The question is simple - Is there one system of clothing that will work for all skiing ventures?
I cant seem to find it if it exists.
From deep powder days in February to huck a lung adventures in April, I have come to the conclusion that one needs two separate but relatively simple systems to make it all work. After 15 years in outdoor retail, I have had ample spoilage and count myself lucky to have tried most of the offerings as far as fabrics, designs and manufacturers. I value simplicity in design, functionality and versatility above all. Here for you, dear reader are my thoughts on the ideal clothing systems for skiing..
For mid-winter cold powder/storm skiing I have gravitated to this set up:
patagonia powder bowl pants: gore performance shell fabric sets the stage and does the job in terms of waterproofness and comfort while setting mid storm up-tracks in the higher water content snow of rogers pass and the coast. Kneeling down or getting serious in a snow profile pit is also fine. Generous side vents allow heat dumping and a small pocket on the thigh allows room for a hat or light gloves. Heavy duty but light armor.
patagonia knifeblade pullover: Polartec powershield pro is a new fabric from malden mills which I used for about 40 days last year in this jacket. Ski touring, mixed and waterfall ice climbing in the rockies - It went the rounds. What I did like is the almost complete windproofness of the fabric (99%) but actually surprising breathability and waterproofness. I found I could break trail or be in a fast cadence for much longer than if I were wearing a hard shell. Not as breathable as traditional softshells that is certain, this fabric is trying to strike the middle ground. Even in wet conditions, I can leave the hard shell at home and rely on the KB for most 'full conditions" scenarios. One big mentione is that I have not had the "flashing" (frozen condensation on the inside of the jacket) that happens with hardshells in cold weather.
Minimalism is patagonia's trademark and I have always been drawn to this brand on account of my bias towards that philosophy. Now that I work for patagonia, it is hard to say that while sounding credible but the facts remain the same.
large coil YKK main zipper for durability, high stitch count.
high denier shell fabric, now recyclable for F11. Side vent and pocket, articulated knees.For spring skiing the system changes dramatically as the temperature through the day varies and a penchant for early starts is preferable, as are huge days, lots of movement and hopefully powder, sunshine and alpine perfection. For these reasons and others, I have settled on a 100% softshell system:
patagonia houdini: This is the best jacket I have ever bought, very versatile. Steve House used one on Nanga Parbat with the subtext; "it doesnt rain at 20,000 feet". Well I have used this in the rain and its not perfect however for spring squalls, light drizzle and even heavy snowfall - it excels. Especially if you can find the gray area between high aerobic output and snow precip rate, which in itself is enough to keep the light fabric from wetting out and ultimately failing. It packs in your pocket.
patagonia alpine guide pant: Great 4 way stretch and comfort for aerobic endeavors with lots of daylight involved. Superb DWR and a simple gaiter to keep snow out. I prefer these in the spring due to the higher possibility of long bootpacks, crampon donning and most important, added over all comfort and breathability over hardshells.
patagonia R1 hoody: Over 12 years I have had 3 of these R1 pieces in different cuts, patagonia's lightest weight tech fleece. It accompanies me on every trip I do, from summer climbing to riding the wire at lake louise and everything in between. This thing gets a lot of hang time. The hood makes a lot of sense under a climbing helmet or as a sleeping hood for winter camping. The R1 waffled fabric creates a tremendous warmth/weigh ratio and the fit is legendary. 
Missing: A DAS Parka always accompanies winter missions of all brands, as do the usual hat/mitt/toque counterparts. I would usually bring a super light waterproof jacket for descents and unexpected storms. Also I would typically wear Capilene 2 (patagonias most breathable underwear) next to skin top and bottom or if day tripping or hut trips, the lightest wool I can get (patagonia wool 1 is great!) . For longer duration trips involving winter camping, wool is not a great performing fabric and retains 70% of its own weight in water (sweat)- bottom line is if I am going hard for an objective and am worried about not being able to dry my base layer at home or in a hut, I am choosing synthetic. This was a lesson learned the hard way!I hope your clothing keeps you warm and dry this winter as you search for powder and ice!
