SNOW AND EASY

Once the uniform of daring parachutists, the one-piece jump suit is now making a lot of soft landings in deep snow. This versatile garment provides for comfort and freedom which is greatly appreciated by skiers who are tired of pulling down tight stretch pants—or using suspenders to hold baggy pants up. Best of all, the one-piece construction means fewer gaps for icy winds and fluffy snow. This year's wind-and-powder suits, as shown on the slopes of Snowbird (Utah) and Jackson Hole (Wyo.), come in a wide variety of fabrics and styles, including lightweight cotton poplin (blended with polyester and nylon) and nylon shells for mild days that can be combined with vest, parka or thermal underwear when the mercury drops. And for those skiers who just can't decide what to put on, there are reversibles—two jump suits for the price of one.

Set to ski Snowbird are (from left): Dave Sorge in Gore-Tex from CB Sports ($250), Mike Hughes in nylon by Head's Number One Sun ($114), Dann Coffey and Clifford Lee in mesh-lined suits from Serac ($145).

Ski Instructor Nancy Thoreson (top, left) admires the view from the 11,000-foot mark on Hidden Peak, the highest skiable point at Snowbird, in a poplin-finish nylon suit from Head ($195). Also at Snowbird, Julie Holman (left) leans with the landscape in a starred cap, pink vest with pouch pocket in back ($73) and nylon suit ($107)—all from Number One Sun Ski by Head.

David Malcolm Campbell (above) throws some snow as he skis the moguls at Snowbird in the men's version of the Lescan powder suit ($140). His reversible vest is wool on one side, poplin on the other ($96). Caber's BioSystem boot ($175) was designed by orthopedic surgeon/skier Dr. Joel Eisenberg. The Scott racing pole ($45) has a point-less platform basket.

These unadorned suits from Bogner-America show how skiwear can be simple, beautiful and warm—all at the same time. Lynnae Davis' creamy cotton-blend powder suit (above) has a furry collar, detachable hood and lots of insulation to keep her toasty ($360). Nancy shines in a chocolate nylon that is lined with plush acrylic plaid ($295).

Both Rosanne Shaughnessy (above) and Diane Reebie (right) wear Italian reversibles by Colmar. Rosanne's tricolor poplin suit turns to navy ($300) and Diane's shiny satin to a navy cotton ($375).

At Snowbird, U.S. Ski Team member Vicki Fleckenstein (below) reflects on the beauties of the Wasatch Mountains. She wears an airy-light nylon suit with cargo pockets from HCC for Andre Noel ($195).

This comely threesome, top to bottom, Vicki, Nancy and Claudia Hamada-Mueller, keeps cool in Head's warm-weather ski-wear—colorful nylon-shell pullovers ($65) that can be worn under or over unlined nylon overalls ($79). The pants legs have pockets and can be rolled up and fastened to catch the early spring rays.

Caught in a spring snow shower at Snowbird's Peruvian Gulch, Lynnae almost whites out in her hooded nylon wind shirt ($115) and a voluminous—but ultralight—nylon parka quilted at the shoulders with Dacron Holofil ($230). Not shown are matching quilted gaiters ($60). All garments from HCC America for Andre Noel.

Julie (above) heads for the hills in Roffe's cotton-blend suit ($200) with a Smiley hat and neckerchief from Karen Dahlgard of Demetre. Above right, The Line's gaiters ($45) match unlined suits and parkas. Leonard of Paris says it with flowers; a bouquet of accessories accompanies Diane's suit ($750) and vest ($360).

SIXTEEN PHOTOS

HEINZ KLUETMEIER