An ideal ensemble to get you off the ground

Hat
Tightly woven nylon shell blocks skull-chilling wind, thin fleece band inside insulates.

Goggles
Double lens fights fog. Smith's miniature fan draws air through lower vents, across the lens, and out the top like a car's defroster.

Poles
Telescoping design lets you adjust length for different pursuits: long for snowshoeing, short for alpine skiing, shorter still for strapping to a pack. Similarly, interchangeable baskets let you use one set of poles for resort hardpack and backcountry crud alike. Life-Link's ovalized shaft keeps the two halves from slipping.

Gloves
One-handed cuff-closure seals out snow. Gordini's temperature-controlling Outlast insulation absorbs and releases heat to keep your hands constantly between 90 and 92 degrees. Seriously.

Parka
Adjustable hood won't hinder peripheral vision. Reinforced shoulders withstand abrasion from pack straps, skis, and tree branches. Vents with easy-to-grab zippers mean you'll actually use 'em.

Pants
Cordura-reinforced knees and butt keep you dry when kneeling or sitting. Elastic inner gaiter scotches snow from your boots. Built-in suspenders keep you from unwittingly dropping your drawers.

Socks
Thin so they won't cut off your circulation. Synthetic or wool to wick.

Pack
Front zippered panel allows access to anything you might want to get a hand on—with boards attached. Internal pouch separates water reservoir from gear. Da Kine's clever strap system carries either skis or snowboard.

WHERE TO FIND IT:
LIFE-LINK VARIANT COMPOSITE POLES, $140, 800-443-8620; GORDINI OUTBOUND GLOVE, $60, 800-467-3464; CLOUDVEIL ICE POINT HAT, $42, 307-734-3880; SMITH CASCADE TURBO C.A.M. GOGGLES, $170, 208-726-4477; MOONSTONE MOMENTUM TECH PARKA, $379, 800-390-3312; MARMOT TOUGH PANT, $249, 707-544-4590; FOX RIVER WICK-DRY SOCKS, $11, 800-247-1815; DA KINE POACHER PACK, $100, 541-386-3166

Photo: Charles Masters