Weather Wise: Deep Freeze Male

Outerwear

Down is the ultimate weapon against subzero temps. But puffy coats can lack breathability and be cumbersome on the slopes. Not so with the racing-inspired Phenix Norwegian Team down jacket ($495). The down keeps you warm on the lift-as does the padded back panel in the insulated Salopette pants ($360)-while Diaplex, a membrane that adjusts to temperature changes, dissipates heat when you’re cranking turns. phenix.com

Base layer

Combat cold days with ancient wisdom: Layer with wool. Icebreaker uses New Zealand Merino wool in the thin, breathable Rock Zip ($119). The half-zip helps with ventilation, while the thumbholes prevent sleeves from bunching up. The no-bulk Strider ($75) layers well under insulated pants. And unlike some synthetic base layers, the wool Strider won’t reek after you wear it. icebreaker.com

Goggles

Cold and gloomy, or cold and clear? Either way, the Zeal Link ($130) has got you covered. Its lens is photo-chromatic (the tint adjusts to match light conditions) and polarized (treated to reduce glare), and its generous coverage protects your skin. zealoptics.com

Helmet

Known for its cycling-inspired snow helmets, Giro ventures into the realm of full-coverage lids with the Talon ($110), which U.S. alpine racing ace Daron Rahlves helped design. For you, more coverage means not only serious protection, but also more warmth on frigid days. giro.com

Gloves Combine goose down with a waterproof, windproof, breathable Gore-Tex insert and you get one toasty glove. Introduce the Gordini Da Gore Goose ($80) to the harshest weather you can find-this combination won’t let you, um, down. gordini.com

Sept 2004