And instead of clamping at the toe alone, NTN bindings grip the boot between the toe and a cut-out in the boot sole located about one-third of the way back from the toe. That makes for a more positive connection between boot and ski and allows a more comfortable gliding action when skiing uphill. That connection also allows a releasable binding, so NTN setups are equipped with ski brakes.

I'm not much of a telemarker, but I took some NTN-equipped K2 skis and Crispi boots up for a run or two. I thought the connection between the boot and ski was extremely firm and powerful. I also thought the binding complex and heavy, and somewhat difficult to get into/out of. But serious telemarkers who ski big lift-supported areas should love it.

None of this comes cheaply. The bindings will sell for about $350, boots and skis for another $500 or so for each.

Gore-Tex Pro Shell: Gore-Tex has had to scramble a bit as light weight becomes more and more valued. True, Gore has had Pac-Lite out for the better part of a decade, but that is seen as having lesser durability compared with heavier XCR Gore-Tex. So the Gore folks are introducing Pro Shell, a much lighter version of its waterproof-breathable membrane bonded to a tough face fabric and a liner. I wore a sample jacket during a demo day hosted by Gore and came away impressed. The full-featured jacket, designed by an Arc'teryx alum, was maybe just over half the weight of a comparable XCR piece. The fabric was a little crinkly, but it was generally comfortable, comparable to a Pac-Lite jacket. And it seemed highly breathable. I couldn't attest to its waterproofness due to crystal-clear skies.

Gore is also introducing a new winter glove technology that employs Pro Shell. Gloves from Gordini and other makers will have two five-fingered membranes within the shell. One has maximum insulation for cold weather, the other a thinner layer for better manipulation of small objects, or less insulation. I found them warm, but in the "nimble" mode they weren't as nimble as my Marmot Randonee gloves are all the time. My impression: Why do gloves need to be that complicated?

Several makers—Mountain Hardwear, Merrell, Arc'teryx, and Marmot among them—will introduce Pro Shell jackets and other items this fall. Cost of a Pro Shell jacket will be on par with those made from XCR—around $400 to $600, depending on maker and bells and whistles included in the piece. Take Arc'teryx's Sidewinder SV jacket, for instance. It currently employs Gore-Tex XCR and costs $499. But the revamped-for-Fall-07 Sidewinder SV will feature Gore-Tex Pro Shell using a polyester-faced (rather than nylon) fabric, which sheds water more effectively. Expect to pay $599 for this gem.

Green, green, green: Appropriately, participants in a winter-oriented show have concerns about global warming. So "green" initiatives were everywhere. In some cases that meant a green exhibit booth—Keen's was made of recycled mailing tubes; Gramicci's booth of particle board was 100 percent recyclable. But products also are looking greener. Marmot, meanwhile is expanding its line of clothes that include Cocona, a fabric derived from coconut shells. And companies such as Patagonia and Mountain Hardwear were showing new lines of Polartec-based garments using 100 percent recycled materials. These have been around for a while, but improved recycling technology makes them softer and more competitive price-wise. Now you can't tell recycled Polartec from non-recycled.