WINTER STYLES Clothes for the slopes

Here's a glimpse at what the pros are wearing at three mountains with different climates, different clients, and, certainly, different fashion sensibilities:
St. Moritz, Switzerland: Prada's Freestyle Collection
The look: Prada puts the pros here in a dark blue outfit with a single red stripe on the chest to break up the color, as they do for the instructors in Megeve, France. For those in Selva di Val Gardena, Italy, however, Prada outfits them in yellow with a silver stripe. Miuccia Prada has final creative say for the ski gear just like anything else produced by the brand, but the emphasis is on the technical details, according to the company. The fashion elements are the small touches, such as leather around the zipper or fox-fur trim, which is being offered this year to consumers in the Classic Skiing Collection while they wait for the Freestyle prototypes to be fully tested.
The details: Uses a Taslan nylon fabric with padding. Prada says the parka and pant are waterproof, comfortable and breathable -- important traits for skiers who are sure to work up a sweat but then face a fast cooldown. The pros also get a lighter-weight jacket made of ripstop nylon, a fabric that Prada often uses in its fashion collections. The fastenings are waxed and heat-sealed, and drawstrings at the sleeves and legs help make the outfit fully waterproof.
What the pros like: A special pocket for a first-aid kit on the bottom of the jacket, padding on the shoulder, and an avalanche protection system -- essentially a tag in the sleeve or trouser (like that white plastic security tag that department stores use) that will allow rescuers to find lost skiers. The system produced by Recco uses harmonic radar.
What the rest of us get: The next generation of this collection -- after tweaks are made based on the ski instructors' comments -- will be sold for 2007-08.
The last word: Prada moon boots -- with a nylon base stitched in water-resistant and all-sheepskin lining -- are the must-have accessory with the Prada ensemble. What else would you wear to the lodge after the day of skiing is done?
Aspen Mountain, Colorado:RLX Ralph Lauren
The look: In the fashion world, Ralph Lauren often offers the elegant and understated alternative when fellow designers embrace bells and whistles. Same thing goes on the slopes. The uniforms created for the Aspen and Snowmass pros are just a bit more sleek and chic than what everyone else is wearing. True, the outfits might not be as fashion-forward as those on the backs of other skiers in this very style-conscious community, but they get the job done.
The details: Designers worked with Gore-Tex and others to make breathable, soft and waterproof fabrics for the outer layer. But, thanks to Ralph Lauren's fashion roots, the colors chosen could stand up to being in the sun, snow and other elements for 150 days. The company says it didn't want a red jacket in December to become a pink one by March. RLX brought soft shells to Aspen, which help keep out the wind, and they're worn with lightweight puffer insulator pieces. The multi-piece system aims to deliver flexibility regardless of the forecast.
In the middle: The overall look is intended to be carried through the layers, so RLX provides an underlayer piece made of Malden Power Stretch, which has a brushed outside, smooth inside and wicks moisture. The pros get a half-zip pullover and tights, which fit close to the body and don't add bulk.
What the rest of us get: The Aspen Instructors Jacket is a version of the pros' jacket that's available to the public. It's without the logo and offered in different color combinations. Some RLK skiwear in stores are made of lighter weight fabrics.
The last word: The inspiration for much of RLX gear is Ralph Lauren's personal car collection. Look for hints of an automobile hood, tail light or grill in the aerodynamic lines, also architect Zaha Hadid's outdoor creations, especially ski jumps.
Mount Snow, Vt.: L.L. Bean's Mountain Pro line
The look: In traditional New England, you get what looks like a traditional ski jacket. The top of the jacket, covering the upper arm, collar and chest is one color, a thin stripe of another color runs just beneath, and a third color covers the body. The instructors' color combination, for example, is silver, green and royal blue.
The details: The shell of the jacket, as well as the pants, is a waterproof and windproof Gore-Tex laminate, and all the seams are sealed to keep out wind and wet snow. Primaloft is the jacket's insulating layer. It's a synthetic version of down that maintains down's light weight, adaptability and warmth but is also moisture-resistant. (RLX also uses Primaloft, and almost all serious outerwear makers use Gore-Tex.) And, although it might seem counterintuitive, zippered vents in the armpit allow the fresh air to flow when a skier gets warm. A gentle cooldown might prevent getting cold later -- after clothes get saturated with sweat and the physical activity slows, like when you're riding the lift. The jacket also has a hood that's big enough to fit over a helmet. Why use a hood if you've got a helmet or fleece hat on? The hood prevents drafts or blowing snow from creeping down your neck.
What's underneath: A Polartec 200-weight, long-sleeve fleece jacket.
What the pros like: A Neoprene lumbar pad built into the jacket keeps the back warm and cushioned on long chair rides. And bib-style snow pants held up by suspenders eliminate a tight waistband and keep pants from sliding down when you bend over to help beginners get in their skis. The pants also are cut with articulated knees, so they're always in a sort-of bent position and will fit properly instead of pulling when skiing.
What the rest of us get: Aside from the mountain-specific color-ways, the entire Mountain Pro collection is sold to consumers via L.L. Bean's Web site or catalog.
The last word: Color blocking is a staple in ski apparel and is a prominent aesthetic component of L.L. Bean skiwear. For the pros, it's a way to be easily identified. For recreational skiers, it's a way to differentiate ski wear from the everyday outerwear you'd put on to run errands.