Finding the right pair of ski pants can be a high maintenance project. You want stylish, but not obnoxious. Baggy, but not too baggy. Technical, but not nerdy. Salomon's Sideways Bib takes the hassle out finding the right pair of pants because, well, they're probably exactly what you're looking for.

WHAT IT IS:
Designed with input from big-mountain skier Cody Townsend, Salomon's Sideways Bib is a straight approach to ski pants that put up with long, harsh winter environments. "The main requirement was keeping all snow out of your pants," said Townsend, who wore the Sideways Bib every day last winter. "No one likes to deal with a wet butt. Good pants keep your butt dry. If you tomahawk down something, it's nice not to feel a gallon of snow down your pants." With a removable bib, you're in control over how much snow protection you want. Zip it off when you're stomping park tricks all day or keep it attached when you're floating through blower pow. Deep chest pockets are perfect for stashing an energy bar without it freezing, and soft Velcro suspenders allow for quick adjustments on the fly.

WHY IT RULES:
The Sideways Bib is functional without the goofy gimmicks. Rather than slap on a reinforced lining to the bottom of the pants to prevent the cuffs from shredding apart, Salomon constructed a "snow-free lining" solution. Rip open the Velcro strap on the cuff and shake away the snow that has collected inside your cuffs. No, it's not groundbreaking technology, but it's straightforward and it works. Using a woven construction of three-layer performance fabrics called ClimaPro Storm, the Sideways Bib is held together by a stretchy lining on the inside for ultimate mobility and a waterproof membrane on the outside to shield out rough weather. "They're comfortable because they're hanging off your shoulders and not tight on your waist," said Townsend. "They have a nice freedom of movement, as opposed to a tight, three-layer Gore-Tex that can be restrictive." And in Salomon's case, freedom can be had in sizes up to 4XL.

WHERE TO FIND IT:
The Sideways Bib will drop this fall in shops across the Northern Hemisphere. Visit www.salomonsports.com to find a retailer near you.