I've tagged this ski resort for four reasons.

1) It is the highest ski resort in Japan. When the snow is not so great on warmer days, I will go here where the snow stays better as it's colder at the higher altitude.

2) The tree runs here are great and not so many people use them meaning more fresh tracks all day.

3) The views! After all, this is the highest ski area.

4) Snow monsters. A lot of people will trek over to Zao just to see the snow monsters (the trees covered in heavy snow) but you can also see them here as well as a few other resorts. Zao just focuses on the snow monsters as something to promote for the resort but it is not unique to Zao.

Pair this up with a trip to the snow monkeys if you want to have variety in your day.