If you haven’t gotten down, this is the year to do it. Outerwear manufacturers have embraced it (again), but this time it’s virtually bulletproof and encased in the newest waterproof, breathable fabrics so it can’t get wet.

Skiwear giants North Face, Obermeyer and others are using down along with other natural — and seemingly natural — materials to give this season’s ski gear a makeover. According to SnowSports Industries America and local retailers, wool, denim, faux fur and suede will be showing up on the slopes, replacing skiwear that had become downright dull.

The gear on your feet — skis, boots, bindings and boards — has been technologically tweaked to perform better than ever.

Here’s a look at some of this season’s newest gear.

TRENDS

– GET FLEECED. Fleece has been around for almost a decade, and it’s as soft, warm and versatile as ever. Look for it: In softshell jackets such as Mountain Hardwear’s Manticore, with the company’s Conduit technology. These are soft and comfy with a laminate construction that makes them waterproof. About $285.

– WOOL IS HOT. Ten years ago the only guys wearing wool in the mountains also had hooves, but wool is back and stylish. Look for it: Arc’teryx has a high performance cardigan made of Italian wool and fleece. REI and Ibex have mountaineer pants that combine wool and synthetic fibers, and REI offers a performance wool jacket as well. REI’s jacket, $125; pants, $95. Arc’teryx Gothic cardigan, about $250. Ibex pants, about $160. c RETRO ROCKS. Longing for the ’70s? Check out the neon. More of a ’60s fan? You’ll love faux fur, denim and suedelike microfibers. Look for it: Obermeyer and Burton use faux fur on their ski parka hoods. O’Neill offers denim ski pants. More of a suede person? Obermeyer, Tilt and Nils have you covered. Prices vary. SEE THROUGH. The newest ski boots are made of translucent, colored plastic, so you can see all the goodies inside. Look for it: Salomon’s Pro Model Spaceframe Ski Boots have a patented technology that tunes them to the forces exerted inside and outside, and a raised foot position. About $600.

– LID LOOKS. Helmets are sleeker and cooler and are even part of the look for newschoolers. Look for it: The Giro TUNEUP Nine.9 TuneUps let you convert some Giro helmets into beat-pumping party The kit includes a set headphone ear pads replace your current the cord plugs into your MP3, iPod or radio. The travel case holds as many as 10 CDs or your audio player. $30.

– BINDING BASICS. Most snowboard companies gave up on step-in bindings when they couldn’t figure out how to make performance live up to convenience. This year, they’ve figured it out, with a whole new technology. Look for it: Burton kept at the problem and this year arrived at the Fusion. Riders strap into the Fusion like a normal binding, then the whole strap system clicks into the base plate. Burton says it gives riders all the stability of straps and the ease of a step-in. $350.

– A PHATTER RIDE. The problem: snowboarders with big feet. The solution: wider boards. Look for it: Several companies, including K2, Forum and Ride, now make midwide snowboards designed so riders wearing a size 10.5 or larger don’t have to drag their toes in the snow. Prices vary.

– FIT TO BE TIED. If double knots were so not the look you were going for, don’t despair. A growing number of snowboard boot manufacturers use a dial-a-lace system that eliminates lacing disasters. Look for it: The Boa system is used by Vans and DC Shoe Co.; boots start at $120.

– GO FAT. No low-carb diets here. Fat skis are fatter than ever and have influenced most new ski designs. Look for it: Volkl long has been known for its all-mountain carvers. This year, watch for Sanouks, ultrawide skis with distinctive swallowtails that float on deep powder. About $800-$1,000.

– BE FREE. Free-heelers like to hang out in the parks and pipes, too. Ski manufacturers responded with twin-tip skis versatile enough for newschoolers and old-schoolers. Look for it: Karhu’s Agent ski has thick edges and thick bases to hold up to icy park landings and sliding rails. $600-$1,000.

– GETTING EDGY. Nordic skis have gotten a tune-up this year: metal edges with a waxless base that makes them equally at home on groomed tracks and ungroomed trails. Look for it: Rossignol’s BC 70 AR touring ski has a 60mm waist that offers moderate float, with full metal edges that help with icy terrain. $200.

– ACCESSORIZE, ACCESSORIZE, ACCESSORIZE. The newest goggles have interchangeable lenses and are integrated with helmets. Look for it: Bolle’s Zark goggle features its Optics Swap interchangeable lens system that offers different colors for different conditions; $75-$100. K2’s Black Hawk helmet works with The One goggle with a toggle system to become Black Hawk One, $285-$325.

SEEN ON THE SLOPES

Resorts are being taken over by newschoolers, members of a youth movement that fuses snowboarding, skiing, skateboarding, bike stunt riding, motocross and surfing with music, fashion and festivals.

Here’s what newschoolers will be wearing and riding this season:

– Camouflage pants and jackets – Tattoos, on the body, or in designs that mimic them on jackets and pants – All-terrain snowboards – Graphics, professional and homemade – Motocross-influenced goggles – Brands all their own (no parents allowed) – Ski poles with fewer grip nubs, so fingers can grip skis in tricks c Helmets ready for stickers