Originally founded in 1925, Zao Onsen Ski Resort is Tohoku’s premier ski resort, famous for its pristine powder snow and the juhyou, or “snow monsters,” which form near the top of the mountain. The heavy snowfall and freezing winds of the winter months combine to blanket the trees in thick sheets of snow which give the monsters their characteristic shape. Mid-February is typically the best time to see these formations. From December to February, the resort also offers tours to see the snow monsters lit up at night. (Availability of this tour is subject to seasonal conditions, so its best to contact the resort in advance if you’re interested in making a reservation)

Visitors interested in getting in as much skiing as possible will be delighted by the sheer scale of the resort; with 14 different slopes and 12 courses, Zao Onsen offers adventures suitable for the whole family, from kids learning to ski or snowboard for the first time, to seasoned riders looking for unparalleled mountain thrills. Lessons are also available in English, for those interested in getting some coaching.

Of course, no trip to Zao Onsen is complete without some time soaking in the hot springs. Zao Onsen village is home to three public bathhouses, where visitors can enjoy an oldschool Japanese bath for just 200 yen. There are also several facilities, which offer rotenburo, open-air baths where visitors can soak in the hot springs as they enjoy the snow-covered scenery. For skiers and snowboarders planning a Japan vacation, Zao Onsen offers a compelling reason to make the trip to Yamagata.