity fee.
Tying the laces can be a little complicated for first-time people, so listen to the accompanying instructor when doing it.
Other equipment required to participate in the snowshoe trekking is as follows:
・ Ski wear (or fleece + rainwear for mountaineering)
・ Snow-proof trekking shoes or boots
・ Thick socks
・ Climbing spats (gaiters)
・ Cold-proof gloves
・ Goggles
・ Sunglasses (if sunny)
・ Hat that covers your ears
・ Trekking poles (can be lent for free if required)
・ Lunch
・ Drinks
・ Snacks (to eat on the way)
* Climbing equipment (excluding snowshoes) such as ice ax, crampons, and ropes will not be used in this tour.
Ski wear (or fleece + rainwear for mountaineering)
Snowwear is basically layered so that you can take it off when it’s hot and put it on when it’s cold.
[Outlayer]
Ski wear, snowboard wear, rain jackets for mountaineering, etc. that are highly waterproof and breathable
[Middle layer]
Fleece, thin down jacket, soft shell, etc. with excellent heat retention and breathability
[Base layer]
Inner (underwear) with excellent heat retention and quick-drying properties, such as long sleeves on the top and tights on the bottom.
Trekking shoes
Zao’s snow is often not very moist, so regular trekking shoes are fine (applying waterproof spray is recommended).
Thick socks
For this snowshoes trekking tour you will have to walk in the snow for a long time, and as such it is essential to protect your feet from the cold. Thick socks with high protection against the cold and quick-drying properties are recommended to prevent the inside of the shoes from getting stuffy and the feet from getting cold. If you are worried about your feet getting cold, it is safe to wear thin socks as an inner layer in addition to the thick winter mountain socks.
Just in case, it’s safer to bring a pair of extra socks too.
Mountaineering spats (gaiters)
The most important thing about your feet is that snow does not get inside your shoes. Therefore, mountaineering spats or gaiters that prevent snow from entering the shoes are a must.
Cold proof gloves
It is safe to use gloves that are waterproof like those for skiing and snowboarding. If you’re worried about your hands, it’s a good idea to wear a warm inner gloves too.
Goggles (or sunglasses)
Sunglasses and goggles are a good idea, as the sun’s reflections are dazzling on sunny days, and on stormy days it can be difficult to open your eyes due to the snowstorm.
Hat that covers your ears
An everyday-use hat can be fine, but it is important that it covers your ears. The best recommendation is a knit hat, but if you don’t have one, don’t forget to bring warm earmuffs.
Snow trekking poles
Poles are also essential for snow trekking up and down snowy mountains. However, these are not ski poles but snowy mountain poles that are used for snow trekking.
The size of the ring is different between snow trekking poles (left on the photo) and ski poles (right on the photo) with the snow trekking poles being larger.
Left: Snow trekking pole / Right: Ski pole
Ski poles are fine for well-maintained and compacted ski slopes, but when trekking in a field of fresh snow, the ski poles will sink into the snow.
* If you do not have your own we can lend you the snow trekking poles for free (limited quantities).
Differences when sticking the poles in the snow’s surface (left: Trekking pole / right: Ski pole)
Lunch, drinks & snacks
Lunch will be taken during the trek in the snow.
The recommended items are sandwiches and such.
Instructor’s lunch
On the other hand, we do not recommend rice balls and other rice-based products due to the freezing temperatures.
The rice will be very hard and no longer delicious by the time the rice balls are taken out of the backpack at lunch time.
If you are willing to bring hot water in a container with high heat retention, you can bring cup ramen or food that you can rehydrate with hot water and eat.
* The use of fire, burners, etc. is strictly prohibited in the area.
Example of lunch: Porridge completed by pouring hot water and stirring (lower right) / miso soup (lower left) / confectionery bread (upper right) / banana (upper left),
Bottles of 500 ml of drinks, such as sports drinks or tea, will be enough
* If you are worried, please bring more, but please note that there are no toilets on the course.
* You will have to carry back all your garbage with you.
In addition to lunch, be sure to bring snacks that can supply energy and nutrition.
Once you’ve got all this, all that is left is to be in shape!
How about enjoying the beautiful nature for a limited time safely with your whole body?
Snowshoe Trekking at Zao! Snow Monsters with a guide
[Now available for the 2024-2025 winter season]
Fees
※The fees are the same for all three courses. All taxes are included, and the fees are in total.
If one person participates: 27,000 yen
For 2 participants: 33,000 yen
For 3 participants: 39,o00 yen
For 4 participants: 46,000 yen
For 5 participants: 52,500 yen
Includes
Round-trip ropeway ticket
Snowshoe rental
Mountain instructor fee
Insurance premiums
* All items not included like clothing and lunch, etc. must be prepared by the participants before the tour
Period
January 20, to March 15, 2025
*Depending on snow conditions
Age requirement
18 years old and over
Schedule
[Course A] Snow Monsters & Rime Ice Course
Trekking distance: About 6 km Difficulty: Beginner ~
08:15 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
Stroll the Paradise slope (take lunch on the way)
Trek around the summit of Mt. Torikabuto
Go back from the Torikabuto Station to the Onsen Station by the Chuo Ropeway
14:30 End
[Course B] Snow Monsters Exploration Course
Trekking distance: About 5 km Difficulty: Beginner ~
08:15 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
14:30 End
[C Course] Chuo Kogen Rime Ice Exploration Course
Trekking distance: About 5km Difficulty: Beginner ~
08:15 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
13:30 End
Accommodation
None (day trip)
Meal
Please prepare your own lunch.
Tour conductor
None besides the mountain instructor
Minimum number of participants
1 person
Travel Terms & Conditions
Click here to read them. (Japanese only) (English version will be sent to you upon inquiry by email)
Others
※ Paid options including car service from Yamagata station can be added
※ Please contact us be email before making a reservation online if you are visiting Yamagata from overseas and/or do not speak Japanese
※ Tours with an interpreter are also available but please make sure to contact us beforehand
※ The tour staring time is flexible and can be change to a different time if you intend to come to Zao Onsen by bus on the day of the tour but please note that the ropeway line and rental shops get crowded around 9:00.
✉️ info@visityamagata.jp
☎︎ 023-631-9522
Planning and Implementation
Omotenashi Yamagata Co., Ltd.
Yamagata Governor’s Registered Travel Agency No. 2-295
2-4-3 Honcho, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture
Member of the National Association of Travel Agencies
Business days and hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 17:15
Detailed information
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Snowshoe snow trekking in Snow Monsters at Zao
Detailed information
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[Reservations] Kumanodake & Okama Crater Lake in Winter! Snowshoe trekking with a mountain instructor
Apply from mid-March to beginning of May
Please make sure to contact us beforehand if you are coming to Yamagata from overseas and/or if you do not speak Japanese.