Snowboarding in style.

• Position: What's New? Winter Gear & Food Fest - Brief Article

* If you're planning on going snowboarding this winter, there are three S's to keep in mind--safety, style, and, of course, snow. The Burton Snowboard Company, Burlington, Vt., can't do anything about the latter, but sure can guarantee that, when you find it, you can attack it safely and stylishly.

The first requisite, naturally, is the board, and Burton has raised the ante with the ultracool Junkyard ($149.99). The key is elevating the board a few inches above the snow with a truck system much like that found on a skateboard, set wider than the snowboard itself. This allows the rider to let his or her toes and heels overhang the top deck, giving greater maneuverability for turns and stopping. Meanwhile, the truck design lets the subdeck pivot, increasing control. A traction mat mounted with 3M adhesive backing deters the feet from sliding on the board (or off it), again increasing control, and, should board and rider separate, a leash that mounts directly to the truck and attaches to an ankle keeps the board from disappearing downhill without the rider.

Now that you're properly equipped, the next step is to look stylish while staying warm. Burton's outerwear does a superb job of this, starting with the AK 3L jacket ($429.95) for men and women. The Gore-Tex XCR 3L fabric is waterproof, but breathable, allowing wearers to keep warm and dry without overheating. A hood is contoured to mold the head, with built-in stretch panels that take the hassle out of getting it on or off. Stretch panels in the shoulders permit full mobility, without binding one's movement as many ski jackets do. The AK 3-Layer Vent Pants to match ($279.95) are made from the same Gore-Tex fabric, with thigh vents to prevent overheating and contoured kick panels to ensure leg mobility. A wide range of color combinations are available, incorporating modish charcoal grays, blacks, and bottle greens along with bright yellow, orange, and red.

Adding safety to the experience can be accomplished without sacrificing style, and it all starts with the Ion Socket SI boot ($299.95). The socket technology performs like a boot within a boot, allowing the...