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.

Interestig stuff - thanks. I agree that many of japan's ski "jos" aren't resorts - but that's why I said Ski Areas. I think even a tiny rope tow, with a 200m slope can still be classed as a "ski area".

It's also worth looking into places that are not particulary famous for their skiing. For example, I live in Fukui - basically a rural, unknown location, yet there are 9 smallish ski areas less than an hours drive away, and I love it here. Check out my blog for pics and stories of my area: www.thefunkydrummer.blogspot.com It's worth doing a little research into these smaller, unfamous areas because there will be less competition for jobs there, yet they can still provide a great season of snow sport. There are many small private English schools around that are lookin

Yeah - there's a few of them around me too... but surely SJ must have a fairly good idea as it lists the vast majority?

I've heard all manner of figures thrown around - from 500-700 ski areas in total. Anyone know what the offical count is?

Point me in the right direction and I'll be on my way...

Looking to do a weekend trip over from Fukui Pref and am wondering what the best resorts to visit in Gifu would be. Ideally as close to Fukui as possible - so west Gifu. ta

Well - as you can see from the pic - when I went they were still working on it, but next time I visit, I'll give it a crack, and let you know many meters I made!

My local ski area (Katsuyama Ski Jam, Fukui Pref.) claims to have to longest park rail in Japan - 55m long! There is a pic here: thefunkydrummer.blogspot.com Can anyone beat this, and does anyone know what the longest ridable rail in the world is, and what the longest documented rail slide is?

Here in Fukui the snow is falling, and one resort (kastsuyama ski jam) has appartently opened early, though I can't imagine it being worth the trip yet, with only 10cm of base... I'm going to wait a while..

Must consume a hell of a lot of energy being out in the hot desert sun - but it certainly looks like they've done a good job on the design - and a desent length slope too (for a snowdome)