Winter didn’t show in most parts of the country for 2011-2012, but it seems to be coming on strong this year. Now consumers are likely wondering – what should I wear? SnowSports Industries America (SIA) spent the past six months hosting seminars, attending fashion shows and line presentations, while studying the snow sports industry’s latest trends to give consumers a heads up on the latest fashions for the slopes and streets during the wintery months ahead. For more trends, or to locate a retailer and/or specific brand, consumers can go to SIA’s website: Snowlink.com.

Apparel A luxe note will be found in many styles this winter, catering to women’s sense of individual style. Consumers will see metallic accents, fur trim and non-traditional snow sports fabrics, such as denim and ultra-suede. Brighter colors in pants have taken over for basic black with pop colors such as green, purple and bright blue in women’s outerwear. For the kids – electric pastels for girls and bright patterns for boys will be strong trends this season.

Snowboard apparel will reflect a nature-inspired and hunting-themed color palette featuring muted jewel tone accents and camouflage. Consumers can also expect to see menswear-influenced fabrics in patterns such as plaid, corduroy and tweed; workwear-inspired and military uniform styles are also going to be popular this season. Women can expect to see a more tailored fit in their snowboard outerwear with urban-centric trends, along with plenty of bright color statements.

To address the growing number of riders who want outerwear to appear more like streetwear, many brands are blending street style with technical features and fabrics in their hoodies, flannels and lightweight shells.

Consumers will also see many varieties of the puffy jacket with technical aspects including lightweight compressible, water and tear resistant qualities and traditional down combined with high-tech materials to prevent over-heating.

Find the trends outlined on Snowlink.com

Accessories Hats Big trends in hats will include slouchy beanies with full-fleece lining, providing style on the outside but technical function on the inside. Brimmed hats for women and oversized pom-pom hats, which have been popular for a couple seasons, will continue as well. Multifunction hats will also be popping up, which double as a neck warmer and a hat.

Goggles/Sunglasses Goggle companies are rolling out all the stops when it comes to integrating data storage and display technology, while providing better goggle and helmet compatibility.Sunglasses will feature popping colors and better eye protection. New lens and fit technologies continue to surface, helping drive the category; metal frames, specifically aviator versions, will continue to stay strong into 2013.

Gloves/Mittens Manufacturers of mittens and gloves are incorporating many new technologies, melding fabrics and improving touch-screen technologies for electronic use.

Baselayers Snow sports enthusiasts are always looking for new baselayers in fun, bright colors and prints. Sweater-designed baselayers are bringing back vintage ski style and everyday lifestyle pieces have double-duty technical features.