Snowboarders’ fun and carefree attitude tends to be mirrored through their clothing. That’s why although snowboarding itself may seem like rocket science to some of us, shopping for it shouldn’t be.

What was once just an industry recognized by pretty much one label, Burton, snowboarding now has many brands to cater to your snow-style. Not surprisingly, they are the same names that outfit surfers: BillaBong, Ripcurl, and Roxy.

Fortunately in recent years, comfort has been in the forefront of fashion and looking “scrubby” is finally “in.” Love them or hate them, Uggs have had quite a run. And jeans are pretty much the hottest thing you can wear below the waist. (Does anyone remember wearing anything else?) So it makes sense that the clothes for winter sports (skiing and snowboarding) are nothing but cool.

Lord knows the runway’s take on winter sports apparel is impractical, albeit glamorous. Designers always have fun taking snow-gear to the extreme with space-agey looks or by combining larger-than-life snow boots with micro mini skirts. High-end ski-couture has become a status

symbol, especially for Christian Dior, whose signature goggles and boots are all about flashiness and decadence. Sure it’s fun if you have the means to have a private fashion show inside a cozy lodge, for example. But when we college students hit up Northstar or Sugar Bowl, it’s the cool colors and laid back style that will earn us fashion props.

The nice thing about ski-gear is that it’s so comfortable. The key to staying that way is to make sure you stay warm. Water resistant leggings and socks are key. Next, layer ski-pants over your leggings. Not only will they add an extra snow-protective layer over your leggings, they’ll go over your boots and keep the snow out of them. Also, remember to wear a beanie because 30 percent of body heat is lost without it. At the same time, sweating in your numerous layers can be just as miserable as being chilled to the bone. Just because you’re in the snow doesn’t mean it can’t be sunny. So take off the beanie and take advantage of the armpit vents in your jacket!

Earth tones always stand out in a good way in the snow. The contrast is fresh, compliments all skin-tones, and is anything but drab. A brown snowboard jacket gives a guy insta-hotness. Or maybe that’s just my taste!

Vans has a whole snow collection as well, although not as stylish as I’d hoped. Sure they’ve got all the bells and whistles, all the function, but the

designs are a little boring.

Nikita is one of my favorites for street wear as well as outer wear. They’re a little bit edgier, a little more on the urban side. Their street wear is capable of being dressy – with long tunics and cute and artsy T-shirt prints that are good for layering. Nikita is sold at Ikon boutique in the Downtown Plaza.

You really can’t go wrong with Burton. They definitely have a commitment to design – you can tell they carefully planned out every part of the garment, from the lining, which sometimes has cute, retro prints, to the colors (the salmon and “Wasabi” turquoise are my favorites).

When I went snowboarding a few weeks ago, I was instructed not to wear makeup, seeing as I’d be wearing goggles and be engaging in sort of a rough-and-tumble sport. I beg to differ. It’s never too rough a situation to feel pretty. However, unless you’re going for a high-maintenance ski-bunny look with flawless, metallic makeup and furry this-and-that (which don’t get me wrong, looks fabulous!), I would favor a girl-next door look. Flushed cheeks (cheek stain), braided hair (coifed to just-rolled-out-of-bed perfection), and cozy layers (planned to just the right proportion; heaven forbid you look frumpy) will keep you looking, ahem, effortlessly cute. Well, maybe making sure your cuteness will last the six-hour resort stay isn’t worth your time. Falling on your butt will probably remind you of that!