Outerwear

The thing about skiing and snowboarding is that you need snow. And snow is cold, often wet, and frequently seen in the company of a howling wind. Don't misunderstand - we're not saying that's a bad thing; we LOVE snow. We just think you're better off staying warm and dry when on the mountain. To that end, we've assembled a complete lineup of this year's best - and most stylish - outerwear.

When choosing clothing for skiing or boarding, remember that you need freedom of movement. These are athletic activities, and clothing specifically designed for these sports allows the range of motion you'll need. They are also reinforced in critical areas and offer technical features that can make your favorite sport more enjoyable, and even safer.

Improvements in fabric technology are changing the way many alpine enthusiasts dress for their sport. The traditional layered approach, with its hard shell/insulation layer/wicking layer structure, is still alive and kicking - and for good reason. In extreme conditions, it provides excellent protection.

But today's soft shells use fabrics that are wind resistant, provide excellent water resistance, and are much more breathable than a hard shell. While not completely waterproof, they offer thermal protection in most conditions and their breathable fabrics are much more comfortable during extended periods of strenuous activity.

When you do need a completely waterproof outer layer, the newest materials are also lighter, more breathable, and many are stretch-woven for easy movement. You'll find jackets and pants that keep out the snow, have venting to cool you off when needed, and offer plenty of easy-access storage.

We also have everything else you'll need before heading out to confront Mother Nature, including base layers, gloves, goggles, headwear and helmets. So when you're ready to gear up, we've got the goods.

Ski Barn Has Been Certified "America's Best" by the Masterfit University Bootfitter Training Centers.