I am participating in the figure campaign and need to build a base, specifically a winter base. How should I go about doing this? The figure I am using is the Warriors US Infantryman ETO 1944-45 found here - http://www.redlancers.com/displaypic.asp?item=11923&hot=

Any and all suggestions/hints are welcome. Oh, and I haven't really done a base before.

MDF (Medium Density Fibre Board) makes for a stable platform. No warpage or wood movement to have to worry about. It can be painted to look like any material you want, from marble to wood.

I use celluclay mixed with plaster for ground material. Just before it sets up I add my rocks, grass etc. For snow I spray down the surface with a white glue and water mix and then sprinkle on baking soda. Makes nice snow. Ice can be made with wax, resin, glue, etc. Depending on what type of winter scene you want to use the above works pretty well. Cold bare rocky ground, or fluffy snow.

Good luck

Faust did an excellent article on his winter submission called "Distraction"... very nice work, and the article (see link below) goes into quite a bit of excellent depth on creating the winter look you are asking about.

https://armorama.kitmaker.net//features/142