Base Layers
Base layers should be some sort of synthetic midweight polypropylene long underwear. Patagonia's midweight Capilene tops in either a zip-T or crew neck are a good option for the upper body. Capilene bottoms ($45, 2010 prices) complement the uppers well. For a little more performance, as well as something that doesn't look like underwear, Marmot's DriClime Windshirt and sidezip DriClime pants ($89 each, 2010 prices), feature a wicking underwear layer and wind-resistant nylon shell for additional warmth.
Insulating Layers
Insulating layers are the mid-layer and are designed to keep you warm. Down fill jackets, synthetic fill jackets, and fleece are all good options. Patagonia's Down Sweater ($200, 2010 prices) features lightweight, warm 800-fill down and weighs 12.4 ounces. Mountain Hardwear's Nitrous Down Jacket ($220, 2010 prices) is a good layering piece that is stylish enough to wear on its own on warmer days. The North Face Zephyrus pullover is a good Primaloft synthetic-fill layering piece. Those preferring fleece can look to the Arc'teryx Strato ($175, 2010 prices) and the ever-popular North Face Denali ($165, 2010 prices).
Shell Layers
The exterior shell can be either a windproof/water resistant soft shell, which moves better with your body and is comfortable on warmer days, or a stormproof hard shell. Flylow's Chemical Pant ($270, 2010 prices) is a well-designed pant with features like articulated knees, powder cuffs at the bottom and a roomy free-ride fit, earning it Skiing Magazine's "Best in Test" award. Pair it with the Flylow Lab Coat ($350, 2010 prices) for the ultimate storm protection or the Flylow Higgins Jacket ($260, 2010 prices) for the ultimate in backcountry wear.
Marmot's time-honored Alpinist ($499, 2010 prices) has been redesigned in 2010 with a more sleek fit than the older jacket while retaining all its old bombproof design features. The Arc'Teryx Theta AR ($475, 2010 prices) is another sleek technical shell designed for the worst weather you can endure.
Other excellent ski pants include the Marmot Tamarack ($159, 2010 prices) and the Arc'Teryx Sidewinder SV ($399, 2010 prices). The Tamarack has belt loops, scuff guards and integrated gaiters. The Sidewinder has a built-in belt and thigh side zips for ventilation and scuff guards and integrated gaiters.
