McLean, VA. (Winter 2002-03) -- Snowboard clothing has come a long way from the days of dark, drab colors and baggy designs. As snowboarders have switched from their all-cotton sweatshirts to high-tech fabrics, their know-how of what works has expanded as well. And they have come to appreciate technology and style in their clothing.

In fact, riders are now leading the pack in the winter sports world's apparel trends. The focus on function that defines snowboard clothing has become the model for most snow sports clothing. Because snowboarders tend to be "dialed in," many pieces come with communications pockets for cell phones, walkie-talkies, compact disc players and the like.

Function, fabric, fit and fun are just some of the "F words" that describe next year's crop of snowboard apparel, according to SnowSports Industries America (SIA), the national, not-for-profit trade association that represents snow sports manufacturers. And you better keep your eye on what's happening because it seems that wherever snowboard-oriented trends go, so goes the snow sports industry.

Now it's almost standard to find snowboard clothing with waterproof-breathable fabrics, waterproof zippers, venting that goes way beyond pit zips, and lots of strategic use of stretch fabric and insulation. For many riders, clothing needs to be more versatile than for skiers, since they are more physically active, jumping and hiking the pipe for example, rather than just making downhill runs.

For the same reason, the layering concept is especially important for riders, and most companies that make snowboard clothing make inner and middle layers as well as outerwear. Today's smart riders know that the most expensive shell won't work that well if they're wearing only a cotton undershirt underneath. Luckily, there are a variety of layers designed to wick moisture away from the skin and to keep users warm and dry.

Yet prices remain surprisingly reasonable considering the degree of technical refinements. Most snowboard companies are aware that many of their customers are young and unwilling to spend the kind of money some skiers will drop on an outfit. So snowboard clothing tends to provide a relatively big bang for the buck. For under $300, riders can get a Gore-Tex jacket (from Sessions), while around $250 still gets a waterproof-breathable jacket with plenty of bells and whistles.

Snowboard Apparel Highlights for Winter 2002-03

Helly Hansen: Symbolic of what is happening with snow sliding apparel, Helly Hansen divides next year's line by where you slide, not what you slide on. The Epic series includes a lightweight, durable collection of shells, stretch-woven jackets and pants for those who hike, sled or heli into the backcountry to access the most demanding terrain in any weather conditions. All garments in this category feature Helly Tech 10 three-ply fabric for absolute storm protection. The jackets are designed with double storm flaps and rain gutters around the front zipper to block out wind and moisture. Four mesh-lined vents and hybrid linings are standard in every jacket along with wider gusseted cuffs to allow for greater airflow during long hikes.

Treeline jackets and pants are for aggressive riders who seek big air and big lines off piste and in the pipe and park at local resorts. The garments are designed to take a beating from big falls with two-ply Helly Tech 5 waterproof/breathable fabric. Treeline apparel comes in brighter colors and bolder designs for high visibility in front of friends and the camera lens. Treeline garments keep the snow out and allow fresh air in to better regulate body temperature with standard double storm flaps on the zips, mesh-lined vents and Airflex gaiters in the powder skirt, wrists and ankles.

The Cruiser collection targets snowboarders who prefer taking high-speed laps on the groomers. The collection features affordable waterproof garments with insulation and ventilation designed for quick changes in activity, from hard carving to sitting on a chairlift. The garments are constructed with durable nylon with an advance coating. Critical seams are taped in all the pieces to ensure waterproofness. The attractive jackets are finished with adjustable cuffs, hems and hoods to provide an effective storm seal.

The trend-leading Remix lifestyle garments are fresh and young-at-heart, with a range of shells, funky down pieces, anoraks, full-zip fleeces, bonded micro-fleeces, boiled wool sweaters and hooded tops that look amazing and feel pleasingly different.

Betty Rides: This brand offers clothing designed specifically for females. There are three categories for women and a new collection for girls, ages 5-14. Elements is a group for younger girls, with styles that look as good at school as they do on the slopes. The All-Mountain group is a more technical collection, with pieces that offer a higher degree of water repellency than Elements. The Lab Series is even more technical, with lightweight, soft fabrics that are fully seamed for the ultimate in waterproofness.

Burton: Burton has never made anything specifically for skiers, although there are plenty of skiers who wear Burton clothing. For one thing, the pioneer company is always on the cutting edge, while maintaining its appeal to mainstream riders of all ages and tastes. Typical of its forward thinking, Burton has teamed with W.L. Gore to incorporate the newest insulation technology: Airvantage Adjustable Insulation. The idea is a jacket liner that can be inflated for warmth with two puffs into a tube. Far less bulky than down, even when inflated, the air pockets trap heat for those times when riders need extra warmth. And when the temperatures aren't so harsh, the jacket is a smooth fitting shell. Burton will incorporate Airvantage into the Ronin Katana for men and Radar Type Z for women next season.

Burton has also taken its one-seam Continuum construction a step further. Last year, the company came out with a jacket that had only one seam and was built "origami" style. This year, it introduces the first jacket with no sewn seams, according to Greg Dacyshyn, Burton's soft goods director. The company uses a welding technique to make the AK Continuum Fused. "It's a really interesting aesthetic," says Dacyshyn, "with no stitching." The seam is "welded," so there are no stitch lines and the jacket is also lighter.

Electronics integration, a fancy term for pockets to hold all the music and communication gadgets one could ever want, continues to evolve. Many of Burton's pieces have jacket/pants interfaces, hydration system compatability and standard high-end touches one expects from Burton.

Archive Influence is Burton's way of saying "retro" which is a big styling influence for next season, going back to the '50s, '60s, '70s and '80s. And while the pieces may look reminiscent of a parent's gear, they incorporate technology that was unavailable back in those days. The military look continues to influence styles, as does streetwear. Dacyshyn describes the Ronin line as "renegade Samurai" and says superheroes and "old school sci-fi influence" are also evident. He uses various fabrics that are chosen specifically to complement a particular style.

Like several other manufacturers, Burton is incorporating some bright colors to complement earth tones. "It's either dark or very bright," says Dacyshyn. "There's nothing middle of the road." Brights include orange, an almost-neon yellow, purple, and pistachio green. There is also a beautiful copper, which falls somewhere between bright and dark, and more prints than have been seen previously.

Bonfire: Bonfire (owned by Salomon) is another time-tested name in snowboard clothing, with pieces aimed to cover the diversity of today's riders, including all genders and ages. Women's pieces get varied insulation features, different pocket placement and other details specific for female riders. Kids get tricked out with waist adjustments and walkie-talkie, no-drop pockets. For the coming year, Bonfire's Mountain series of outerwear is divided into five groups: XLT, Kinetic, Fusion, Optic and ISL.

XLT is a lightweight series with no bells or whistles. Kinetic provides advanced technology with a new look and features eVENT two- and three-layer fabric, flex zones, removable hoods, full seam sealing and adjustable powder skirts. Fusion, the core of Bonfire, is the largest offering ­ a mix of value, performance, looks and features. Optic provides Bonfire protection with new textured and printed fabrics and different insulation options. ISL is fully insulated with Primaloft, a high waterproof protection, numerous features and fresh looking styles.

Salomon/Second Skin: Salomon doesn't make snowboard clothing, but its new Second Skin technology and apparel with its youthful, innovative looks will surely attract riders. "With the launch of Advanced Skin last year, Salomon successfully introduced a young, innovative apparel line that stands apart from the traditional outdoor apparel crowd," explains Troy Ballard, director of soft goods for Salomon North America. "In year two, we've refined the line and added progressive design elements while maintaining the technical performance that people expect from Salomon."

Designed for the ultimate freeride athlete, Salomon apparel continues to mesh highly innovative engineering with contemporary flair. The Soft Technical Layer is a highly breathable soft-shell collection of jackets and pants that feature innovative Swiss-made Schoeller WB-400 fabrics. First Skin has an expanded collection of base layer clothing featuring X-static, an innovative fiber with antibacterial properties that reduces odor retention. Extended First Skin has a collection of clothing featuring Windstopper Next To Skin that provides versatility and convenience previously unavailable in technical apparel. Advanced Skin Shell System provides the ultimate all-weather solution for the 10 percent of the time freeriders need a fully waterproof outer layer. Voice features functional sweatshirts, tops, jackets, pants and skirts and offers a technical layering alternative with smooth lines and a soft feel that are driven by performance elements.

Salomon's color palette for next winter is striking, with creative names. It ranges from space (black), hide (tan/khaki/yellow mix), cerulean (bluish/gray) and stratos (navy blue), to the brighter cane (white), 1976 (deep red, named after the best year in France for Bordeaux wine), hot dog (bright mustard yellow) and methanol (electric blue). In the new line, Salomon also introduces a new print derived from satellite photographs of New York City named, l-blend.

Arc'teryx: Another company to jump on the "soft" bandwagon is Arc'teryx, a Canadian company recently acquired by Salomon, which is introducing Gore-Tex Soft Tech fabric technology in four jackets. The new textile features a 100-percent brushed poly liner, creating a soft flannel-like interior. The fabric has a soft hand feel, a feature previously not possible in any three-layer laminated textile. New construction techniques reduce weight by 15-20 percent. The collection will include two high performance styles and two street styles.

The high performance jackets, one with a hood and one without, feature, among other things, adjustable powder skirts, micro seam allowances, narrow seam tape, top-stitchless sewing and laminated zippers. The street styles will also come in hooded and hoodless, with many of the features of the high performance jackets but providing versatility for both on- and off-mountain activities. The color palette runs from lead (gray), to ocean (blue), to citrus (yellow). The jackets are part of Arc'teryx's Descent line, and also includes pants, shirts and pullovers.

And if you don't think of Arc'teryx as a snowboard company, consider this: they just signed superstar Morgan Lafonte. Other team riders include Rob Morrow, Adam Hostetter and Olympic Gold Medallist Ross Rebagliati. Nike ACG: Nike ACG's three new levels of Storm-FIT are designed for a multitude of snow sports. Textiles range from lightweight, high-tenacity ripstop nylon suited for mountaineering, to three-layer fabric interlaced with stretch for added mobility to garments with added body for days on the lift and in the pipe. Adjustability and convertability features adapt to rapidly changing environments.

By definition, Storm-FIT unites an ultra-fine microfiber polyester with a breathable coating to provide total protection from water and wind. Strategically located stretch fabric gives Nike ACG's weather-beating shells and jackets extra mobility. Women's silhouettes employ seams, rather than darting, for flattering shaping, and garments are articulated wherever advantageous for added mobility. Pants feature new adjustability straps at the waist for a more customized fit. Powder skirts with stretch keep the snow out. Colors are more tonal and not as bright as in past seasons, according to Nike's Nate Tobecksen. "There are a lot of color-blocking, athletic looks," he says.

Four Square: Four Square has integrated advanced technology into its new TFS series, including 30,000mm waterproofing, fully taped seams, waterproof zippers and extensive venting. This series is for the hard-core rider who is out in all conditions and wants to get the most out of their time on snow. The FS group offers lightweight versatility, with zip-in liners, advanced vents, 20,000mm waterproofing and fully taped seams. The TS series is light, waterproof and breathable, while the HS collection is a heavyweight group in warmth and features. Described as the most versatile system in the entire Four Square collection, the RSL series provides lightweight insulation and 5,000mm waterproofing. The LS and RS groups are basic, simple and affordable.

Special Blend/Four Star Distribution: Special Blend introduces a new, mid-price series called Delta, featuring an ultra-lightweight 2.5 layer laminated fabric, 5,000mm waterproofing with 8,000 grams of breathability, custom contrast ripstop fabric, a new hood design and closure system and a number of other features. The Vertex series has been reengineered, with the same 2.5-layer fabric and heavy-duty waterproof protection. The Zenith group is highly waterproof using an advanced three-layer fabric and sophisticated venting. Meridian is a versatile series with excellent waterproofing and lots of bells and whistles. Special Blend also has an insulated collection called Eclipse, the Compass series, and several collections for women and youth.

Spyder: Spyder targets youth (or those with a youthful attitude) with its Venom line. Venom has three categories, each designed for the needs of a specific type of rider. For those who need ultra waterproof, super lightweight outerwear, Spyder offers the Big Mountain group. The Freeride collection is for riders who spend time all over the mountain and prefer a more heavily insulated piece. The Park series offers shells with venting for those who play in parks and pipes.

Spyder continues to focus on strategically placing the right fabrics in key areas for better performance. For example, lighter weight fabrics are placed under the arms for less bulk, while abrasion-resistant fabrics are added in areas that take more abuse. Stretch fabrics are designed into underarm and crotch areas, because they demand a large range of motion in trick moves. Likewise, weatherproof zippers are used intelligently, such as on vents, where quick access is needed. Communications pockets continue to be of importance and are standard on all Venom jackets.

The design trend is toward interesting color-blocking options. Asymmetrical looks and overlapping blocks that have a "puzzle piece" effect will be strong in Spyder's 2002 line. Spyder takes its direction from urban street influences, while Venom team riders provide testing and input on features and functions. Bold colors, such as detour orange, deep red, yield yellow and Spyder's signature reflex blue will be paired with neutrals to pull together the look. New hues of standard colors, such as turf green and skyline blue, will be added to the color palette.

Sessions: At Sessions, significant price drops for high-end Gore-Tex and creative new ventilation are the big news, according to CEO Joel Gomez. A Gore-Tex jacket previously priced at $399 will drop to $299 for next season, making it competitive with many other manufacturers' non-Gore-Tex jackets, he said. The company also has expanded its use of vents in almost all its clothing, with what Gomez calls "flow-through ventilation." For next season, shapes are a little smaller and closer to the body, he said. Colors are toned down and there are more solid colors. Sessions looks to its pro riders for inspiration and has signature pieces for them, including legendary rider Jamie Lynn.

Cold As Ice: Cold As Ice has remained true to its roots as a women's company. For next year, colors are a mix of neutrals with splashes of bright. Designs are inspired by the mountains and the riders. Shapes will be sleek, simplified and streamlined, according to CEO/designer Darcy Lee. The company will debut a signature collection for pro rider Tricia Byrnes called Envy; other collections are Truth, Desire and Vanity.

Waterproof-breathable fabric, ultra-thin insulation, sealed seams and critical vent placement are all incorporated. Colors include pearl, platinum, navy and sterling, along with luscious sounding sapphire, port, emerald and goldspun. New this year, Cold As Ice offers a technical line of gloves and mittens. Cold As Ice also makes base layers, a separate line of clothing for girls called Stardust, and a line called Sacred, which has two new collections: Trekking and Sportlite. The latter is designed to meet the needs of the female outdoor enthusiast who has either a large or small body type.

Quiksilver: Heavy Weather, Performance Plus, Endurance and X-Series are Quiksilver's four outerwear groups. The Heavy Weather pieces address truly serious weather conditions. This season, Quiksilver and WL Gore team up for the first time to produce innovative high-end Gore-Tex jackets and pants. Other pieces feature a three-layer program. Performance Plus garments have a 10,000mm waterproof rating, fully taped seams and a strategically placed unique stretch fabric that enhances mobility. The Endurance Series is the most sensible and desirable, according to the company. With a waterproof rating of 5000mm, Endurance offers a wide variety of features including strategic seam sealing, powder skirts, venting and detachable hoods. X-Series provides the value conscious rider with exactly what they need to stay warm and dry.

Quiksilver's women's division, Roxy, offers the same series for women with features that make the products female-rider friendly. These include: removable hoods; strategic mesh lined venting; removable fleece neck gaiter and collar cinching; advanced powder skirts to pant connection system; and side cinching on jackets. Roxy's exclusive audio enhancement containment system, key clips, watch windows, Lycra cuffs, D-rings, clear pass holders and goggle squeegees are just some of the other features Roxy sprinkles throughout the outerwear collection.

RLX Polo Sport: Inspiration for the RLX Polo Sport's new snow sports collection came from vintage military garments found in the Ralph Lauren archives. Influences of this look, combined with a sense of modernity and technical performance, can be found throughout the line. The RLX PST (personal safety technology) category features the Impactor collection. Co-developed with the Italian motorcycle protection innovators Dainese, the Impactor Shell jacket and pant offer reinforced impact protection for snowboarders.

RLX also categorizes its offerings by where riders go. The RLX Mountain Parka and Mountain pant, made with two-layer XCR Gore-Tex and insulated with Primaloft are great for lift-served skiing. The Majober Parka and Majober pant, made with RLX's two-layer waterproof, windproof and breathable Aleutian nylon fabric, are designed for in-bounds and off-piste sliding. The Bigelow Jacket and Bigelow pant feature an innovative multiple pocket design, and give all-mountain and terrain-park riders all the protection, and stowage, they need.

The North Face: The 2002-03 snow sports line for The North Face features Hyvent technology. The men's and women's Radix Jacket, designed and created for lift access and all weather downhill days, has a detachable, fully adjustable helmet hood and hood stow pocket, two core venting pockets, gripper powder skirt, pass and ID pocket, sleeve stay thumb loops, goggle pouch and chamois, electronic stow pocket, hydration capability and functional abrasion shielding Schoeller fabric. The EXP pant and women's Radix pant complement the Radix Jacket with aggressive styling and abrasion-resistant fabric.

The fresh look of the women's and men's Freeride collection integrates old school functionality with modern style. The women's Luna Acclimate offers adjustable insulating options. Loaded with the same features as the Radix Jacket, this flattering piece comes with a lightweight fleece jacket zipped inside. The women's Lilou Jacket and men's XLR8R Jacket are two-layer jackets that allow the rider to stay dry, feel comfortable and look hardcore. The men's and women's Freeride Bibs and Pants have ankle zips, thigh ventilator, two hand pockets, built-in suspenders and a cash and card chest pocket.

***SIA*** SnowSports Industries America (SIA) is the national, not-for-profit, member-owned trade association that represents snow and winter sports outdoor companies. SIA produces the SIA SnowSports Show, the largest trade show and gathering place for the snow sports industry. Proceeds from the SnowSports Show fund market development programs for all snow sport disciplines. SIA also annually produces more than a dozen industry research studies. For more information, check out www.snowlink.com. SnowSports Industries America, 8377-B Greensboro Drive, McLean, VA 22102-3587. Phone: (703) 556-9020, Fax: (703) 821-8276, Email: siamail@snowsports.org.

— Posted by Ari Cheren, MountainZone.com Gear Editor