A new feature - "The Fukui Fellowship" by Sam Baldwin - has been put online.

http://www.snowjapan.com/e/features/features-90.html

"I grab four bottles of Yebisu beer from the fridge and give the landlord a customary nod. I’m at Bar Yumeya in Ono, Fukui, a cosy hangout for local lovers of snow. Yasu, the owner, is somewhat of a legend in these parts, having conquered several Himalayan summits in India, Pakistan, China and Nepal. An ice pick, snowshoes, and many pictures of sabre-toothed peaks decorate the walls; souvenirs from past expeditions.

Like many foreigners in Japan, I came here to teach English, an easy option to pay the way, having heard intriguing tales of deep powder and amazing tree skiing in an exotic land. Though snow was not the only reason for my desire to visit Japan, it certainly played a key role in my decision to leave gloomy Britain and explore more of the world."

http://www.snowjapan.com/e/features/features-90.html

Please note that the views expressed in any Features on SnowJapan are not necessarily those of SnowJapan.

Discuss it in this thread...

Good little article

Hakusan certainly draws in the weather for you guys. Probably one of the snowier places in Japan just like Niigata.

good stuff indeed you sure are a keen writer.

Great article there Sam.

I love the photos - no matter if your soul rides one board or two, the sight of a clean track through pristine snow always creates a sense of longing for the freedom it implies.

Great read

Never really considered Fukui before.

Nice one Sam. I have been to Fukui, but not in winter. I might have to make a trip to that part of Japan again.

Fun article Sam. Sounds like you are having a fun time up there!

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.