thefunkydrummer

Thank you for the encouraging comments. Fukui certainly does get its fair share of snow, and I've had a great couple of winters here. It's probably not worth a long trip, as there are so many resorts in Japan, but if you're in Osaka or Kyoto - it's worth a look. If you're interested in snowboarding/skiing in unusual places, be sure to have a look at my one of my other projects - SnowSphere.com - we've just posted an article about the Iceland Park Project on there. Enjoy the last of the snow.

Don't know if anyone else has heard about this, but here's an interview with a blind guy who's a beginner snowboarder but is attempting to do a heli-drop in italy for chairty! Doing a helidrop is surely quite a challenge in itself, but doing one when you're blind....what a nutter! www.snowsphere.com

I've seen farmers clearing their fields of snow - presumably because they want to start planting crops a.s.a.p.

Sunrise, I'm not looking for someone to produce something specifically for an article, I'm looking for artists who have snow art in their portfolio already, about which an article could be written.

I'm actually looking to write an article about it for a magazine and feature some of their work if possible.

I'm trying to get in touch with artists who produce art work that features snow related scenes. I've seen some nice mountain landscape paintings in small galleries in various ski resorts, but I've don't think I've ever seen a piece of art feature a snowboarder or skiier. Does anyone known any artists who specialise in that sort of work? (any style is good: spray/oil/stencil/sketch - what ever - as long as it features snowboaders or skiiers).

I've noticed a lot of downsizing of my local resorts this season - eg some lifts not running, or being dismantled all together. Also - at least 2 small grounds have closed in the last 3 years here, and there are rumours about others doing the same. Does anyone know how many ski grounds have closed down in the last 10 years?

There's more snow forecast for Fukui next week.

As mentioned above - there is a healthy dome and dry slope scene in the UK. There is also Scotland - and though the weather is unpredicable up there, it can offer some great skiing if you get the timing right. Check out the Scotland article on this site: www.snowsphere.com The European Alps and the Pyrenees offer hundreds of resorts, and everywhere I've been (Switzerland, Austria, France, Italy, Andorra) have some accessble off piste close by. Eastern Europe is also getting a lot of hype right now, for having good snow, interesting culture, and being very cheap - so

No I don't - pray tell...

Does anyone know where I could get some detailed scientific info about why japan recieves so much snow? I'm looking for indepth info - not just "cold air from siberia picks up moisture over the sea of japan...". Any help appreciated

Is there a cross country sking section to this site? Did a search but couldn't find one.

It's well known that Japan has over 500 downhill ski areas, but how popular is cross country skiing here? Some of my schools have their own trails on the baseball pitch and rice paddies, but there are only about 2 official courses in the ken. It's a great alternative to skiing/boarding when the conditions on the slopes are bad, not to mention a superb workout.

I always wear normal, everyday, THIN socks, and have always been warm and comfortable on the slopes.

would have to agree with: Pop Futureproof 91 words for snow. Best most varied board DVDs currently available.