Having fun in Japan isn't only about the perfect powder! From the snow film 'Gum'.

Sunset ski sessions on the incredible slopes of Hokkaido, Japan. As seen in "Signatures".

Snowmobile crash compilation from "Crusty 11 Chaotic Chronicles".

Late Andreas Fransson and Xavier De Le Rue ski down the north face of the Aiguille de Plan in Chamonix.

Richard Permin shredding up the slopes in ski film "Made in France".

Warning: Strong language. Chris Fuschlberger gets caught in an avalanche in snow film "The List".

Sunset sessions with the PVS crew in French ski film "Made in France".

A cringe-worthy compilation full of heavy stacks from the ski film "Long Story Short".

The driving force behind the economic development of the Cardrona Valley, John Lee has today been appointed a companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

First hand view of skier Chris Cardello getting caught in an avalanche, from ski movie 'DOWN DAYS'.

Ski athlete legends show us how to shred in ski movie, "IN DEEP".

Epic crash compilation from French Snowboard film "1000 Miles".

Police have named the man who fell to his death on a popular South island mountain yesterday in condition say to have been "quite icy".

Basti Rittig cemented his name in snowboard history by setting a new world record for the longest rail slide ever completed. The rail was custom built, over a meter high, a single round bar and 84 meters long. A rail so long that the riders’ bases were literally melting, due to friction.

There are high hopes for snow on Mt Ruapehu this weekend. Some forecasters have predicted up to 30cm of snow will fall.

Jane Jeffries looks forward to ski season at the North Island's great mountain.

Four new snow groomers worth $2 million are busy at Cardrona Alpine Resort preparing the field for an earlier than usual June 13 opening.

In this video, which was made to celebrate a snowboarder’s adorable daughter’s third birthday, a man proves that he just may be the coolest dad of all time.

Growing self-belief drives disabled skier to lift his sights higher.

If imitation is indeed the best form of flattery, then New Zealand elite sport is in a good space. New Zealand's high performance sporting systems are catching the eye, with delegations from across the globe visiting this country to watch.

Much of New Zealand will be happy to see the last of the winter weather but not those on Mt Ruapehu.

Reaching the peak is easy when you have snowshoes, discovers Andrew Louis.

The centre of Hokkaido delivers family-friendly service and plenty of snow, finds Kelly Lynch.

Snowmen, snowball fights and skiing: Children won't forget their first experience of playing in fresh snow, writes Liam Dann.

A heavy snowfall at Mt Ruapehu has given skiers a chance to enjoy some of the best conditions in years.

About 45,000 people will inject an estimated $57 million into the Queenstown economy over the next 10 days during the 2014 Queenstown Winter Festival, which opened with a bang last night.

Glenn Cullen skis down steep slopes and dreams of what Porters could become with a bit of work.

A quartet of excited teenagers camped out under picnic tables overnight to earn the bragging rights of enjoying New Zealand's first snow powder this year.

The original French Alpine retreat has much appeal for the modern snowboard and ski traveller, writes Adam Ruck.