With skiing remaining as fashionable as ever, designers such as Chanel and Dior are adding even more ski wear to their collections.
Celebs such as Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher have been spotted snowboarding, Catherine Zeta Jones and Michael Douglas hit the slopes in Canada, and the fashionable crowd including Gucci's Tom Ford and Stella McCartney have been photographed in St Moritz, the winter resort for the rich and famous.
It's the height of the ski season and with the North East not escaping the big freeze, it is more than appropriate to wrap up warm in comfortable, protective clothing - which can also be very fashionable.
I visited Mountain Warehouse in Royal Quays to prove you can look cool and feel toasty without breaking the bank.
Richard Parker, 22, a Chronicle reader and ski enthusiast, agreed to model a range of outfits ideal for cold weather and the slopes.
Richard had his hair restyled and highlighted by stylist Debbie at Mops in Gallowgate, Newcastle, to give him that slightly sun-bleached, off the slopes, look.
Richard looks cool in a khaki windstopper fleece worn under a khaki/ cream waterproof ski coat and grey salopettes. Fleecy black gloves and protective brown Gore-tex boots guarantee he'll stay warm however cold it gets.
The second outfit is great for the cold weather and for hitting the fashionable slopes. Richard wears a vibrant red and black fleece top, a black fleece scarf, black salopettes, boots to match and waterproof black mitts.
Getting ready for the ski lift, Richard wears a Gore-tex black jacket, grey salopettes, red and silver goggles, black leather boots and, of course, ski poles.
Here's a ski wear tip: Don't be frightened to experiment with bright colours on the slopes. They can look cool without looking trashy, match your fluorescent sun block, and if you get lost your bright clothing will make you easier to spot.
Mountain Warehouse stock everything from camping equipment, walking boots to ski wear and its staff will be happy to show you the latest gear.
* Thank you to all the staff at Mountain Warehouse and to Debbie and Danielle of Mops in Gallowgate.
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