Usually I have Bagger ban people for talking about winter and snow before Thanksgiving, but I'm starting to come to terms with living up north. You're on the right track with your practice aids. Carpet should be fine. At our local golf show, I was able to find some small pieces of artificial field turf that is really nice to chip off of. Here are a few more ideas...
http://www.lynnblakegolf.com/forum/s...ghlight=winter