THE early, unexpected snowfall on Mt Yotei two weeks ago triggered a dramatic change in the seasons in Niseko, which is now enjoying the full spectrum of Autumn colours.
The four to eight weeks of Autumn are one of the most spectacular times of the year in Niseko and the change of scenery is the talk of the town among locals and visitors.
Temperatures have really dropped down to a respectable pre-winter level since the cold snap ended summer late last month, which in turn rapidly sapped much of the remaining green out of surrounding foliage.
Overnight temperatures have been down around five to 10 degrees and one day during the last cold snap it even snowed on the peak of 1309m Mt Annupuri, the home of the Niseko resorts – a very rare occurrence for September.
The snow has melted right back off the peak of Mt Yotei which had a fairly respectable covering on the peak after the snow storm cleared last month (see pic in our Early Snow gallery here).
Daytime and overnight temperatures are slowly decreasing as we approach winter.
More snow on the top of Yotei should be expected over the next week and towards the end of the month we should be getting consistent snow on the peak of Annupuri, with snow at village level expected in early November.