Patagonia would never refer to itself as a "fashion" brand—in fact, in all likelihood founder Yvon Chouinard would most likely detest that description. Still, after nearly 50 years in business, the business is today as beloved by fashion cognoscenti as crunchy-granola types for one simple reason: It's consistently great. With an unmatched passion for the outdoors, Patagonia's innovative design, meticulous fabric research and always agreeable price point have awarded the brand legions of followers, allowing the business to expand well beyond its climbing gear roots to new markets including, of course, snow gear.

While its trademark synchilla fleece is not exactly weather appropriate, the label's large swath of Gore-Tex shells, insulated pants and technical layering shirts are perfectly suited for the snow. Although these items are often the most expensive in Patagonia's catalogue, unlike many competitors each is designed with versatility in mind, with many shells and pants doubling as winter coats and mountaineering gear respectively. The greatest part about the label's offering? There is often little distinction between what is and what is not snow appropriate. If a Patagonia jacket features Gore-Tex and quick-dry technology, you're essentially set for the slopes.

Although it is still relatively unknown in the west, Japan-based Descente is one of the country's foremost skiwear designers. Initially founded in 1935 as a menswear shop, by the early 1970's the brand expanded into the ski business with the help of Kazuyoshi Nishimura, the country's first professional skiier. Soon, the brand began releasing patents for many of the designs that define the sport today, from boot shapes to racing suits.

Apart from its mountain of design contributions—many of which are unfortunately not duly recognized—the company expanded with a prominent lifestyle business as well, with cotton basics to pair along with its four-figure down jackets and DWR (durable water resistant) coated pants. Somewhat surprisingly, the label was embraced by the techwear audience, with men pairing that label's black puffer and articulated pants alongside pieces from Acronym and NikeLab ACG. Today, though still firmly an "outdoor" label, the brand is rapidly gaining recognition both in and outside the snow sports world, making strides in sports ranging from cycling to speed skating, no doubt a reflection of its serious design pedigree. With an increasingly large collection, the brand will no doubt soon cross the Atlantic in a big way. For those looking for Japanese ski gear done right, look no further.

Of course, we would be remiss if we failed to include Arc'teryx. The Canadian darling is not only one of the most impressive outdoor labels in the world, but a force to be reckoned with on the mountain as well. The label's snow offering—sometimes referred to as White Line—is very similar to its core collection, however in wider cuts with added insulation and abrasion resistance to boot. Regular favorites including the Alpha SV, Beta SL and snow specific Sidewinder all comes stocked with snow ready bells and whistles, while still boasting the bold color palette and fossil logo fans have come to love.

Like Descente, Arc'teryx's winter offering is just as suitable for the streets as the snow, with many items regularly toeing the line between main line and White Line. Of course, for more fashion minded consumers, Arc'teryx Veilance offers the label's most luxurious designs devoid of branding in neutral tones, however when it comes to snow wear, the ski-specific jackets can't be topped. From lime green to sunburst orange, Arc'teryx knows exactly what it's doing.

At its core, Moncler has, and always will be, a ski brand. Founded at the foot of the French Alps, for years the brand machined ski equipment before ever entering the clothing business. Still, today, many SoHo shoppers would be hard pressed to know that the "M" emblem on their chest was intended for anything apart from staying warm and being seen. That's precisely why Moncler launched Grenoble, a sub-label focused on producing gear that while clearly intended for skiing was as stylish as it was functional. While originally the label was a stand-alone effort, following the label's restructuring and and the launch of Moncler Genius, Grenoble was folded in and now under the designation of "3".

Complex brand hierarchy aside, the brand now offers two collections, Moncler Grenoble main line, which is exclusively luxury ski clothing, and Monlcer Genius 3 Grenoble, a fashion focused offering blurring the line between trail and runway. Together, the two comprise one of the most wide-ranging and luxurious snow sports apparel line in the industry. Say what you will about Moncler, but with serious design chops at the helm Grenoble produces collections as perfectly suited for backcountry tree runs as Downtown Aspen. Can you say chalet chic?

Founded by Vermont-native and snowboard god father Jake Burton, the late mountain legend transformed snow sports as we know them. While Burton itself might not immediately strike you a designer-oriented clothing, the label's technical prowess, fabric innovation and commitment to research is unmatched—the fact that Acronym designer Errolson Hugh got his start there should be evidence enough. Need further proof? Just check out Burton [ak].

The label's big mountain-focused high-end snow and lifestyle label, [ak] is the pinnacle of snow gear. Using the most cutting edge Gore-Tex systems the label is designed to not only perform better, but be all around more aesthetically pleasing. The result is bold jackets and pants that still maintain an element of Northeastern charm. While [ak] is great, leave it to the Japanese to one up their American counterparts. Designed by Burton Japan in collaboration with Hiroshi Fujiwara's Fragment Design, [ak]457 blends in elements of Japanese streetwear to the already impressive [ak] offering, creating a collection that blends technical prowess with street sensibility. Not only is the collection incredibly well designed, it boasts a highly specific subcultulral flair that only Fujiwara could impart. Every piece, down to the T-shirts, is considered. Only issue, with only select stockists worldwide, good luck finding it. Thankfully, pieces regularly pop up on Grailed. That said, if you can't track down 457, [ak] will still do just fine.

Arguably the greatest American outdoors brand, The North Face understands extreme cold and tough conditions better than just about anybody. While aesthetically its snow collection was nothing to write home about, in terms or sheer technical prowess it could never be overlooked. In the last few seasons, however, with the brand's continued exposure and surging popularity amongst the streetwear set, the company's design ethos began to shift, its ski and snowboard division included.

Often foregoing large branding and classic The North Face chest patch, recent jackets have ranged from camo to teal and color blocked black/orange hybrids. Interestingly enough, the label foregoes Gore-Tex, preferring in-house fabric and spray. While it may sacrifice some waterproofing, eliminating the costly waterproof membrane means that The North Face jackets are considerably cheaper than its competitors, with the highest-end 3-system jackets clocking in at under $400—and considerably less on Grailed. For stylish jackets that you can find at an incredible bargain, you can consistently rely on The North Face.

Yes, skiing in Prada is somewhat ludicrous. Considering the cost and how the clothing is presented, taking a $3,000+ Linea Rossa anorak up the lift seems asinine. In reality, though, the idea is not as far-fetched as you think. When the label originally launched Prada sport in the early '90s, skiing is exactly what some of the clothes were intended for—Prada even made skis! Everything from bibs to overalls and down jackets all with the expressed purposes of hitting the slopes in Italian designer were sold worldwide. Unfortunately, the line was too ahead of its time, and due to a combination of poor marketing and lackluster sales the line was scrapped in the midst of an era of consolidation, when many brands began to rethink their diffusion strategy and brand equity in general.

With the Prada Linea Rossa relaunch, however, now is the time to go all in. When you truly think about it, one of the reasons—if not the reason, apart from brand name—the new Linea Rossa jackets are so prohibitively expensive is the intense tech they're stacking. Take for instance the new LR-HX006-MK2 (aka the Prada Linea Rossa snowboard jacket). In a neon orange, the jacket is not only high-visibility (ideal for safe skiing), but comes equipped with top of the line Gore-Tex Pro fabric, the very same Acronym, Descente, Arc'teryx and dozens of other brands on this list or otherwise use as well. Sure, it's nearly five grand, but if you're of the means, there is no bigger flex. Designed in Milan for the Swiss Alps does have a nice ring to it.